Elephant Aid International

Category: Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA)

Midnight Dance

I wish you all could have been a squirrel perched on a tree branch last night to witness the boisterous display that preceded the night feed. It was glorious.

For only the second night in the season, temps dropped to the mid-30s for several hours. This extended cold was enough to require the barn doors to be closed and inferred heaters on.

I decided to treat this uncommon event like a party so the elephants would perceive it as something good. Being able to wander the habitat 24/7 is a reality these elephants savor. Confinement in the barn restricts autonomy. But when temps are below 40’ for many consecutive hours shelter is required.

When I headed out to feed, all three were at the far end of the 100-acre habitat, browsing. When I showed up for the late-night feed with no rations on the ATV, surely they knew they would not be fed outside.

I said, “Hey guys, it’s gonna be cold tonight, let’s go”, followed by a series of silly hoots and hollers to get them excited and willing to follow me.

Bo let out his signature squeak followed by a powerful trumpet and the game was on! He started moving quickly, trumpeting, and squeaking. While Mundi did her interference dance, stepping in front of him playfully, causing Bo to jog to the left and then the right and then spin around with more mighty echoing trumpets. All the while I revved my engine which always gets the elephants so excited that they act like a pack of puppies tumbling around together in play. Tarra stayed a respectable distance to the side, watching the scene, while she added her nonstop chatter to the party. All three made their way the mile to the barn, spinning, squealing, trumpeting, and jogging all the way.

This is exactly why I do what I do, to be privy to the private lives of Bo, Tarra, and Mundi. Being present and even involved in their moments of joy, curiosity, and loving relationship with each other is priceless.

Elephant trumpets filled the air, echoing down the valley straight to the neighbor’s back porches. I wonder what they thought!

December 30, 2023
Mundi’s Move
Immediately following EAI’s public announcement that Mundi would be moved to Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) mid-March, EAI received an email from Puerto Rico’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cancelling the contract for the move. The email cited no violations of the contract, but stated that DNR is considering other facilities for Mundi.

EAI has adhered to all the terms of the contract, which has been in effect for 18 months, so the purported cancellation came as a complete surprise.

EAI CEO Carol Buckley immediately began trying to get more information but received no response from Puerto Rico officials.

Since then:
- DNR Secretary Tania Vázquez contacted Carol to apologize for her lack of communication since assuming authority over Mundi weeks prior. She informed Carol that she would be visiting prospective locations for Mundi’s placement, including ERNA and The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TES).
- Secretary Vázquez offered no explanation for duplicating the thorough research conducted more than 18 months earlier by a committee assigned by the governor and first lady. She did, however, disclose that TES was hosting her visit.
- Secretary Vázquez visited ERNA on January 15 for three hours, then traveled to TES.
- EAI was advised that since it was in full compliance with all terms of the contract, the cancellation was invalid. EAI then hired attorney Neysa Gonzales of the Jorge R. Jimenez Law Office in Puerto Rico, who also questioned the validity of the cancellation.
- Gonzales tried to arrange meetings with all parties to the contract but received only one response, from the Department of Sports, the original signatory of the contract. The department stated that since authority over Mundi had recently been transferred to DNR, it was no longer involved.
- Gonzales also informed TES about EAI’s contract with the government of Puerto Rico but received no response.
- After continued silence from the DNS secretary, EAI filed a petition for injunction for a legal solution.
- On Wednesday, February 20, EAI CEO Carol Buckley and EAI Secretary/Treasurer Leslie Pon Tell-Schreiber traveled to Puerto Rico to appear in court. They sought immediate relief and a decision on whether the contract cancellation is legal.
- Late on the day before the hearing, the defense filed a motion for dismissal, stating that the case should be heard in civil court, where the proceedings could drag on for years. EAI asserts that the contract should be enforced and Mundi moved as soon as possible.
On March 1, 2019, the judge determined that the plaintiff (EAI) could not prove that there is irreparable damage. This means the judge will not hear the case in her court and that the case would need to be heard in civil court.

We will continue to report updates on this page.

Contract Milestones

On August 30, 2017: In compliance with Puerto Rico Law 154 the Governor Hon. Richard Rossello Nevares, in a written document, ordered the transfer of Mundi the elephant to Elephant Refuge North America. Read the document.

