We have some encouraging news from the Mendoza Ecoparque: they have contracted Ingo to begin working with Tamy on the basic behaviors that he’ll need to learn for his sanitary requirements before importation to Brazil. These requirements are government dictated and were created to protect animals in Brazil. They include vaccinations, blood tests, parasite treatment, and other things. Johanna from Fondation Franz Weber is assisting and observing so that she can help the Mendoza team once Ingo has gone. Right now, it will be all about introducing Tamy to the concept of positive reinforcement training. As an ex-circus elephant, the only type of training he knows is dominance based. So, learning he is rewarded for performing a certain behavior versus punished when he doesn’t do as he is asked is a big first lesson.
This initial visit with Ingo will last for a few weeks and then the ecoparque staff will need to take what they have learned and continue on from there. This is only the beginning of Tamy’s training and he still has a lot to learn, but it’s a positive step. Tamy has shown aggression in the past, and it will be good for the staff to work through their apprehension with Tamy and for him to learn that he can have a positive and trusting relationship with humans. While we have no way of knowing when he will be ready to move to sanctuary, we’re looking forward to seeing how things develop as Tamy learns a whole new way of life.
Photo of Tamy courtesy of Humberto Mingorance on Twitter
Comments(27) 
- PO Box 2426
- Brentwood, TN 37024
- (615) 435-9523
- Ways to Support
- GSE Merchandise
- Privacy Policy
Title USD
YANETT RAMOS says
August 9, 2023 at 2:10 pmBRAVO!!! POR FIN TAMY SERA RECOMPENSADO POR TANTOS AÑOS DE SUFRIMIENTO , ESPEREMOS QUE SU PROGRESO SEA RAPIDO ASI GUILLE SERA FELIZ AL VERLO
Patricia says
August 9, 2023 at 2:20 pmWill be praying this goes really well! 🙏🩵🙏🩵🙏
María Elizabeth Alvarez says
August 9, 2023 at 2:22 pmgreat news!!!!
Suzanne Eaton says
August 9, 2023 at 2:30 pmThat is wonderful news to hear. First steps on a long journey. Thanks for the update.
Sheila says
August 9, 2023 at 2:53 pmBravo. Ingo. I’m sure u will be able to teach Tamy. Better manners with humans and not fear and abuse like Circus!! Best wishes
Deb says
August 9, 2023 at 2:59 pmOh this is VERY GOOD news!!!
GOD BLESS TAMY & of course everyone involved 💝🙏🏻
Julie says
August 9, 2023 at 3:06 pmFantastic! Just a matter of time now!!! Woo hoo!
Lynne Russert says
August 9, 2023 at 3:32 pmI am thrilled things are starting to move along to get Tamy home!!! Hope he’s a fast learner!!
CThe Cracknell says
August 9, 2023 at 3:37 pmVery exciting news! If Tamy only knew what awaits him!!!! So excited for him!!! 1❤️
Debbie Sides says
August 9, 2023 at 3:39 pmIt will be wonderful to see him at ESB. He will be so happy there. I know it will take time but it’s all very exciting!
Tammy says
August 9, 2023 at 3:40 pmGood news for sure Tamy deserves kindness and love he is way past due for some serious pampering something I’m sure he will eagerly welcome. Ingo will be fantastic I believe he will quickly teach Tamy how to pick up on all of these positive techniques needed for this long awaited journey to his new home. Poor guy he’s been abused left alone for years his environment horrible everything you are giving him even though all good and positive are sadly things he’s been deprived of. I could be wrong but an animal shown love and kindness will give it back ten fold they aren’t typically born mean 💕
Barb says
August 9, 2023 at 4:43 pmWonderful to hear about Tammy! Can’t wait for him to step those poor precious feet onto the terrific soil at ESB.
Wim says
August 9, 2023 at 4:46 pmStill a difficult lonesome road for Tamy. Wish you all the best in preparing him for the long awaited trip to freedom.
Zoi says
August 9, 2023 at 5:08 pmGood steps! 🙏 I guess we all would like to have news on Kenya who was supposed to go after P&G. Thank you!
Sara says
August 9, 2023 at 5:21 pmYou can always check the Current Progress page on our site. Right now, we’re stuck in a bit of permit bureaucracy with Kenya. As soon as we know more, we’ll report it. Thanks for checking in on her.
Rachel says
August 9, 2023 at 5:51 pmHeart-swelling news!! Can’t wait to learn more on his progress…🙏💝
Kenneth B. Newman says
August 9, 2023 at 6:09 pmI have been asking for Tamy’s updates and his transfer for a LONG TIME…Most of the time you ignore my questions about Tamy, which I thought was poor PR……Plenty of people think he should already been transferred…..I just wonder if Gille will recognize her father when he arrives at GSE. Maybe Gille gets a Christmas present of her father????
Sara says
August 9, 2023 at 6:12 pmWe’ve provided all of the information we know about Tamy up until this point. We haven’t ignored your questions as much as we’ve provided what we can tell on our Current Updates page. As soon as we know more, we’ll provide that information. We have no timeline as of now. Things are up to Tamy and the Mendoza Ecoparque at this time.
bo says
August 9, 2023 at 6:15 pmcan’t wait to welcome Tami to his paradise forever home in Brazil !
let the healing begin !
Maureen says
August 9, 2023 at 6:45 pmSo happy to hear Tammi’s journey is finally beginning. Also, that Ingo will be there to get things started on the right foot!!
Carey says
August 9, 2023 at 8:03 pmThe. Best.News He must make it to peaceful awesome retirement, all best Ingo and All EcoParque Mendoza Team!!! While the endless delays in the beaurocrats chain must be designed to test the patience of saints 😇 😁
Jeanine Sahulka says
August 9, 2023 at 9:16 pmI didn’t know about Tamy but wish everybody the best of luck getting him to your beautiful sanctuary.
Sara says
August 9, 2023 at 9:19 pmYou can find out more about him here: https://globalelephants.org/tamy-2/
Terry says
August 9, 2023 at 11:45 pmI’m sending tons of Love and Light Tamys way! So hoping Tamy feels our love and support and knows freedom is calling!!!
Suzanne says
August 9, 2023 at 11:53 pmAbout dang time!!! His wife is gone….he has no idea, he’s alone now and as others mentioned, I hope he gets to see his daughter and be a part of a herd, not isolated. Which is an aspect I love about ENT…they all live together.
Sara says
August 9, 2023 at 11:55 pmMale and female elephants will have separate habitats, though there will be a corridor connecting them where they can meet if they want to.
Shelley says
August 10, 2023 at 2:21 amThis is such encouraging news to hear! Ingo will be a good teacher as he is intuitive and caring and he himself has learned his craft from the best!
Subscribe to our Blog
Shop & Support Elephants
Visit our online store and and help spread the word about the need for sanctuary for captive elephants.
Give Through Our Wishlist
Shop and choose a treat or much-needed item for one of the elephants.
Categories
Archives
Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Stay connected with our herd
MISSION: Protecting, rescuing, and providing sanctuary for elephants worldwide.
Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, public charity status (EIN 46-3564818) and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
© Global Sanctuary for Elephants. All Rights Reserved
Your ticket for the: Update on Tamy’s Status
Update on Tamy’s Status