Podcast
Global Rumblings Podcast
Hosted by Global Sanctuary for Elephants · EN
Global Rumblings is a biweekly podcast dedicated to all things elephant. Featuring Global Sanctuary for Elephants co-founders Kat and Scott Blais, we’ll have in-depth discussions on sanctuary life, the ethics of captivity, physiology, and behavior. Hosted by Nadia Mari of Elephants in Japan, the wide-ranging, intimate conversations are sometimes fun, often frank, and offer listeners insight into the power of healing. We will bring you conversations that make you question what you know and leave you with powerful takeaways about animal and elephant welfare from a holistic point of view.
30episodes
Episodes
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EP 71: When Elephants Choose Solitude
2d ago00:29:31Summary readyIn this episode, we explore something that seems to contradict much of what we’ve discussed in past episodes: Why do inherently social, deeply bonded elephants sometimes choose solitude, even when given the opportunity to build relationships at a sanctuary?How can an elephant who has never — or only briefly — experienced life within a true herd suddenly be expected to behave the way we think they should? How much do trauma, captivity, and personal choice shape social tolerance and connection?And does physical separation really mean these elephants are disconnected, or are they still bonded in ways we humans cannot fully see, sense, or understand?PS: 📅 Save the date and join us from June 12–20 for Trunks & Treasures, our virtual silent auction supporting the construction of a new on-site medical facility for the elephants and wildlife at the sanctuary: https://globalelephants.org/trunksandtreasures/Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where former zoo and circus elephants from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 70: The Bonds That Shape An Elephant (Part 2)
3w ago00:30:05Summary readyIn this episode, we explore one of the most profound qualities we see and admire in elephants: their ability to grieve.Kat and Scott share stories from decades of working with captive elephants, revealing that grief is not just a moment, but a process. For some elephants in captivity, especially those encountering loss for the first time, this process may need to be learned or reawakened. Yet once it surfaces, it appears deeply instinctive and becomes part of who they are.We also examine the growing conversation around elephant emotional intelligence and the gap that still exists between what we are beginning to understand and how elephants are treated in many captive environments.While this is a more somber topic, it also offers something hopeful, a reminder that in witnessing elephants, we may find a way back to our own capacity for connection, compassion, and love.📅 SAVE THE DATE: Our online auction Trunks & Treasures runs June 12–20, 2026. Join us to support the elephants’ medical care and bid on incredible items, including a trip for two to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil!The episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where former zoo and circus elephants from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!❤️ Become a Pathfinder and support our work starting at USD10 a month.❤️Stay connected on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 69: The Bonds That Shape An Elephant (Part 1)
Apr 2100:29:53Summary readyIn this episode, we explore some of the traits we so admire in elephants: empathy, self-awareness, and their capacity for grief, and how these are shaped by the bonds they form over a lifetime.Scott raises an important question: Can we truly understand relationships that develop over decades within multi-generational herds, when our own lives are so far removed from that kind of social structure?We look at how bonds form and what happens when they are disrupted. How do elephants in captivity build relationships without the foundation of a natural herd? And how might their experience of loss differ from that of wild elephants?Drawing on their work at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil and The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, Kat and Scott share moving stories of friendship, leadership, and loss, offering a rare insight into the emotional lives of elephants.We also touch on moments that are harder to explain, instances that hint at a deeper awareness, a kind of “knowing” that challenges our understanding of connection and what it means to be an elephant.🐘❤️ Become a Pathfinder and support our work starting at USD10 a month.The episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where former zoo and circus elephants from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 68: The Lives We Overlooked: The Natural Lives of Elephants
