Best Global Sanctuary For Elephants Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 55: Transparency in Elephant Relocation 33:09

19d ago33:09

33:09

Transparency in our work can be both a blessing and a challenge. This week, we catch up with Kat in Brazil and Scott in Argentina, where he is assisting both Kenya’s (Mendoza) and Pupy’s (Buenos Aires) caregiver teams with relocation training. Kat and Scott share how the introduction of a chain in Pupy’s crate training has raised concerns among eve…

1
Episode 54: News from Mendoza: Kenya & Tamy Update! 26:18

1M ago26:18

26:18

In this week’s episode, we catch up on events at Ecoparque Mendoza in Argentina, where female African elephant Kenya has received a significant new item: her transport crate! Marcos, one of GSE’s caregivers, is on-site, preparing and training Kenya for her upcoming journey to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. Kat also declares her love for Tamy, the male …

1
Episode 53: Pupy Needs More Time 27:18

2M ago27:18

27:18

Kat and Scott have said it time and time again—and Scott’s recent return from Argentina without Pupy, the female African elephant at the Buenos Aires eco-parque, proves it: everything works on elephant time. We discuss how amazing Pupy is (of course), how she has developed since the death of her companion, Kuky, and how her insecurities about havin…

1
Episode 52: Santuary Life- Rumbling Rain Parties 23:20

3M ago23:20

23:20

In this week's podcast, we catch up on life at the sanctuary and talk about Rana, Mara, Bambi, Maia, and Guille. How are the herd dynamics evolving? How are the elephants embracing the rainy season? Kat and Scott share insights into the elephant’s daily routines and how they typically spend their days. If you love hearing about the elephants at the…

1
Episode 51: Pocha's Legacy (Pocha & Guille Part VII) 26:59

3M ago26:59

26:59

In today’s podcast, we say goodbye to Pocha, who had only a short time at the sanctuary. Her death, though sudden, was not entirely surprising, as there had been signs for a long time that something wasn’t quite right. Kat and Scott take us back to October 2022 to share Pocha’s final days and her passing. We also discuss how Guillermina and the oth…

1
Episode 50: Elephant Prep 101 (Kenya & Pupy Part II) 31:47

4M ago31:47

31:47

Happy New Year, everyone! The sanctuary is buzzing with activity as preparations continue to welcome its first African elephants. The crates have arrived in Argentina—but why and how do you draw blood from an elephant? What’s a trunk wash? How are Kenya and Pupy being trained and prepared for their journey to Brazil? In this episode, Kat and Scott …

1
Episode 49: New Elephants on the Horizon (Kenya and Pupy) 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

This GivingTuesday, we shared the exciting news that the importation permits for female African elephants Kenya and Pupy are finally in our hands, and we are taking the necessary steps for their relocation from Argentina to Brazil. To celebrate, we’ve paused our timeline on Pocha and Guillermina to introduce you to the first African elephants we wi…

1
Episode 48: We Have to Know Their Normal (P&G Part VI) 31:05

5M ago31:05

31:05

We have to know their normal (Pocha & Guille Part 6) This week’s podcast dives deeper into Pocha and Guille’s dysfunctional relationship. Drawing on decades of experience, Kat and Scott discuss how the two elephants’ bond was shaped by an unnatural life lacking the mental and physical stimulation essential for elephants. We also explore Pocha’s hea…

1
Episode 47: Out of the Darkness & Into the Light (P&G Part V) 26:52

6M ago26:52

26:52

In today’s podcast, we explore Pocha and Guillermina’s first days and weeks at the sanctuary. Scott recalls how the barn became their safe haven—a home base they returned to whenever the outside world became overwhelming. We discuss their introductions to the other elephants and how Guillermina’s dominance and aggression toward Pocha, shaped by the…

1
Episode 46: Not Ready to Come Out Yet (Pocha & Guille Part IV) 23:43

6M ago23:43

23:43

We start off this week's episode with the recent news of Kuky, the female African elephant at the Buenos Aires EcoPark, who passed away suddenly. Scott shares more details about how long the permit process has taken for the three female African elephants waiting to come to the sanctuary. Then we go back to May 2022, when Pocha and Guille arrived at…

