Help take extra special care of an elephant that is close to your heart. 
We want to share with you some recent events, many that are exposing the troubling side of our society, where false and negative claims are more readily accepted than positive truth. It seems that in today’s world, it is easier to believe accusations of manipulation and corruption than to accept that honesty and integrity exist.
Following the passing of African elephant Kenya, the anti-sanctuary machine was elated, which is disgusting in and of itself, and this tragic loss was then used to further their long-standing campaign to discredit sanctuaries. Reportedly, significant political pressure is being placed on regulatory agencies by those with a vested interest in certain elephants under legal action, to prevent them from being sent to the sanctuary.
The claims have no merit and have been repeated for years to manufacture fear and doubt. Sadly, the official entities responsible have capitulated to the rhetoric. Amplified by public pressure and the constraints of the holiday timeline, a rapid decision by SEMA, Brazil’s state governing agency, resulted in the temporary suspension of our license that impacts our ability to receive new elephants. This has no bearing on the elephants already at the sanctuary.
As we awaited clarification and additional information from SEMA, the news of the suspension was deliberately leaked to advance an agenda-driven, anti-sanctuary narrative, and the media published the information. In order to resolve the complaint, Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (ESB) is being required to submit detailed documentation on the testing and care we’ve provided, which exceeds the testing and care provided at any other animal facilities in South America. It is important to note that SEMA representatives already visit the sanctuary annually for inspections, which we fully support. However, it is crucial that investigations, such as the one being required for our facility without precedent, be conducted consistently across all animal-care facilities, rather than imposing a disproportionate standard on our sanctuary.
We welcome thorough investigation and oversight, and believe that informed regulatory review is essential. This review provides an opportunity for governing agencies to better understand the depth, complexity, and rigor of the care we provide for elephants who have endured decades of compromised conditions. At the same time, such reviews will help to illuminate the long-term neglect many of these elephants experienced prior to arrival—conditions that are well documented, have previously justified elephant removals, and yet are largely ignored when captivity is examined. Greater transparency benefits not only the regulatory bodies, but the elephants themselves, and those of us working globally to raise the standards of care around the globe.
Reportedly, one of the groups involved in filing the complaint is the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZAB), an organization that we met with shortly before this incident to discuss transparency and opening our doors to association members for visitation. In this meeting, we conveyed that our approach is to focus on elephant wellness rather than on ‘taking’ elephants from zoos, and we explained that when an elephant’s life can be bettered by improving care at zoos, we want to assist in the solution. While the representatives of AZAB seemed open and receptive in our conversation, they still chose to take this action—an action that targets not only our sanctuary, but also deliberately undermines the work and mission of sanctuaries everywhere.
The truth is that none of the elephants who came to ESB from zoos within Brazil had received any medical care before their arrival: no footwork, no diagnostics, no TB testing, and other elephants who died in zoo care received inadequate necropsies. Kenya had no previous records of injury evaluations, blood testing, or comprehensive footcare. AZAB still felt it appropriate to question our care, claiming that even without receiving appropriate care for 4-5 decades, the elephants who arrive here should be considered ‘healthy’.
Suggesting that the sanctuary causes the deaths of elephants who arrived in compromised health after decades in zoos is as absurd as blaming an elderly care facility for a loved one passing in their 80s, after they were sent there for end-of-life care. One of the zoos whose elephant came to ESB privately stated that they wanted her moved here before she died in their facility. Zoos know these elephants are old, unhealthy, and at the end of their life, but these deaths they now celebrate allow them to try to damage the progressive movement to provide animals with better care and a more appropriate life for their species.
There is also a small group, some of the same people who repeatedly claimed Mara was dead two years ago, who forced SEMA’s hand into coming to ESB and counting our elephants more than once. Because of these lies and photo doctoring, we welcomed an entire Argentinian entourage of politicians, agencies, and individuals from the zoo world into the sanctuary, and they initially wrote a false report about their visit, and later had to redact their untrue statements. This group continues to make outlandish claims, suggesting, for example, that all of our elephants are dead and that we are pretending they are alive to profit financially, despite the fact that we receive no government funding and our public 990s are available for verification.