Mar 3100:28:15Summary readyIn the first episode of our new Rethinking Elephants series, we begin by exploring the architecture of elephant societies. Scott and Kat give an overview of herd structure—from matrilineal families and the role of the matriarch to key differences between African and Asian elephants.While many of our listeners are already elephant-savvy, this episode asks a deeper question: what happens when these natural systems are missing? What does life look like for captive elephants who are missing the guidance of a matriarch or the support of a multi-generational herd?We also reflect on individual stories, like Pocha raising Guillermina alone, without the allomothering and social framework elephants rely on in the wild.This episode sets the foundation for the series, drawing on the architecture of elephant societies and the bonds that shape an elephant’s life.🐘❤️ Become an aunt - or uncle - to one of our elephants. Adopt one or more of The Girls!The episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where former zoo and circus elephants from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 67: Rethinking elephants- The Bigger Conversation
Mar 900:25:51Summary readyIn this week’s episode, we catch up with Kat and Scott. While they’re still busy providing documentation to SEMA, we’re happy to share that the temporary suspension of the sanctuary’s operating licence has been lifted.We also celebrate one very dedicated listener with our first-ever Global Rumblings Podcast Binge Award of 2025 — after listening to every episode in just one month.For the past three seasons, we’ve been catching up on the last ten years of Scott and Kat’s lives since arriving in Brazil. Now, it’s time to zoom out.We introduce a new multi-part series, Rethinking Elephants: The Bigger Conversation — a deeper exploration of who elephants are, what science now understands about them, and the larger ethical questions surrounding captivity.Over the coming episodes, we’ll explore elephant society and communication, trauma and social disruption, neuroscience and welfare research, the physical costs of confinement, the history of captivity, modern conservation debates, why society continues to accept it — and ultimately, what an ethical future for elephants could look like.Sign the petitionThe episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where former zoo and circus elephants from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 66: Accusations, Manipulations & False Claims
Jan 2700:35:46Summary readyIn this episode, we discuss recent developments at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (ESB) following the deaths of Pupy and Kenya, the sanctuary’s two female African elephants, in 2025.As we have seen in recent weeks, we are living in a time that is exposing a troubling side of our society — one where false and negative claims are more readily accepted than positive truth, and where it often seems easier to believe accusations of manipulation and corruption than to accept that honesty and integrity exist. In this conversation, we examine how anti-sanctuary narratives and the temporary suspension of ESB’s license to bring in new elephants have emerged in this climate — and why the impact extends beyond elephants, affecting wider wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts.At the same time, we explore why this difficult moment may also present an opportunity: to bring clarity through evidence-based review, and to highlight the vital — and too often misunderstood and ignored — responsibility sanctuaries around the world take on when they accept elderly, chronically ill, and end-of-life elephants into their care.We urge supporters to sign and share our petition calling for fair, transparent, and equal standards — ensuring that Elephant Sanctuary Brazil and zoos in Brazil are assessed by the same regulatory criteria.What we know so far about Pupy & Kenya’s passingTransparency and Accountability for AllThe episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where Asian and African elephants relocated from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 65: Reflections and 2026 Plans
Dec 3000:29:51Summary readyPlease note that this episode was recorded prior to Kenya’s passing.In our final podcast of 2025, we start by clearing up last episode’s “acre-gate” and confirming the size of the expanded female Asian habitat: once completed, our elephants will have approximately 280 acres to roam.There is still time to support our year-end fundraiser for this major expansion. With a USD 75k match in place, every dollar you give is doubled.We look back on a year filled with both heartbreak and hope — from Argentina becoming elephant-free to the milestones, losses, and moments that shaped life at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. Kat and Scott share their personal highlights of 2025, and we close with a look ahead to 2026, including early plans and possibilities for the year to come.Links:Donate here for the expansion of the female Asian habitatWatch our Vision for Sanctuary: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube.
