Home / Environment / Brazil Opens Latin America's First Elephant Sanctuary
Brazil Opens Latin America's First Elephant Sanctuary
3 Aug
Summary
- Two former circus elephants, Maia and Guida, are now residents.
- The sanctuary provides 2,800 acres of natural habitat.
- It aims to house over 50 elephants needing homes.
Latin America's inaugural elephant sanctuary has opened its doors in Brazil's western state of Mato Grosso. The sanctuary's first residents are Maia and Guida, two Asian elephants who previously spent their lives performing in a circus. They have been released into a vast 2,800-acre environment designed to mimic their natural habitat, featuring forests, hills, streams, and pastures.
The initiative was spearheaded by Scott Blais, who co-founded a similar sanctuary in Tennessee, drawing on his extensive experience. The chosen location in Brazil was due to available land, a dedicated team, and an urgent need for such facilities for elephants across South America. Officials estimate over 50 elephants in the region are in need of a home in their final phase of life.
Officials anticipate that the sanctuary will eventually house dozens more elephants. The cost for the land was approximately 1 million US dollars, payable over five years. Cameras will allow public viewing without disturbing the animals' peace, as personal visits are forbidden.