A Brazilian social media “biologist” (who apparently finds amusement in posting a cartoon that shows an elephant stepping on someone’s head), grossly mocked the caregiver who was killed by an elephant at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, during Scott’s tenure. Yet somehow, these are the voices being amplified, while widespread deficiencies in knowledge and elephant care in Brazil go largely unchallenged. For example, during a Q&A in a live webinar about elephant care, a Brazilian “expert” stated several incorrect and misleading “facts,” including that there is no rabies vaccine protocol for elephants (there are two that have been around for decades), and that wild elephants don’t eat grass (when asked about elephant supplementation). And yet our sanctuary’s care is what comes under question.
Suddenly, people who never questioned zoo-provided care and never advocated for the elephants prior to their arrival at sanctuary, now conveniently express alarm over elephants dying at the sanctuary. And when zoo elephants in their 20s died in Brazil and Argentina, these groups demanded no investigation. We heard no protests then.
GSE/SEB has never attacked zoos in South America and has refrained from speaking about the atrocities we have observed at some of the zoos, in order to avoid jeopardizing potential future elephant transfers. Our goal has always been to provide elephants with a better life. But we can no longer remain silent while lies are being spread, and individuals with no knowledge of elephants or their care continue to broadcast and amplify uneducated opinions from a position of self-importance, using false narratives to advance their own agenda.
We have already engaged our lawyers, who are preparing legal action against those who are spreading information that they know to be false. In addition, we have launched a petition regarding elephants who have died prematurely or under unfortunate circumstances, and others who are lacking in care, requesting that state governing agencies, Ibama and SEMA investigate these cases with the same scrutiny and documentation requirements imposed on ESB. If this is truly an unbiased action, the same level of accountability will be applied equally to all facilities that care for elephants. Please read, sign, and share the petition with your friends and family.
Photo of Guille, Bambi, and Maia enjoying each other’s company
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Bonnie Guerra says
January 7, 2026 at 12:48 pmStay strong you did the best for those elephants and the power puff girls you gave there will always be trouble makers in this world so sorry this is happening to you prayers
Rocío says
January 7, 2026 at 12:54 pmYo no puedo creer el nivel de ignorancia, envidia, que tienen las personas. Este tipo de escrache y divulgación de falsa información para sumar unos likes y sembrar odio y más ignorancia, es propio de gente cobarde y perdedora. Me siento asqueada por esta gente.
Me atrevo a opinar también que tiene un tinte político esta cuestión, sabiendo quién gobierna Brasil y sabiendo el país de origen del Santuario y ciertos eventos recientes en la región.
Ya sumé mi firma a la petición. Les envío todas las buenas energías y fuerzas para que puedan combatir esta situación ♥
Rocío says
January 7, 2026 at 12:56 pmYo no puedo creer el nivel de ignorancia, envidia, que tienen las personas. Estos tipo de escraches hacia el Santuario y divulgación de falsa información de ciertos grupos, para sumar unos likes y sembrar odio y más ignorancia, es propio de gente cobarde y perdedora. Me siento asqueada por ese tipo de gente.
Me atrevo a opinar también que tiene un tinte político toda esta cuestión, sabiendo quién gobierna Brasil y sabiendo el país de origen del Santuario y ciertos eventos recientes en la región.
Ya sumé mi firma a la petición. Les envío todas las buenas energías y fuerzas para que puedan combatir esta situación ♥
Ray says
January 7, 2026 at 12:56 pmTHANK YOU for all you do! Unfortunately Sometimes taking the high road just doesn’t turn out so well. Your Sanctuary does so much good… not just for the elephants. Your education and actions speak volumes for the good the Sanctuary does for all of us as humans and to help us see a much larger picture of the relationships we have with nature.
The ability of people to manipulate social media to their own ends and the gullibility of people creates a never ending circle of finger pointing and false narrative. It is difficult at best to figure the truth. Thank you for your willingness to be as transparent as you are…and…still maintaining your high standards of conduct.
Most importantly, thank you for maintaining a high standard for the care of these wonderful creatures!
Karen says
January 7, 2026 at 12:58 pmOh my lord, I can’t believe that’s happening to you and our girls. It’s shameful and certainly unfair to all there, especially our girls. I’m standing with you is all I can say, and if YOU have a petition for protecting our girls and their home, I’ll sign it!!! How dare they???
Lucia says
January 7, 2026 at 1:17 pmYour work is monumental and appreciated by thousands of people and, of course, those beautiful elephants! Thank you for all you do. I’ve signed the petition and donated what I could. Thank you again and again!
