Year in Review: Gratitude

We try to do a “year in review” post each December as the year comes to an end. When we sit to reflect on the past year, it is an interesting look back. It’s likely the same for many of you. Most years rarely go as planned, but this year was notable in its extreme. We know it has been a challenging year for many of you as well. There were so many ups—from bringing Mara and Bambi home, Mara’s New York Times article, our non-elephant rescues (Milo!), and, of course, the countless perfect sunsets and incredible moments with the elephants. There were quite a few downs, too, like when we weren’t sure if Mara’s rescue would happen, construction delays with the African Habitat, the wildfire, and, of course, everything involving COVID-19.

There’s so much to be grateful for this past year—our health, everything Mara and Bambi have brought to the herd, the continued growth of Maia, Rana, and Lady. Every fundraiser we launched this year began with slight trepidation. We know these are difficult times for so many of you, yet, somehow, we exceeded every fundraising goal, leaving us stunned and overwhelmed with gratitude. New humans joined our team as well—a few extra caregivers due to our most recent residents, as well as a few new “behind-the-scenes” workers. This growth allowed us to work on some new projects and made things like our holiday calendar a possibility.

We have a lot to look forward to in 2021, including a few rescues. We hope to welcome home Pocha and Guillermina, as well as our first African elephant residents in the coming year.

In many parts of the world, setting intentions or resolutions is a part of each New Year celebration. After a year like 2020, it’s hard to know what to expect for 2021. Throughout the new year, we will do our best to greet each day as the elephants do: with a peaceful acceptance of anything to come, a smile on our faces, and genuine gratitude for each little thing life brings. ❤ We wish the same for each of you.

Photo of Mara.

Comments(8)

Tammy says
December 31, 2020 at 3:41 pm
Care free can do attitude take it as it comes with my friends by my side just like Mara! Happy New Year everyone wishing you all many blessings in the coming new year ahead! Love and hugs, Tammy
Alana says
December 31, 2020 at 4:48 pm
Happy New Year to you all too! May 2021 be your best year yet!
Susan says
December 31, 2020 at 6:46 pm
I must say that for me, reading these posts has been a bright spot in many a day in 2020. So good to know that in this crazy world there are still people who truly care about the really important stuff- like caring for all living beings. I am grateful to help in the small ways I can, and look forward to seeing what good things 2021 will bring! Best of luck!
Bonnie says
December 31, 2020 at 6:57 pm
Thank you and a big smile
Heidi says
December 31, 2020 at 8:01 pm
Your daily posts brought me joy throughout this difficult year! Thank you not only for what you do for the elephants, but also for sharing it so vividly so we can experience it, too. This was especially meaningful considering all the time spent isolated at home during quarantine. I received your beautiful calendar in the mail the other day – it’s much bigger than I expected – absolutely fantastic! I look forward to watching the elephants in 2021 through your videos and words. Happy New Year!
bo says
January 1, 2021 at 1:10 am
Thank you for the very kind words and wishes!
Can’t find better words than those in the last sentence so going to boomerang them right back to the entire elephant sanctuary team, yes the humans included 🙂
All and only the best for you all!
SHEILA says
January 1, 2021 at 5:16 am
BEST WISHES? TO ALL STAFF AND ANIMALS AT BRAZIL SANCTUARY FOR GREAT BLESSINGS ?AND BLESSED HEALTH FOR ALL! ?. HOPING THE LADIES GET GREAT TREATS. TODAY FOR THEIR NEW YEAR????. BUT MOST I PRAY AND HOPE FOR THEIR GREAT HEALTH THAT THEY ENJOY MANY MANY YEARS OF VERY WELL DESERVED CARING AND FREE LUSHY LIFE IN A ???JUNGLE LIFE. LOVELY RANA,! MARA !LADY! MAIA! BAMBI BE HAPPY AND ENJOY EACH DAY WELL WITH EACH OTHER‼️ PRAYING FOR 5 MORE LADIES.? HOPEFULLY SOON TO BE BLESSED AT BRAZIL SANCTUARY‼️
THANK U STAFF FOR LOOKING SO WELL AAFTER THE BIG ?LADIES❤️
Rosie P says
January 1, 2021 at 10:36 am
It has been a difficult year for us all and we now look towards a new year with hope and a new beginning for 5 precious souls to join the herd and the sanctuary family. We have much to look forward to.
With love and gratitude.
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