1
Episode 45: Mai - Denied her right to live 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

On October 29, 2024, Aalborg Zoo in Denmark announced that they had euthanized their two female African elephants, Tanja and Mai. Tanja was ill and unresponsive to treatment, but Mai, apart from an arthritic ankle, was otherwise healthy. Yet, the zoo decided to euthanize her as well. In this episode, we discuss the zoo’s justification for this deci…

1
Episode 44: From the Cutting Room Floor 8:01

7M ago8:01

8:01

This week's episode is a little different—and a little shorter! While the podcast team takes a brief break for holidays and work commitments, we didn’t want to leave you hanging. So, enjoy this fun compilation of pre-recording chats, bloopers, and other outtakes, courtesy of our producer Bob. We hope it brings a smile to your face until we’re back …

1
Episode 43: Two Trunks, One Journey (Pocha & Guille Part III) 27:55

8M ago27:55

27:55

It’s finally time to load mother and daughter and literally take them from darkness into light. Scott reveals the final challenges the team faced upon arriving in Mendoza, including incomplete crate training and the need to keep the exact loading date secret, as not all zoo staff were happy to see Pocha and Guillermina leave. The team embarked on t…

1
Episode 42: Preparing for a New Life (Pocha and Guille Part II) 27:05

8M ago27:05

27:05

How are elephants trained, and how do you train two elephants who have never been separated before? Scott and Kat share insights into the training of Pocha & Guillermina, working within the limitations of enclosure size, weather, and the resources available at the zoo. Relocations are often far from straightforward, and GSE faces severe challenges …

1
Episode 41: The Unbreakable Bond (Pocha and Guillermina Part I) 25:50

9M ago25:50

25:50

Join us as we talk about Pocha and Guillermina, the mother and daughter rescued in May 2022 from the Mendoza Eco-Parque in Argentina. Kat and Scott recall their first encounters with these two elephants and the challenges of preparing them for their journey to a new life at the Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. Amidst the zoo's transformation into an eco-…

1
Episode 40: All About Friendship (Bambi Part III) 35:10

9M ago35:10

35:10

In this episode we conclude our series on Bambi. Kat and Scott recall how her first months revolved around building friendships. We talk about her role in the trio that were eventually nicknamed Powerpuff Girls, and how after her first rejection by Mara, she learnt to respect the emotional space of the other elephants. We catch up in the present an…

1
Episode 39: Honoring Individual Recovery Journeys 34:11

10M ago34:11

34:11

This week we take a detour to talk about the individual recovery stories of our elephants. Sparked by comments from supporters on videos of Guillermina and her interactions with the other elephants, Kat reminds us that, just like with humans, no recovery from trauma is linear or the same. We must not deny each elephant their right to recovery, howe…

1
Episode 38: Working on Elephant Time (Bambi Part II) 26:10

10M ago26:10

26:10

Arriving at the zoo in Ribeirao Preto Scott recalls how much Bambi had changed not only physically but also mentally since he and Kat met her in 2013. She was curious but was spooked by the slightest noise and returned to the darkness of her barn. Scott and Dr. Trish let things flow at Bambi’s pace, letting her know that everyone is listening to he…

1
Episode 37: Meet Bambi 23:53

11M ago23:53

23:53

Bambi is the seventh elephant to call Elephant Sanctuary Brazil her home. Confiscated from the circus, she was first sent to the Leme Botanical Gardens and later on to a zoo in Ribierão Preto; both cities are located in São Paulo state, Brazil. Scott recalls how they first heard about Bambi during their exploratory trip to Brazil in 2013, and how t…

1
Episode 36: There's More Going On 20:06

11M ago20:06

20:06

In the first of our “Brazilian edition” episodes - our host Nadia is currently in Brazil at the sanctuary - we pick up from last time and continue to talk about Mara’s health. While her GI issues seemed to be getting better and her poop improving in quantity, size & consistency, she started to go off her food. After weeks of limited food intake, Ma…