Wim says
January 7, 2026 at 1:22 pmI’m very sorry for the shameful attack on the Sanctuary. Wish you strength and courage with your legal fight.
Bill Simpson says
January 7, 2026 at 1:23 pmI have often wondered why some people will believe this the flimsiest thing and reject the thoroughly vetted documents. In this instance the things that suffer more are the animals who are not in the sanctuary.
Fatima Zeevat says
January 7, 2026 at 1:25 pmGuys I am terrible sorry that those absurdes happened. In the end are political people! The poor animals are the victims that you try to save.
I feel ashamed for this!
Again, sorry for the ignorance and no love from this people. But somebody has yo save them
And show the freedom! Lots love and prayers for your team and these wonderful animals!
Joyce Etter says
January 7, 2026 at 1:32 pmIt is a sad state of affairs that our world seems to have come to the place where it is almost entertainment to participate in the blaming and bashing of something they know very little about. Anyone who has followed the preparations, transfer and treatment of the elephants in Tennessee and Brazil would know the care and consideration given to these wonderful animals. I’m so sorry you have to deal with this.
Sherry says
January 7, 2026 at 1:58 pmI don’t believe this action is directly a result of Kenya’s death. I believe it is a hierarchy who is resentful and
jealous of all the hard work you do for the elephants!!!!!! They are trying to cause undue hardship for the
sanctuary. I am very sorry you have to go through this!!! It is heart breaking and frustrating at the same time.
The sanctuary’s actions speak for itself!!!! Keep up the wonderful work you do for the elephants and all of
God’s creatures. He is watching!!!!
Pauline Forbes says
January 7, 2026 at 2:09 pmI trust you 100%. I read something on fb the other day, and literally told them that if they are such experts, send help or do something positive, Literally sent them to hell! 😥
Ada says
January 7, 2026 at 2:17 pmWe will always stand by you. We know how much love and care you provide these beautiful eles. We all stand with all elephants having the freedom they deserve. Signed and donated to spread this very very worthwhile cause🥰
Karen says
January 7, 2026 at 2:29 pmI signed the petition and donated, with everyone pulling together we can get this done!
Sara says
January 7, 2026 at 2:38 pmThank you, Karen!
Kenneth B. Newman says
January 7, 2026 at 2:30 pmI wish the ESB the best of luck in getting legal action completed and winning against those who are lying about ESB’s great work in order to try and shut ESB down because :,
1. Americans founded it….
2. Those who founded this wonderful sanctuary know MORE about elephant care than some idiots who just came out of the woodwork…
3. These disgusting individuals against ESB want to get the owners expelled from Brazil, because they are jealous of ESB’s success.
4. Its obvious that various politicians in Brazil DON’T want ESB to succeed in its mission, because it shows that some foreign people have succeeded in doing work that Brazilians have failed to do…
Zoi Flores says
January 7, 2026 at 2:58 pmSorrowfully we are living difficult times. The darkness’s furry hands are always ready to destroy good deeds. However the Light will always triumph. Force!
Sandy Crile says
January 7, 2026 at 2:59 pmIt’s all about money/greed. They won’t monitor and take care of their elephants’ health because it costs money. No matter how old and unhealthy the zoo elephants are, they bring paying customers to their zoos.
Those of us from around the world who have followed you over the years are your friends and sanctuary family. We are so grateful for your efforts to care for and rehabilitate our girls. We have your back.
Linda Charles says
January 7, 2026 at 3:08 pmThis is heart wrenching. It’s not possible to sit and do nothing about it. How can we help ?
Sara says
January 7, 2026 at 3:30 pmThe easiest thing to do is sign the linked petition and share it with your friends. Thank you!
https://www.change.org/p/defend-captive-elephants-and-demand-fair-oversight
Sandy Crile says
January 8, 2026 at 9:54 amYou bet! I did that and sent a contribution.
Pamela Hall says
January 7, 2026 at 3:27 pmI know you Scott and Kat and knew from the start this was propaganda by the mean hearted . Sleep well knowing Truth always shines through.
Terry says
January 7, 2026 at 3:47 pmCertainly, I will sign. This political insanity and misinformation seems to be spreading globally. We are united with ESB and GSE. Your extraordinary dedication, work and care should be welcomed with open arms and with gratitude.