SummaryEpisode 64: Healing, Hope & 200 Acres of Possibility
Dec 900:29:48Summary readyWe’re back after our holiday and have a lot to talk about! Kat and Scott have just returned from the US, where part of their trip included attending one of the film festivals screening The Ramba Effect, the documentary about Chile’s last circus elephant and beloved late ESB resident, Ramba. We also share how Kenya is doing after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her companion, Pupy.As the year draws to a close, we turn to our end-of-year fundraiser, which kicked off on GivingTuesday, 2 December. This year’s campaign is made up of two parts: the GivingTuesday goal of USD 150,000 (including a USD 75,000 match), and a second year-end goal of another USD 150,000 (with a USD 75,000 match). In total, the combined goal is USD 300,000, with USD 150,000 of that coming from matching donations. This campaign supports the major expansion of the Female Asian Habitat: an additional approximately 200 acres, bringing the total area for the girls to around 280 acres.The new area is one large, undivided landscape with natural vegetation, hills, streams, and endless opportunities for exploration — offering Maia, Rana, Mara, Bambi, and Guillermina even more freedom, choice, and room to heal.*For scale: 280 acres ≈ 1.13 km², or about 159 soccer fields, 212 American football fields, and roughly one-third the size of Central Park in New York City.The next podcast airs on Tuesday, 30. December 2025Links:Donate here for the expansion of the female Asian habitat: https://globalelephants.org/room-to-roam-fundraiser-last-chance-to-give/Buy Christmas gifts for both humans & elephants: www.shop.globalelephants.comWatch our Vision for Sanctuary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgPw6W5J0WcDocumentary “The Ramba Effect”: https://www.therambaeffect.com/ Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. The episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where Asian and African elephants relocated from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 63: Kenya & Pupy's first steps together
Oct 1400:28:59Summary readyKenya & Pupy’s first steps togetherPlease note that this episode was recorded prior to Pupy’s sudden passing.The moment we’ve all been waiting for since Kenya’s relocation to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil on July 9, 2025, is finally here! Pupy and Kenya are now sharing the same yards, and can begin exploring this next step.Scott and Kat share how Kenya is learning to channel her big energy as she realizes that Pupy needs more reassurance in this new relationship. We also explore how Pupy’s past elephant interactions have shaped her personality, and why—just like with humans—being the same species doesn’t automatically mean becoming best friends. Expectations need to be realistic and never forced onto the elephants.With Halloween just around the corner, we also talk about Kenya’s foot health and the fundraiser dedicated to it. Decades of captivity and little to no medical care have taken their toll on her feet, and she will require ongoing, long-term care.🎃Donate here: Kenya’s Halloween Foot Care FundraiserJoin the Facebook support group Friends of GSEFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads & YouTube. The episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where Asian and African elephants relocated from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
SummaryEpisode 62: 12 Years for Elephants
Sep 2300:27:36Summary readyOn 29 August 2013, Global Sanctuary for Elephants was founded as a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit—paving the way to a better life for South America’s elephants. In today’s episode, we look at the progress made over the past 12 years and what still needs to happen so captive elephants everywhere can live as naturally as possible.☕ Giveaway: 🎉 Don’t miss your chance to celebrate 12 years with us! Win one of 12 “Sip-Rumble-Repeat” podcast mugs by sending an email to podcast@globalelephants.org with the words “I’d love a mug”.If you don’t win, you can still order your mug at shop.globalelephants.org.The episode transcript can be found here.Email: We’d love to hear from you podcast@globalelephants.orgWho we are: Global Sanctuary for Elephants exists to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants, where they are able to heal physically and emotionally. There are elephants around the world in need of sanctuary, but too few places exist to be able to care for even a fraction of the elephants. International support is necessary to build sanctuaries for elephants in need of rescue and rehabilitation. Our pilot project is Elephant Sanctuary Brazil where Asian and African elephants relocated from across South America live their best lives.Website: https://globalelephants.org/Donate: Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a U.S. 501(c)3 non-profit. Our work is made possible by donations. You can support our work with a general donation, purchasing items from our wishlist, or adopting one (or all) of our elephants for a year. You can also donate with Crypto!Thank you for your support!Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, & YouTube While we encourage and appreciate you sharing our podcast, please note that…This presentation is protected by U.S. and International copyright laws. Reproduction and distribution of the presentation or its contents without written permission of the sponsor is prohibited.© 2023 Global Sanctuary for ElephantsA big Thank You to the talented musicians Mike McGill, Ron McGill, & Sean Rodriquez for composing our podcast jingle.
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