On May 23, 2018, the Department of Recreation and Sports, represented by its Secretary, Hon. Adriana G. Sanchez Parés, signed a formal Transfer Contract with Elephant Aid International for the female African elephant known as “Mundi” of the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo. The Contract signed by the parties was valid until December 31, 2020. Read the original contract in Spanish. Read a translated copy of the contract in English.

November 2018: EAI announced on their Facebook page that Mundi would be moved from Puerto Rico to Elephant Refuge North America mid-March 2019.

December 2018: Authority over Mundi the elephant was transferred from the Department of Recreation and Sports of the Government of Puerto Rico to the Department of Natural Resources.

On December 28, 2018, the Secretary of the Department of Natural Resources of the Government of Puerto Rico, Tania Vázquez Rivera, submitted a written communication to EAI. The letter argued that because the EAI sanctuary was not ready to receive the elephant immediately in order to preserve its life the Agreement was rescinded. Read the letter.
February 26, 2019
Primera Hora Interviews Carol Buckley

In the video above, EAI Founder and CEO Carol Buckley explains to the Primera Hora audience how ERNA is tailor-made for elephants.

Mundi holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Puerto Rico. So it’s no surprise that some Puerto Ricans are skeptical about moving her off the island. Fortunately, Governor Ricardo Rosselló Nevares recently reaffirmed that he stands by his decision to move Mundi to Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA).

When Puerto Rico’s newspaper Primera Hora interviewed EAI Founder and CEO Carol Buckley earlier this month, she used it as an opportunity to speak directly to Puerto Ricans.

“Your hearts are in the right place,” she said. “You’re hesitant and you don’t want her to go. All I can say is, I appreciate how you feel for Mundi and I guarantee that once you see her here and you see how she thrives here, your minds will change and you will be exceedingly happy.”

October 1, 2018
Top 5 Things to Know About ERNA

If you are unable to volunteer at ERNA this spring/summer, you can still help out! We need compassionate individuals to donate items from our Wish List. With your contribution, these items will be used prepare ERNA to be a perfect home for elephants. THANK YOU! View our Wish List here.

Did you see this new study? Elephants help our ecosystem by transporting seeds to new locations through feces. Researchers found that African elephants can transport seeds in their feces up to 65 kilometers (40.4 miles) — farther than any other land animal.

Check out the top 5 things you need to know about Elephant Refuge North America including details about its location, purpose and how many elephants will be thriving on the land.

UNCHAINED will be shown at the Enfoque International Film Festival in Puerto Rico June 14-17. Learn more about this important documentary here.

Watch how it’s done. 700 pounds of tire lifted from the bed of the truck to the hub of Big Blue’s front axel.

Big Blu has new shoes and is ready to head back out into the habitat, YAHOO! Thank you Martha Till, Wendy Adams and everyone who underwrote the cost to foam fill the tractor tires ensuring that we can continue our habitat restoration without experiencing continual tire punctures. Puncture-Free, we are so excited.

May 14, 2017
Local Routes Goes Behind the Scenes

Did you ever wonder what’s going into the building of Elephant Refuge North America? “Local Routes” takes you behind-the-scenes!

Summerhill Digital releases a drone over Elephant Refuge North America.

A new study reveals that African elephants can transport seeds in their feces up to 65 kilometers (40.4 miles) — farther than any other land animal. The transportation of seeds to new locations helps the environment by creating new plants. Incredible!

If you are unable to volunteer at ERNA this spring/summer, you can still help out by purchasing an item from our Wish List. With your compassionate contribution, these items will be used to help us ensure that ERNA is a perfect home for elephants to thrive. THANK YOU!

It was an exciting and productive weekend at Elephant Refuge North America! Close to 2 dozen volunteers from all over Georgia and Florida spent their weekend tearing down cow fencing, cleaning up piles of debris and organizing storage cabinets in preparation for our future residents. Mother Nature cooperated by providing perfect weather for our outdoor activities. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who gave up their weekend to help the elephants! We hope to see you again soon.

Alex Rivera, producer of UNCHAINED, emailed to thank our supporters for helping to get the film submitted into several additional film festivals. The only way the film can be selected is for it first to be submitted. Thanks to the generosity of many, UNCHAINED has been submitted to 9 more festivals increasing our chances of the film coming to a festival close to you! A huge THANK YOU to you 9 people who provided the entry fee so that UNCHAINED could be submitted to the festival of your choice.