Jeanine says
January 7, 2026 at 4:35 pmThe ultra right are stupid and don’t care about the elephants. They only care about themselves. I am beyond sorry that this is happening.
Sharon Klesse says
January 7, 2026 at 5:51 pmThis is absolutely awful on a number of fronts, but most importantly that you need to waste your time, energy and resources on this complete and utter BS to be blunt. I signed your petition and forwarded to over 60 people by now, many of whom have already confirmed they’ve signed. Good luck with this effort, please keep us apprised and Press On! Thank you.
Sara says
January 7, 2026 at 6:08 pmThank you, Sharon!
Alice says
January 7, 2026 at 6:06 pmThis is so distressing! I cannot believe this is happening. This group AZAB supposedly accredits certain sanctuaries such as the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. I’m appalled that this is happening to ESB. I signed the petition but please let us know if there is anything else we can do.
Sara says
January 7, 2026 at 6:10 pmWe will! Thanks!
David Casselman says
January 7, 2026 at 6:26 pmSanctuaries are not uniformly good. But they almost always better for their elephants than zoos. ESB has been among the finest sanctuaries in the world for many years. False claims to the contrary should be disregarded.
Nancy says
January 7, 2026 at 7:40 pmSorry you are going through this you, staff and most of all elephants don’t deserve it. Living in the US, conspiracy theories and lies are the norm. It is hard on a daily basis to hold on to decency and truth. Please know that your daily posts give me a glimmer of what is good in the world
J Johnson @jmjinsincity 🇺🇸 says
January 7, 2026 at 7:59 pmSigned, shared & reposted the petition on on X.
If there is anything else we can do such as posting links to those we need to express our support for GSE/ESB, please let me know how I can help.
The internet can be an incredible toxic space full of misinformation & negativity. I have had to step back & seldom respond to anything anymore.
Hoping you weather this storm & it gets resolved quickly so other elephants can be rescued from their prisons in the future.
Sara says
January 7, 2026 at 8:44 pmThanks for sharing!
Maureen S Legaria says
January 7, 2026 at 8:52 pmThe work that you do at GSE/ESB is admirable. The elephants that you rescue should never have been in the situations that they were rescued from. Governments allow zoos and they permit animal abuse and poaching. Keep up your good work. It is admirable that you are standing up to those who have never protected these beloved animals.
Heidi says
January 7, 2026 at 8:56 pmThank you for your transparency and for providing this in-depth look at the issues you are facing. I am heartbroken to hear they have suspended your license for new elephants to come to sanctuary. Thank you for starting the petition to demand the same accountability across all facilities that are responsible for the lives of elephants. I have followed you for years and you are the most informative and thought-provoking nonprofit I have ever supported. I appreciate your daily updates on the elephants and admire the monumental task you have undertaken in not only creating the sanctuary, but also dealing with the red tape and unwarranted opposition. Please know that we are out here, all over the world, cheering you on and wishing for a positive resolution to this situation. You and the girls are in our hearts.
Cindy Waite says
January 8, 2026 at 12:20 amI am so angered and disgusted at the hoops your to go through to do what’s right by the animals as at the end of all the bullshit . Zoos should be turned into sanctuary’s and it’s all about making a buck and getting stroked from soy or for something. The subject is lost and organizations like yours get pushed out or traumatized
Bonnie says
January 8, 2026 at 1:27 amSara Katie Scott and all who work and stay and take care of these beautiful Elephants who never knew Freedom my husband and I Thank you. People who have started all this talk all I can say is Shame on you
Bonnie says
January 8, 2026 at 1:34 am😇😇😇 🥰🥰🥰 Smile
Alejandra Enquin says
January 8, 2026 at 7:06 amLos inescrupulosos y corruptos que atacan la labor encomiable del Santuario GSE BRASIL se aprovechan de la tristeza y el dolor de todos los que amamos verdaderamente a los elefantes y a todos los animales,para asi poder seguir ellos lucrando con la vida y el sufrimiento de seres sintientes y defender sus intereses personales , políticos y negocios deleznables.Es claramente notable su actitud! A pesar de esta obviedad muchos ignorantes les sirven a sus causas!! Es indignante y lamentable para una sociedad que intenta evolucionar humanamente que existan estas mentiras y difamaciones frente a gente tan correcta,experta y capacitada como sin Scott y Kat Blais y todo su equipo de colaboradores! Pero sabemos que siempre sucede cuando algo verdaderamente es importante en la Vida:” Ladran Sancho señal que cabalgamos” ( Don Quijote de la Mancha”) Toda mi confianza y mi Amor puesta en Ustedes Santuario y Gracias!! 🙏🐘🐘🐘❤️por ellas!!
