Elephant Aid International

Tag: ERNA

Bo Comes First!

When I claim that elephants come first in everything we do, I am not exaggerating. With that philosophy we clearly know what decision should be made in all situations concerning our elephants. This morning was no exception.

Bo spends all his waking hours out in the habitat, grazing, exploring, browsing, bathing and even napping during day light hours. But when it comes to sleeping in the dark, Bo retreats to the barn with its sand filled stalls and open doors.

From the looks of it, Bo had a long night of grazing because he was still sleeping when staff was scheduled to arrive. Text messages were sent informing staff, “Bo is still asleep, do not drive through the front gate.” This decision was made knowing that a vehicle passing the barn could wake Bo. Our goal is his health, and sound sleep is a big part of that.

8am, 8:30, 9, and now 9:16 as I am writing this post, Bo is still sound asleep, non-invasively observed through the barn nanny cam.

Staff are patiently waiting at the front gate, content knowing that Bo’s needs are our primary focus.

April 13, 2022
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
Life is Good in Attapulgus!

We had fabulous weather for our Volunteer Day. You should join us! We have openings every Saturday through the summer.

The habitat at Elephant Refuge North America is full of edible wild grasses and fruits. The plums are nearly ripe. Abundant low hanging fruit for elephants!

These beautiful beings are meant to be appreciated, not controlled.

“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…” – Carol Buckley

Do you know of a theater or upcoming film festival that would screen UNCHAINED? Do you have a friend with an in-home theater who’d like to host a screening? Or a theatre you can use for a fundraiser? You hosting the screening as a fundraiser for EAI will help to spread the word. Please help us bring this impactful film to a theater near you! For more information about the film, click here.

If you’re unable to volunteer in person, you can always contribute to the cause by buying EAI an item from our wishlist. We are so grateful for your continued support!

“I don’t think people really understand why elephants held in traditional environments are so unwell. It is because, at least in the Western world, the focus is on the physical. But in order for an elephant to thrive the focus needs to be on the emotional first and then the physiological.” Read more.

Share with us: Have you ever seen an elephant in his or her natural habitat?

Anything’s doable.

June 18, 2017
Thank You, Scott!

When ERNA is completed and the elephants arrive, EAI will feature a live stream — which will allow you to witness the beautiful beings without harming them. Learn more.

Culture around the use of wild and endangered animals is changing right here in the USA.

Osteomyelitis is a bacterial infection that causes the toe bones to disintegrate, leading to the elephant’s physical collapse and subsequent death. This can be avoided with proper foot care. Learn more.

“Carol Buckley was born determined – an independent thinker who believed in challenging limits, no matter how formidable.”

We have many more volunteer days planned for the month of June. Are you attending any? We’d love your help!

We are grateful to Scott Pittman, founder of the Permaculture Institute in New Mexico, for his recent visit to ERNA — where he contributed his extensive expertise to our plans for sustainable design and living. We are very excited by what we learned. Thank you, Scott!

June 18, 2017
Flashback Photo!

The next volunteer date will be June 17th. Sign up today!

We are still fundraising for the elephant fence for ERNA. We are so grateful for those who have donated and shared our posts to spread the word! The sooner we build the fence, the sooner the elephants will arrive. Select Elephant Refuge North America on the Donate page.

Carol: “The reality is that the captive-held elephant is a shell of her/his self. Everything about their life is dominated… And what that does in a highly developed and intelligent mind is it creates a syndrome called ‘learned helplessness.’ This condition is a result of continual, long-term abuse by a caregiver who also provides what the animal needs to survive.”

Did you know? Due to EAI’s efforts, The Nepal government is committed to all its female elephants at its 15 elephant facilities living chain-free. Learn more about chain-free.

Flashback to this sweet photo. Tarra meeting her cousin Brooke for the first time in 2004. Elephants are such kind, gentle beings.

Foot trimming facilitates the overall health of elephants by preventing bone disease. The 2nd annual Foot Care Workshop will occur in Nepal in October. Learn more.

June 5, 2017
Subscribe to Our E-Newsletter!

Are you subscribed to our e-newsletter? Monthly updates and opportunities will be sent via email — so, if you haven’t already, subscribe today!

WE’RE HIRING! We are still seeking a development consultant to create and oversee all fundraising initiatives and activities for Elephant Aid International. Do you know anyone who would be interested?

This is why we are working hard to improve elephant welfare. These beautiful beings are not meant to suffer in chains. Show your support by donating to ERNA today.

Java is a fantastic assistant to the volunteers! Check out our upcoming volunteer dates.

EAI Founder Carol Buckley, veterinarian Gigi Gaulin and visiting volunteer Lena Quenard from Thailand planted different types of bamboo to see which will be best at ERNA. Java did an expert job overseeing the activity. Bamboo is the staple of wild Asian elephants. Our effort to create an environment closely resembling elephant habitats in Asia is taking shape.

Carol explains why only 7-10 elephants will roam the ERNA land: “You could have more, but the reason you wouldn’t is that the herd dynamics are affected when you bring in more elephants. Our goal is to create a healthy environment for elephants, and what’s healthy is when they act like a family.”

“My motivation is to improve elephant welfare,” says Carol. “It’s not just about growing and growing. What I want is to give them autonomy and truly allow them to thrive, to just relax and be an elephant.”

May 26, 2017
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
EAI to Offer 2nd Annual Foot Care Workshop in Nepal

EAI will offer our 2nd annual Foot Care Workshop in Nepal in October. Watch for the announcement!

Elephant Aid International aims to educate mahouts about foot care to improve both their status in society and the welfare of captive-held elephants in their care! View the video here.

We are currently fundraising for the elephant fence for ERNA. This specially designed fence will cost $14 per foot, $140,000 will complete the first of three phases. The sooner we build the fence, the sooner the elephants will arrive. Please consider contributing — even the smallest donations help greatly. Select Elephant Refuge North America on the Donate page.

Read the latest ERNA news, donation needs, employment opportunities, and more in April’s EAI newsletter. Want first-access in the future? Sign up: elephantaidinternational.org/e-news

Java supervises the volunteers during volunteer days! Do you want to volunteer to help build ERNA? We could use the support! There are many upcoming volunteer dates throughout the spring and summer. Become a volunteer today!

April 29, 2017
Unchained Selected for Enfoque International Film Festival

Another amazing Volunteer Day at Elephant Refuge North America. Everyone was so enthusiastic and hard working. They wore us out! Thanks to all our volunteers and supporters!

Earth Day was April 22! We encourage others to assist in environmental conservation efforts to protect our beloved beings. In honor of this important day, consider donating to ERNA to help provide a home for retired elephants.

A great piece on Tiger Tops Elephant Camp, Nepal’s leading eco-tourism resort to install chain-free corrals for all its elephants. Last year, working with EAI, they discontinued elephant back safaris, instead offering walking safari for their guests — an unforgettable experience! EAI is proud to have helped Tiger Tops take its place on the leading edge of humane ele tourism.

UNCHAINED — the documentary following the work of Carol Buckley and EAI — has been selected by the Enfoque International Film Festival in Puerto Rico! The film will be shown through June 14-17, 2017 in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.

These kind, intelligent and magnificent beings are so deserving of compassion. Contribute today.

Hidden camera footage has revealed shocking cruelty inflicted upon elephants at Hannover Adventure Zoo in Germany. Carol Buckley, who reviewed the videos, stated: “The elephants are petrified. The trainers’ actions are vile and heartless.” PETA Germany is pressing charges.

April 25, 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