Know a festival where you’d like UNCHAINED to show? Submit the name of the festival and the submission fee to Alex here.

April 14, 2017
Thank You!

This is why we are working hard to build Elephant Refuge North America: To provide a natural habitat refuge where elephants will thrive and recover from the traumas they’ve experienced. Elephants are not meant to suffer in chains. Show your support by donating to ERNA today.

Word is the Zoo announced they will go Protected Contact by next year. That is good news. Carol reviewed footage of alleged abuse of elephants at Hanover Zoo. In her review, she concluded that the elephants are living under a constant threat at the zoo, and have been suffering from learned helplessness due to the frequent, painful physical punishment and daily emotional stress. Read more here.

In this article, Carol answers frequently asked questions. She addresses why ERNA — like other sanctuaries — will not be open to the public, as it helps eliminate “the most negative aspect of a captive elephants life; which is to be on exhibit. If your goal is to have the animal on exhibit, then every decision that is made is around that focal point of exhibit, so then the elephants needs are secondary.”

We are so grateful for the support we’ve received. Sending a big THANK YOU to our hardworking volunteers and selfless donors. You are a huge part of the journey toward turning the ERNA land into a perfect elephant home — we couldn’t do this without you. Click here to view our Wish List.

Tiger Tops Elephant Camp celebrated its first birthday on April 3. It was our pleasure to design the chain free corrals that are part of the unforgettable experiences they provide, spearheading ethical elephant practices in Nepal.

April 14, 2017
Life Is Good In Attapulgus!

I have no photo to post, no video to stream but a need to share one of the many reasons I love living in Attapulgus, GA.

This morning I received a phone call from the local Post Office. The wonderful woman who runs the Post Office had received a call from City Hall. They were looking for me. Well, yes I felt a kind of twinge hearing this, like, oh no, what happened.

The Postal Clerk is a friendly woman, the go-to-person for a new comer like me. She knows everyone and how to get in contact with them. Apparently I am not the only one who goes to Irene for information about anything in Attapulgus, and Bainbridge for that matter.

Being respectful of my privacy, Irene did not give out my number but called me instead to pass on the message. Wow, how kind is that? We chatted a bit. I thanked her for her kindness and immediately called City Hall.

I have a good relationship with this person as well as she has notarised many documents for me and ERNA. She was so sweet, saying that yesterday a grandmother and her adolescent granddaughter were in her office enquiring about contact information for ERNA. Apparently the granddaughter, whom I hope to meet soon, is interested in elephants and is considering a career caring for them.

I love the way this town operates; friendly, personal, kind and respectful. I look forward to a long and happy life in Attapulgus, Georgia!

March 17, 2017
Georgia Outdoors to Track Development of ERNA

Elephant Aid International has joined Evite’s charitable network: Pledgeling. When using Evite to send invitations, you can now request donations to EAI instead of gifts. Perfect for any elephant-loving party planner! Learn more here.

Sharon Collins from GPB’s Georgia Outdoors and cameraman Shane visited Elephant Refuge North America this week to document our progress. The perimeter fence, which acts as a security barrier, is 50% complete. The fence crew is doing an amazing job. Georgia Outdoors plans to track our development and immortalise each elephant that makes ERNA their home.

We would like to show our sincerest gratitude to Sarah Shaw, Founder of Nature Defense Foundation (NDF). Sarah has dedicated herself to helping animals in need and EAI is fortunate to have her join our efforts. The NDF has provided grant funding to Elephant Aid International and continues to provide fundraising and outreach support on an ongoing basis. Thank you, Sarah!

We are working hard to end the worldwide suffering of elephants — and we couldn’t do it without your help. Thank you for your continued support. Please consider donating to ERNA by clicking here.

ERNA will span 850 acres of land. The fence will help secure the perimeter to keep the retired elephants safe and allow them to heal and thrive within their natural environment.

March 5, 2017
ERNA: A Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Paradise

ERNA will allow the opportunity for elephants to retire, recover, and thrive.