Carey says
January 8, 2026 at 10:17 amIbama and SEMA, will, if they look without bias, find the sanctuary healing, kind and generous in its treatment of the elephants and indeed the wildlife in its care. This attack is appalling and unjustified, I’m angry! Anything your supporters can do to help – including other expert organisations, I’m certain we will rally!
Sunny says
January 8, 2026 at 11:30 amSigned.
Sara says
January 8, 2026 at 1:59 pmThank you!
Cintia says
January 8, 2026 at 2:21 pmEn esta vida hay gente para todo !!!! pero estoy segura que mas haya que pongan todas las trabas , que quieran ensuciar al santuario no lo van hacer !!!!!!! porque el trabajo que ustedes hacen es importante y salva la vida de muchos elefantes en cautiverio !!!! eso se puede ver todos los dias !!!!! y lo que no entienden estas personas o entidades que ustedes no estan solos tiene mucha gente que los apoya y esa cantidad crece dia tras dia !!!!!!!!!!! a seguir adelante y derribar pequeños medianos y grandes obstáculos por el bienestar de los elefantes en cautiverio !!!!
Johnny says
January 8, 2026 at 3:17 pmJust keep doing what you’re doing. I recognize RIGHT when I see it.
Bonnie says
January 9, 2026 at 1:26 amSara no Sanctuary News for January 8 2026. Thanks Bonnie
Sara says
January 9, 2026 at 10:52 amThanks, Bonnie! You might notice in the next few weeks that our posting schedule changes up a little, but we’re still here!
elaine richard says
January 9, 2026 at 7:44 amIt’s hard to comprehend that you guys need to spend just one minute of your valuable time dealing with the absurd, ignorant, and dangerous attitudes of the wackos out there. Please know that Scott, Kat, and every single person at GSE are held in the highest esteem by those of us who understand and appreciate all you do for these formerly ill-treated but magnificent, vulnerable creatures. Sending gratitude, love, and support.
Sandra Bell says
January 10, 2026 at 6:06 amMay. you be victorious in your effort to be treated fairly and to continue your valuable purpose for the sake of elephants.
Jane Whitfield says
January 10, 2026 at 1:00 pmI am in tears , no more to say , except you are wonderful .
Jane Whitfield says
January 10, 2026 at 1:01 pmI am in tears , no more to say , except you are wonderful .
Trying to post the above line , the site keeps telling me I have already said it ???
Everyone is ganging up now even your technology.
Sara says
January 10, 2026 at 1:10 pmEven technology can’t keep your message from us! Thank you.
Ana says
January 11, 2026 at 1:35 pmThank you !!!
Lori Hoover says
February 3, 2026 at 10:37 pmI didn’t know this was going on, I am so sorry. I play catch up on posts lately as I’m the main caregiver for my mother and it takes a toll on time and energy, hence the having to catch up. It helps me relate to the care of the elders and elderly that you discussed about the elephants, I’m on the human end of it. I am sure there are many supporters, many (small, but it all adds up, right) donors like myself that for some reason, missed this post and information. I only mention that to say how certain I am you have more support than might even think, more serious support. We just need the Brazilian gov’t to remember all they’ve already known about GSE/ESB. I don’t think they realize how amazing it is that so many elderly elephants have survived with you over the years. They should look at what are considered elderly elephants in zoos around the world. There aren’t multiple ones pushing 60 years and more all together in one zoo anywhere, is there? Hell, some of the tv shows aired here in the US refer to elephants in their 40s as the oldest in the country. I just hope the department working on this really does a true look then, at everything!!
I’m looking forward to checking out the petition and am glad that you have lawyers on the case. For you and for the elephants. They need you. More elephants need you. We all do. I hope this doesn’t interfere with the wildlife rehabbing that you do, for the animals and for Brazil. I need to do more catching up, obviously, here and with the petition. Thank you for all everyone there does!!
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