1
Episode 35: Let's talk about elephant poop 29:21

12M ago29:21

29:21

Decades of unnatural captivity have left their mark on Mara, and in this week’s episode we talk in detail about elephant poop! From the differences in consistency of African and Asian elephant poop, to size and smell, all topics are on the table. Kat and Scott explain how Mara’s stool was not normal for an Asian elephant, showing that she had GI (g…

1
Episode 34: How to Move an Elephant During a Pandemic 29:25

12M ago29:25

29:25

A few days after Mara’s transport crate arrives at the Buenos Aires Zoo, Argentina and Brazil close their borders due to pandemic regulations. Now, the GSE and zoo teams face the daunting task of transporting Mara to the sanctuary amidst uncertainty. While Mara's care team at the zoo works to acclimate her to the crate under remote guidance from Sc…

1
Episode 33: Meet Mara (Mara Part I) 25:57

1y ago25:57

25:57

Mara’s story is typical of many captive elephants. Taken from the wild, most likely India, she was sold to the circus industry where she was forced to perform in several different circuses. After decades, she was confiscated under the new progressive legislation in South America. Every elephant adapts differently to this unnatural life of captivity…

1
Episode 32: Lady and the Other Elephants (Lady Part IV) 33:56

1y ago33:56

33:56

We start off this week’s episode by catching up on the various wildlife rehab animals under the care of the GSE team, including Stan, the burrowing owl, and his partner—perhaps even boyfriend? Scott and Kat share anecdotes of Lady and her cautious, yet hesitant interactions with the other sanctuary elephants, which, however, has never involved any …

1
Episode 31: Lady Explores her New Home (Lady Part III) 32:09

1y ago32:09

32:09

After a peaceful first night at the sanctuary, the gates of the barn are opened the next day for Lady to explore her new home. Scott and Kat continue to explain Lady’s way of communicating and how, still today, she expects their full presence and attention when being with her. Listening and paying attention to the most subtle forms of communication…

1
Episode 30: On the Road to Sanctuary (Lady Part II) 27:59

1y ago27:59

27:59

At the zoo, Lady continues to explore the transport container, but sets clear boundaries towards Scott and the team by slamming her head or trunk against the gate in order to keep them away. Lady was labeled an aggressive elephant, but Kat explains that Lady never used physical aggression towards humans, but towards inanimate objects such as gates …

1
Episode 29: From Circus to Sanctuary (Lady Part I) 30:41

1y ago30:41

30:41

In this week’s podcast, we introduce Lady, the 5th elephant to come to SEB. Her story is all too familiar: stolen from the wild, she was put into the circus, later confiscated under new legislation in South America, and ultimately moved to a zoo ill-equipped to care for her—especially her serious foot health issues. We pick up her story as Scott re…

1
Episode 28: Not long for this world (Ramba part X) 36:46

1y ago36:46

36:46

“Sanctuary is the highest of highs, and the lowest of lows,” as Scott shared in a previous episode. In this week's emotional episode, Scott recalls opening the gates to Ramba’s yard after her first night at the sanctuary. Witnessing her step out and explore filled everyone with hope and excitement. Later, Ramba had her first encounter with another …

1
Episode 27: Welcome Home Ramba! 34:25

1+ y ago34:25

34:25

Welcome home, Ramba! (Ramba Part IX) - ❤️ Share the love in our Valentine’s Day fundraiser here. In this week’s podcast, we are on the road with Ramba, on the final part of her journey to sanctuary. Scott recalls that the convoy, escorted by the state police, was going well until the truck suddenly broke down on a hill. This unforeseen incident put…

1
Episode 26: All Aboard the 747 Flight to Brazil (Ramba Part VIII) 35:12

1+ y ago35:12

35:12

We left you with two cliffhangers last time, so let's dive in today by learning more about the two new infant anteaters, a part of GSE’s wildlife rehab program. Despite being two different species (a giant anteater and a collared anteater), these youngsters stick together, exploring their enclosure. Stan, the burrowing owl, has a new friend, and th…

