Global Rumblings Podcast - Episode 46: Not Ready to Come Out Yet (Pocha & Guille Part IV) Summary

Release Date: November 19, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 46 of the Global Rumblings podcast, hosted by Nadia Mari of Elephants in Japan, listeners are taken deep into the heart of the Mato Grosso region in central Brazil to explore the latest developments at the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE). Co-founders Kat and Scott Blais join Nadia to discuss the ongoing challenges and triumphs related to elephant sanctuary life, focusing on the recent arrival and adaptation of two African elephants, Pocha and Guillermino (Gijamina).

Tragic News: Loss of Cookie

The episode opens with a somber announcement from Scott Blais regarding the heartbreaking death of Cookie, one of GSE's two African elephants residing in Buenos Aires. Scott shares the devastating news that, just as the sanctuary was about to receive importation permits for relocating Cookie, she tragically fell into an empty pool and passed away.

Scott [03:02]: "She fell into her pool that was empty and ended up passing away."

This loss underscores the fragile nature of sanctuary operations and the dire consequences that bureaucratic delays can have on the welfare of captive elephants. Kat adds to the emotional weight of the situation, highlighting the extensive efforts made over the years to secure the necessary permits.

Kat [05:00]: "Under no circumstances should it take two years to get a permit that had everything already behind it."

Bureaucratic Hurdles and Permit Issues

Kat and Scott delve into the bureaucratic challenges that have plagued GSE’s efforts to expand and relocate elephants. Despite receiving initial approval for importation permits from Argentina, the Brazilian government's sudden refusal to finalize the permits led to unforeseen delays. The couple expresses frustration over the illogical and inconsistent handling of permit applications, particularly criticizing the comparison of their sanctuary’s elephants to Pablo Escobar’s wild hippos in Colombia.

Scott [07:05]: "They compared us to Pablo Escobar's hippos running wild."

Kat [07:18]: "They just compared us to a drug dealer and we only have three females."

This political resistance not only hampers the sanctuary’s mission but also results in tragic outcomes, such as Cookie's untimely death. The hosts emphasize the importance of timely permit processing to ensure the safety and well-being of elephants awaiting relocation.

Arrival of Pocha and Guillermino: Initial Challenges

Shifting focus to the sanctuary's current elephant residents, Kat and Scott recount the arrival of Pocha and Guillermino from Argentina. Despite the excitement surrounding their arrival, the process was fraught with challenges. The elephants exhibited reluctance to leave their crates, a behavior rooted in their traumatic pasts and long-term captivity.

Kat [08:10]: "Their life had nothing, you know, really nothing. Concrete walls, nothing, nothing, nothing."

Scott [09:17]: "Everything's new. The new sights, new sounds. It's a substantial change compared to where they were five days earlier."

The team faced difficulties as Pocha and Guillermino preferred to stay in their crates, finding comfort in the familiarity of their confined spaces. This resistance highlighted the psychological and emotional hurdles that elephants must overcome when transitioning from captivity to a sanctuary environment.

Adaptation to Sanctuary Life

As days progressed, Pocha and Guillermino slowly began to adapt to their new surroundings. Kat and Scott describe the elephants' tentative exploration of the sanctuary, tempered by their lingering attachment to the crates.

Scott [10:01]: "It was really quite entertaining. That play, that joy that something so simple brought her."

Patience and respect were paramount as the sanctuary team allowed the elephants to acclimate at their own pace, without forcing them to leave the crates prematurely. This approach was crucial in building trust and ensuring the elephants felt safe in their new environment.

Kat [09:54]: "It's about giving them that space and that respect and allowing it all to be part of the process."

Behavior and Interactions

During their adjustment period, notable behaviors emerged as Pocha and Guillermino began to interact more with their environment and each other. The elephants engaged in activities such as mud bathing, which was a new and exhilarating experience after decades without such freedom.

Scott [10:25]: "She just had a blast. And it was really quite entertaining."

However, the elephants' former confinement left lingering effects on their behavior. They exhibited a tendency to stay within their own "world," often not acknowledging other elephants or wildlife around them.

Kat [15:00]: "They were so closed in their little own little world stuff do."

Interactions with other wildlife, including dogs and tapirs, were met with mixed reactions. While the sanctuary's dogs were respectful and kept their distance, the elephants showed discomfort around them.

Scott [19:16]: "They didn't really like the dogs."

Physical Adaptations and Environmental Interaction

Physical adaptation to the sanctuary environment was another significant aspect discussed. Pocha and Guillermino began exploring their surroundings more actively, although their previous sheltered lives meant that certain behaviors, such as avoiding obstacles or new structures, persisted.

Scott [18:08]: "For elephants that have never had obstacles in their enclosure, they actually remained without obstacles even when they were obstacles."

This led to instances where the elephants would simply walk through bushes and minor obstacles, flattening saplings and altering the landscape unintentionally.

Kat [18:35]: "It was easy to see where they had been."

Future Plans and Positive Notes

Despite the setbacks, Kat and Scott remain optimistic about the future of GSE. They provide updates on ongoing permit processes, assuring listeners that efforts to relocate more elephants are progressing. Specifically, permits for three African females, initially intended to include four, are expected imminently.

Kat [21:37]: "There's a lot of logistics, as Kat had mentioned. Waiting till we have the permits in hand is a big element to make sure it's really coming through."

Scott reinforces the commitment to expanding the sanctuary's elephant population, emphasizing the organization's dedication to providing safe spaces for these majestic animals.

Scott [21:52]: "Absolutely."

Conclusion

Episode 46 of Global Rumblings offers a heartfelt and in-depth look into the challenges faced by Global Sanctuary for Elephants. From the heartbreaking loss of Cookie due to bureaucratic delays to the meticulous and patient integration of Pocha and Guillermino into sanctuary life, Kat and Scott provide listeners with an unvarnished view of sanctuary operations. Their dedication to elephant welfare, despite numerous obstacles, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and compassion in the realm of animal conservation.

Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the complexities involved in rescuing and rehabilitating captive elephants, as well as the emotional resilience required by those who champion their cause. The episode not only highlights the pressing need for timely and efficient permit processes but also celebrates the small victories that signify hope and healing for rescued elephants.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott [03:02]: "She fell into her pool that was empty and ended up passing away."
• Kat [05:00]: "Under no circumstances should it take two years to get a permit that had everything already behind it."
• Scott [07:05]: "They compared us to Pablo Escobar's hippos running wild."
• Kat [08:10]: "Their life had nothing, you know, really nothing. Concrete walls, nothing, nothing, nothing."
• Scott [10:01]: "It was really quite entertaining. That play, that joy that something so simple brought her."
• Kat [09:54]: "It's about giving them that space and that respect and allowing it all to be part of the process."
• Scott [18:08]: "For elephants that have never had obstacles in their enclosure, they actually remained without obstacles even when they were obstacles."
• Scott [21:52]: "Absolutely."

For those passionate about elephant welfare and sanctuary initiatives, Episode 46 provides a compelling narrative filled with emotional depth, insightful discussions, and a clear demonstration of the ongoing efforts to create a better world for captive elephants.