Thanks on Behalf of GSE and the Asian Elephants

Can you imagine what it’s like for an elephant who has been kept in a small enclosure for decades to finally see ponds and pastures–and get to go anywhere they choose? While we can never know what they truly feel, every new elephant who comes home to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil shows us the power of having physical space and contact with the natural world. Once they arrive, we see, without exception, that they reach for elements of nature right away. Think of Pocha, who spent decades in an underground pit, without contact with trees or hills or tasty browse; even she, immediately after arriving at sanctuary, reached from inside her crate to pull a few blades of grass to snack on. Elephants inherently know what’s good for them and they automatically seek out those things that make them feel better and healthier, whether that’s time to themselves, fresh green grass in their bellies, or soft mud on their feet.

Our sanctuary family has shown that they see the power of having room to roam, and how it impacts every elephant here on a physical and emotional level. We are humbled by your gifts this GivingTuesday, which will go toward the cost of a major expansion of the Female Asian Habitat. At the close of the day yesterday, our sanctuary family had come together to raise $72,794 which, with the $72,794 match, gives us a grand total of $145,588. That’s astounding! You’ve contributed to providing more chances for healing for the elephants here, and the ones still to come. We’re grateful for every dollar given and every post shared with friends and family. Global Sanctuary for Elephants is committed to providing the best lives we possibly can for those in our care, and with all of you on our team, we believe anything is possible. Thank you for your love and for the hope that you offer captive elephants everywhere with your commitment.

The video here, taken a couple of years ago, shows all five of the Asian elephants grazing in Yard 5. It was rainy season, so everything was perfect and green. Though the ladies might not meet up together in the same way they used to, everyone has someone to turn to when they need companionship. Our goal is to give them more space to share with each other and continue on their healing journeys.

P.S.: For every milestone met during the GivingTuesday fundraiser, we unlocked gifts for our supporters. Didn’t get yours? You still can! Click here to find our gifts to you.

Comments(12)

Doe Fowler says
December 3, 2025 at 2:13 pm

WOO-HOO! Way to go all! Bravo everyone! Merry, Merry! Joy to the GSE World! Cheers to the 🐘’s more room to roam! 🎉 TY generous donors- no Scrooges here! 🍾
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  Sara says
  December 3, 2025 at 2:18 pm
  
  No Scrooges at all! Thanks so much ❤️
Ada says
December 3, 2025 at 2:51 pm

I can only imagine how happy they are and for sure, the feeling of relief having the space and freedom they didn’t have for years. Now they are living the lives they deserve. Thank you GSE🥰
Joey says
December 3, 2025 at 3:50 pm

I am listening to the soundscape now as I work in my office. It is so pleasant, I can just imagine how beautiful it must sound to the elephants who have spent so much of their lives in an enclosure in a city or town or village or whatever it is. I’m thrilled that everyone came together to contribute to Giving Tuesday so the elephants will soon have even more room to roam and explore and listen to a wider area of night sounds. Love them so much! So happy for the success of Giving Tuesday for the beautiful ladies!
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  Sara says
  December 3, 2025 at 4:05 pm
  
  We’re glad you are enjoying it! We had such a great time putting together the surprises and hope everyone likes them. We are beyond grateful for how everyone came together for the sake of the Asian elephants. This will go a long way toward the cost of expansion. Thanks so much ❤️
Katie Howard says
December 3, 2025 at 4:08 pm

This IS fantastic news! I do not know where the Match came from, but I will be forever grateful to them! That is a significant contribution to the well-being of our precious ladies. $145k is MUCH better than $75k…
Thank you, GSE for doing ALL that you do. I know it is hard (and now, even MORE work begins!). Please accept our sincere Thanks!
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  Sara says
  December 3, 2025 at 4:15 pm
  
  Thank you so much! We had a wonderful group of supporters who donated toward the match and were beyond grateful for their generosity. We appreciate your support, Katie!
J Johnson @jmjinsincity 🇺🇸 says
December 3, 2025 at 4:16 pm

We were soooo close. However, please remember donations, adoptions & elephant + sanctuary animal wish list gifts can be done all year!

Once again, I am truly honored to be a part of this latest campaign. Big thanks to all those who supported & donated. This GSE/ESB community is awesome ❤️

Thanks GSE for the little unlocked gifts along the way. That was fun!
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  Sara says
  December 3, 2025 at 4:40 pm
  
  Thank you so much! Our goal just shows that even the smallest donations make a big difference toward the total. But, no worries if anyone didn’t have the chance to give this time. We’ll be doing an end-of-year push (with the possibility of ANOTHER amazing match).
joey says
December 4, 2025 at 12:45 am

It warms my heart to see these beautiful girls exploring the natural world around them, imbibing in the delicious green grass ,trees and shrubs in their habitate, wallowing in the mud baths that must feel so good on their skin and toes, so happy and peaceful and calm as they share their new home together or apart, whichever way they choose to spend their days. They are gorgeous! Thank you for taking care of them and for giving them a new start on life. You are the best!
Bonnie says
December 4, 2025 at 1:19 am

it’s nice to see all five elephants together and really good that Sanctuary had a good Giving Tuesday
Beji says
December 5, 2025 at 11:27 am

Just beautiful. Just perfect.

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