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When it comes to sanctuary, space plays an essential role in an elephant’s healing. Most elephants have spent their lives in cold, barren, and unnatural places, inside enclosures that were never capable of nurturing an individual’s spirit. When elephants come to sanctuary, they make the decision to walk as far as they want, to climb hills and cross streams, engaging their minds and improving their health. It’s amazing how elephants can return to a natural state of mind when given room and the choice to go where they want, with anyone they want. 

The expansion of the Female African Habitat is partially finished, and that will provide Kenya–and any elephants who may join her–with nearly 100 acres of beautiful wooded space to explore, and a pond to swim in if she chooses. The Asian elephants currently have five lovely yards to traverse, but increasing the size of their world will provide the closest thing possible to the type of mental stimulation they’d have in the wild. This growth means new types of grass to eat, and new paths to forge with their friends. When given autonomy, their relationships, bodies, and minds grow stronger. The opportunity is there for an elephant to rediscover who they are, perhaps learning things about themselves they might never have known otherwise. 

That is why we have plans for a new expansion of the Female Asian Habitat, which will ultimately add approximately 200 acres where the girls can thrive. We have visions of Bambi finding another beloved “Itchy Scratchy Tree” to rub her body against; of Maia discovering a new favorite shady spot to nap; of Guillermina hurrying through the new yards with her quick pace; of Mara creating a new muddy spot to splash in; and of Rana having access to the green grass that seems to please her so. And to top it all off, all of that new space would allow us to welcome new elephants to their sanctuary home. 

We’re beginning this effort now, leading up to GivingTuesday on December 2, with a goal of raising $150,000 toward the expansion. Thanks to a group of amazing donors who came together, the first $75,000 will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift. Together, as a sanctuary family, we can give elephants one of the greatest gifts of all: space.

We are deeply grateful for your support and hope you will join us in opening this new chapter for the elephants. Double your donation by giving today and unlock special gifts as we reach each milestone together.