“The All Asia Elephant Tour gives you the opportunity to see first hand the range of work being done to improve the lives of captive elephants on the Subcontinent and South East Asia… To respectfully observe elephants from all backgrounds thrive in their environments is a once in a lifetime experience we cannot wait to share with you.” – Tiger Tops Elephant Camp

When Elephant Refuge North America is finished and occupied by elephants, live feed video streaming will be available on the EAI website. You will be able to watch the elephants in real time, while remaining non-invasive of their environment.

As the ERNA construction continues to progress, we will start needing YOUR help in the upcoming months. Once they become available, volunteer opportunities will be posted here and announced via our e-newsletter.

Deb Byczko shared her thoughts on EAI’s dedication to elephants.

Another fantastic photo showing how well the perimeter fence around ERNA is coming along. We are thankful for the hardworking construction crew!

The ERNA land features dense forests, lush pastures, and meandering streams — a perfect environment mimicking an elephant’s natural habitat. Learn more about the project here.

February 27, 2017
ERNA Continues to Make Headlines

The perimeter fence is shaping up and the media continues to cover progress at Elephant Refuge North America! Click here to view a broadcast video from WCTV.

An Asian elephant named Lasah is suffering continued abuse for tourism. Carol Buckley commented: “Lack of sleep and the inability to get off his feet is stress inducing and can compromise his immune system, make him frustrated, aggressive and prone to physical and emotional deterioration.” Click here to read the full article.

When attempting to drive change and help a species, education is paramount. An important aspect of ERNA will be NON INVASIVE research to promote understanding of elephants — ultimately contributing to improved elephant welfare. Learn more about ERNA here.

Light of Consciousness released an article about the history of Carol Buckley and EAI. “One woman’s adoption of a baby elephant began a forty-two-year journey that has revolutionized the care and management of captive elephants worldwide.”

As noted by Toni Rose Delouize, although we can’t take away the elephants’ pains from the past, we can give them hope for a new future.

ERNA will aid in the improvement of elephant welfare by collaborating with governments around the world, as well as with elephant caregivers and elephant owners, to advocate for improved standards and practices for captive elephants.

February 12, 2017
ERNA Fencing Construction is Making Progress!

You can still donate to help ERNA today. We appreciate all of your support; every penny counts. Thank you so much.

Becky Bauer is excited for ERNA to provide rescued elephants with the “freedom of choice” to live their lives as they wish.

The fence crew is here. Fence materials were delivered last week and the crew has already begun construction on the perimeter fence at Elephant Refuge North America. After the land purchase, which took place December 14, 2016, erecting the fence is the next step to realising our dream to provide a safe and healthy environment for captive-held elephants. This is your project as much as ours. Your continued support is needed and sincerely appreciated.

Did you know: Carol Buckley has written multiple books; Travels With Tarra; Just for Elephants; and Tarra and Bella, the elephant and dog who became best friends. Last year, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library chose Buckley’s book Tarra and Bella as a permanent addition to their library, sent to children turning five. Check it out on Amazon.

Java does a great job of overseeing quality control. Neel Contracting is completing the fence line clearing today. Filling in an area that over the years has eroded is last on their list. Perimeter fence construction begins tomorrow! Follow up on Facebook to see more photos of our progress!

Have you subscribed to our newsletter yet? That’s where we will be sending through ERNA updates and volunteer opportunities. If viewing the page on your mobile device, you can sign up for the newsletter by navigating to the EAI homepage and scrolling down until you see “SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER.”

February 5, 2017
Thank You!

We are so thankful for the support we have received from our community. The funding for the fence clearing was raised by the GreaterGood with a generous matching grant from Jeff and Janis Rosenthal. And the Nature Defense Foundation, under the direction of Sarah Shaw, funded the perimeter fence construction. We are on our way, in a big way!

Shristi Singh Shrestha’s comment about why she is excited for the development of ERNA: Elephants deserve a home.

The recent rains caused a bit of erosion at the creek crossing at ERNA, which we needed to repair. We will seed this area and cover with hay. In days the grasses will sprout and stabilise the soil.

The Dodo video about EAI foot care.

This old house was found on the ERNA property. Would you participate in a volunteer day to salvage the tongue and grove wood siding?

This photo was snapped while repairing a creek crossing at ERNA. Can you spot the dog?

January 30, 2017