1
Episode 25: A Plane to Catch (Ramba Part VII) & Sanctuary Update 32:14

1+ y ago32:14

32:14

In our first episode of the year, we delve into the latest happenings at the sanctuary, including a recent fire that originated from a neighboring property. While not on the scale of California wildfires, it was a significant incident that rallied the local community together in a collective effort to extinguish the flames. In our elephant update, …

1
Episode 24: Ramba (Part VI) & Wildlife Rehab 36:25

1+ y ago36:25

36:25

Today is our final podcast for this year. We start off by talking about the sanitation and health requirements needed for Ramba before being able to move her to Brazil. When all of the details were ironed out, Ramba’s quarantine period could begin. With growing autonomy, Kat recalls how, true to her cheeky grandma style, Ramba let her care team kno…

1
Episode 23: Ramba (Part V) 35:32

1+ y ago35:32

35:32

In this week’s podcast, Kat and Scott talk about the challenges of managing the care of Ramba with her remote team in Chile. We cover the years of Ramba’s stay at Parque Safari in Chile, including the nonstop noise from the park’s Dinosaur ride next to Ramba’s enclosure. Additionally, we delve into the charming anecdotes of cute grandma Ramba, who …

1
Episode 22: Ramba (Part IV) 34:58

1+ y ago34:58

34:58

We discuss the most frustrating aspect of Ramba’s rescue- Why did it take so long? We dive into details about permits, including those required internationally by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) but also within Brazil (IBAMA). There is no classification for sanctuaries in Brazil, and no recent…

1
Episode 21: Ramba (Part III) 35:08

1+ y ago35:08

35:08

🎃 Join our Pachyderm Pumpkin Party fundraiser here. This week, we talk about Ramba’s first days at her temporary home after the circus. Scott recalls how Ramba settled into her new home very quickly, enjoying the space, the trees, and the mud. Caregivers assigned to Ramba needed training since they had never worked with an elephant or with protecte…

1
Episode 20: Ramba (Part II) 34:13

1+ y ago34:13

34:13

Ramba (Part 2) - Today we dive straight into resolving the cliffhanger we left you with last time. Scott admits that talking about Ramba’s rescue from the circus in our last episode really brought up old memories about how difficult the entire operation really was. Under the circumstances, Ramba was fairly relaxed. The rescue team and the circus pe…

1
Episode 19: Ramba (Part I) 32:00

1+ y ago32:00

32:00

Ramba (Part 1) - Known as the “Last circus elephant in Chile”, Ramba was confiscated from a circus due to neglect and abuse. Yet, with nowhere to go, she remains in the custody of the circus. Scott & Kat recall how her rescue really must be credited to the small animal welfare organization, Ecopolis, who had been campaigning for Ramba’s release for…

1
Episode 18: Rana (Part III) 26:31

1+ y ago26:31

26:31

Episode 18 Rana (Part 3) - In our third and final episode on Rana, Scott & Kat share how they truly noticed the lessons Rana had learned about friendship when the sanctuary’s fourth elephant, Ramba, arrived. Eager not to make the same mistakes as with Guida & Maia, we talk about how Rana kept her exuberance to herself, not wanting to touch Ramba an…

1
Episode 17: Rana (Part II) 35:12

1+ y ago35:12

35:12

Rana (Part 2) - One of our listeners sent us the question, “How do elephants feel about the humans they interact with?” In this episode, we talk about facilitating what an elephant needs on an emotional and physical level without crossing the boundaries of forcing ourselves onto them. Scott and Kat recall how Maia and Guida didn’t ask for much affe…

1
Episode 16: Rana (Part I) 36:13

1+ y ago36:13

36:13

Episode 16 Rana (Part 1) - Meet Rana (pronounced Hana), the sanctuary’s third elephant and also a former circus elephant. She arrived at the sanctuary on Dec 21, 2018. Scott recalls how they heard rumours of a solitary elephant living on the grounds of a hotel on the east coast of Brazil. Luckily, the new hotel owner wanted a better life for Rana a…

