Global Rumblings Podcast: Episode 50 Summary Episode Title: Elephant Prep 101 (Kenya & Pupy Part II)
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: Nadia Mari of Elephants in Japan
Guests: Kat and Scott Blais, Co-founders of Global Sanctuary for Elephants

Introduction

In the 50th episode of the Global Rumblings Podcast, Nadia Mari engages in an emotionally charged and insightful conversation with Kat and Scott Blais of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants. This episode delves deep into the challenges of elephant care in captivity, focusing on the poignant story of Pocha, an Asian elephant, and her daughter Gigi. The discussion offers listeners a rare glimpse into the complexities of elephant health, behavior, and the profound bonds they form even in captivity.

Background on Pocha and Gigi

Pocha, a mother elephant at the sanctuary, had been battling a long-term health issue—a fungal infection that had likely persisted for at least five years, ultimately leading to kidney failure. Despite her condition, Pocha exhibited remarkable strength and determination, traits that resonated deeply with her caregivers.

Kat Blais reflects on Pocha's resilience:

"Pocha ended up passing away from kidney failure. What happened is she had a fungal infection that had spread through her entire abdomen that the necropsy team believe she had probably had for at least five years."
(22:24)

Gigi, Pocha's daughter, had been developing her social skills within the sanctuary, navigating relationships with other elephants like Maya and Mara. Pocha's impending departure had significant implications for Gigi's integration into the herd.

Health and Diagnostic Challenges in Captivity

Scott and Kat highlight the difficulties in diagnosing health issues in captive elephants. Limited diagnostic capacity often means subtle signs of illness go unnoticed until it's too late.

Scott Blais discusses the diagnostic hurdles:

"With the lack of diagnostic capacity for determining anything wrong with elephants in captivity... you don't get a lot of answers."
(03:48)

Kat emphasizes the importance of building trust before conducting medical examinations:

"We wanted to build up some sort of trusting relationship and allow them to meet all the other elephants... before we just rush in and are like, okay, time to poke you."
(04:36)

This cautious approach, while essential for the elephants' well-being, can delay critical medical interventions.

Pocha's Passing and Immediate Aftermath

Pocha's decline was gradual yet enigmatic. Initially, she remained stoic and strong, showing little overt sign of her worsening condition. However, in the final days, subtle changes in her energy levels hinted at her deteriorating health.

Scott Blais recounts Pocha's last days:

"She was still eating... little bit slow, but, you know, there was nothing big. She just looked like she was lying down and let herself go rather quickly."
(07:51)

Upon discovering Pocha had passed, the team was heartbroken but found solace in how the other elephants responded.

Elephants' Reactions and Behavior After Pocha's Death

The episode poignantly covers how the elephant herd reacted to Pocha's death. Gigi's behavior was particularly noteworthy as she navigated her first experience with loss.

Kat Blais describes the herd's response:

"Gigi was in yard two, and we closed the gate between yard two and three so we could go up into three and see if we could find where Pocha was. ... There was nothing. She was just laying down."
(07:51)

Upon discovering Pocha's passing, Gigi began making distinct rumbles to call the others, signaling her distress and need for support.

Kat observes Gigi's unique response:

"She was calling her friends in a very deliberate manner... they were clearly responding."
(10:44)

The elephants exhibited behaviors reminiscent of mourning and solidarity. Mara, initially distant, became notably responsive, spending the most time near Pocha's designated resting area—a testament to the deep, instinctual bonds elephants share.

Scott Blais reflects on the herd's unity:

"It leaves you in awe of what they're capable of understanding and doing for each other."
(13:35)

Caregivers' Reflections and Emotional Impact

Kat and Scott openly share the emotional toll Pocha's passing took on them. Their reflections underscore the profound connections humans form with these majestic creatures.

Kat expresses her sadness:

"It was so sad. ... It was one of the most elephant things we've ever seen in the years that we've worked with elephants."
(16:32)

Scott adds personal sentiments:

"The whole thing just so special. ... It's just so remarkably special."
(19:38)

Their heartfelt recounting emphasizes the dual nature of caregiving—joy in witnessing elephant bonds and sorrow in facing their loss.

Broader Implications on Elephant Captivity and Care

The episode extends beyond Pocha's story to address broader issues of elephant captivity, health management, and social dynamics within sanctuaries.

Scott discusses the challenges of documenting Asian elephants:

"It's very difficult to document a lot what happens with Asian elephants because of their habitat."
(22:17)

Kat contrasts African and Asian elephant behaviors:

"Asian elephants don't have the same migratory paths and struggles... it's a very different scenario."
(23:11)

They highlight the unique challenges Asian elephants face in captivity, such as limited social structures and the absence of natural herding behaviors that are prevalent in the wild.

Conclusions and Takeaways

Episode 50 serves as a heartfelt exploration of elephant welfare in captivity, emphasizing the need for improved diagnostic tools, the importance of social bonds, and the resilience of these intelligent creatures. The story of Pocha and Gigi illustrates both the triumphs and tragedies inherent in caring for elephants outside their natural habitats.

The episode concludes with a reminder of the sanctity of life and the intricate emotional landscapes elephants navigate, offering listeners a deeper appreciation for the complexities of elephant conservation and care.

Notable Quotes:

• Kat Blais (04:36):
  "We wanted to build up some sort of trusting relationship and allow them to meet all the other elephants... before we just rush in and are like, okay, time to poke you."

• Scott Blais (03:48):
  "With the lack of diagnostic capacity for determining anything wrong with elephants in captivity... you don't get a lot of answers."

• Scott Blais (13:35):
  "It leaves you in awe of what they're capable of understanding and doing for each other."

• Kat Blais (16:32):
  "It was one of the most elephant things we've ever seen in the years that we've worked with elephants."

• Scott Blais (19:38):
  "It's just so remarkably special."

This episode not only sheds light on the intricate lives of elephants in captivity but also serves as a call to action for better care practices and deeper understanding of their emotional and social needs.