1
Episode 15: Guida & Maia Part IV 33:48

2y ago33:48

33:48

Guida & Maia (Part 4) - In this week’s podcast we start off by saying “THANK YOU” to all of our wonderful listeners & introduce the independent Facebook support group ‘Friends of Global Sanctuary for Elephants’. We talk about the connection of physical and emotional healing of Guida & Maia. The sanctuary’s diverse topography of hills, creeks, and g…

1
Episode 14: Guida & Maia Part III 34:25

2y ago34:25

34:25

Episode 14 Guida & Maia Part III - Kat & Scott share more stories on Guida & Maia’s development from who they were upon arrival at ESB (Elephant Sanctuary Brazil) and who they really are. Scott recalls how today Maia, after her nightly explorations, falls into her morning-zombie mode, often napping in the treatment chute, though it was initially a …

1
Episode 13: Guida and Maia Part II 35:13

2y ago35:13

35:13

Episode 13 Guida & Maia (Part 2) - Kat & Scott share their memories of Guida & Maia’s first steps off the transport crates after a safe and smooth journey to the sanctuary. Due to their difficult relationship, Guida & Maia spent their first night in separate stalls in the elephant care center. Yet it seemed that the magic of sanctuary had already e…

1
Episode 12: Guida and Maia Part I 34:57

2y ago34:57

34:57

Episode 12 Guida & Maia (Part 1) - Female Asian elephants Guida & Maia, ex-circus elephants, were the first who got to experience the magic of sanctuary in Brazil. Confiscated from the circus but with no suitable place to go, they had spent 5 years chained up on the prosecutor’s farm. Scott & Kat share their first encounters with the two elephants …

1
Episode 11: Developing the Property for the First Elephants 35:02

2y ago35:02

35:02

Episode 11 Developing the property for the first elephants - The magnificent property is secured, but the pressure is still on with the sanctuary’s first elephants Guida & Maia waiting for their happy end. Learn how Scott & Kat explored the property on foot as there was no money for a 4-wheeler or car - with the main focus being to find the ideal a…

1
Episode 10: Meet the Team- Rebecca Rodriguez 28:16

2y ago28:16

28:16

Episode 10 Meet the Team - Rebecca Rodriguez - In today’s podcast we have Rebecca Rodriguez, Development Director for GSE, as our special guest. As a non-profit organization, GSE’s work relies on private donations and grants, and Rebecca talks about how this work to make the magic of sanctuary possible is very close to her heart. She also shares he…

1
Episode 9: Trunks and Treasures Minisode 9:22

2y ago9:22

9:22

Episode 9 (Minisode) Trunks & Treasures: an online auction and virtual event to support elephants In our first minisode, Scott and Kat share exciting news about their upcoming online auction and live Facebook event. Save these dates: Online auction: June 5 at 11:00am EST to June 12 at 7 pm EST 2023 (Monday-Monday) Live Facebook event: Saturday, Jun…

1
Episode 8: Sanctuary Sweet Sanctuary 34:32

2y ago34:32

34:32

Episode 8 Sanctuary Sweet Sanctuary - Despite much support from the local mayor, Tocantins is just not the right area of Brazil for the sanctuary. Kat and Scott share how they decided to move to the Mato Grosso region and how - after looking at many properties - they always ended up back at the current sanctuary property. With the universe obviousl…

1
Episode 7: Elephant Stories & Communication II 32:57

2y ago32:57

32:57

In this episode, we take a closer look at elephant communication and explore the intricacies that Kat and Scott have observed during the elephants' journeys toward physical and mental healing. We delve into the concept of face value trauma and examine why sometimes elephants resort to stereotypic behaviors, such as head bobbing and swaying, as a co…

1
Episode 6: Just Keep Laughing 28:43

2y ago28:43

28:43

Moving to a new country brings many challenges including cultural ones. Scott & Kat share some more funny and entertaining stories and anecdotes on their new home. We look at more properties including ‘Hundred cows’, ‘Fruit tree confusion’, ‘Beautiful birds’ and the shocking ‘Cow graveyard’. Scott’s romantic declaration of love to Kat shows how the…

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Global Sanctuary For Elephants Podcasts

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