Global Rumblings Podcast - Episode 53: "Pupy Needs More Time"
Release Date: March 25, 2025
Hosts:
- Nadia Mari – Host, Elephants in Japan
- Kat Blais – Co-founder, Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE)
- Scott Blais – Co-founder, Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE)
Introduction
In Episode 53 of the Global Rumblings podcast, host Nadia Mari engages in a heartfelt discussion with GSE co-founders Kat and Scott Blais about Pupi, a female African elephant residing at the Buenos Aires Eco Park in Argentina. The episode delves into the challenges faced during Pupi's relocation attempt, the underlying behavioral issues, and the sanctuary's approach to elephant welfare.
Pupi's Behavioral Challenges
Nadia Mari opens the conversation by addressing the issue of Pupi’s reluctance to enter her transport crate, leading to Scott's return to the sanctuary without her.
Scott Blais shares insights into Pupi’s unique behavior:
“She has beautiful eyes and she, more than anybody I have ever seen, wants to look directly in your eyes.” ([02:09])
Pupi exhibits a strong desire for direct eye contact, a trait that sets her apart from other elephants. Despite her comfort within the crate, Pupi shows distress when the back gate is closed, revealing a deeper layer of distrust and insecurity.
Scott explains:
“She's not comfortable with the door closing. Loves crate, thinks the crate's awesome. She's in it all the time, but just wasn't comfortable with the door closing.” ([02:20])
This discomfort is linked to previous inadequate training methods and Pupi's traumatic past, particularly the loss of her companion, Kuki, four months prior.
Kat Blais adds context about species-specific behaviors:
“African elephants are often mislabeled as aggressive or having behavioral issues, but it's merely a reflection of their natural responsiveness.” ([05:00])
She emphasizes the differences between African and Asian elephants, noting that African elephants tend to respond spontaneously rather than internalizing their reactions.
Sanctuary’s Approach to Behavioral Rehabilitation
The Blais duo discusses their compassionate and patient approach to rehabilitating Pupi, contrasting it with previous methods that halted sessions at the slightest sign of distress.
Scott outlines their strategy:
“Instead of taking a chance on what could be and knowing that you can always stop, try. If it doesn't work, you're not going to break your spirit.” ([04:23])
Their method focuses on building trust through communication, allowing Pupi to process her feelings without immediate intervention.
To address the crate door issue, they introduced chains and straps to gradually desensitize Pupi to the gate's movement, enabling her to gain confidence in closing mechanisms without fear.
Scott recounts the successful desensitization attempt:
“She just stayed there inside the crate while I banged on the window until it slid down. And even when it slid down, which a bit of a jolt, she just stayed right there.” ([07:54])
This approach allowed Pupi to experience the gate's mechanics on her terms, fostering a sense of control and reducing anxiety.
Permit and Relocation Logistics
A significant portion of the episode addresses the logistical hurdles associated with Pupi's relocation, particularly concerning export and import permits.
Kat explains the bureaucratic challenges:
“Everything's a process. You can't get approval instantly. There's a lot of stuff going on there.” ([20:35])
Despite setbacks, such as mismatched permit numbers requiring a rushed new import permit, the team remains optimistic. They successfully secured the necessary documentation within 24 hours, a testament to improved processes:
“That new import permit was remitted in less than 24 hours.” ([17:53])
Scott discusses the ongoing efforts to train Pupi for relocation:
“Marcos is going back to Kenya to start working on her crate training and we'll see how she does.” ([17:21])
Their collaborative relationship with the Buenos Aires Eco Park and the supportive community enhances the prospects for a successful relocation.
Reflection on Training Practices and Species-Specific Needs
The conversation highlights the importance of tailored training practices that respect the natural behaviors and emotional needs of different elephant species.
Kat criticizes generic training methods:
“Anywhere that has Africans and Asians, they think all elephants are supposed to behave like Asians, who are much more grounded and they're much more passive.” ([05:00])
She advocates for recognizing and accommodating the intrinsic differences between African and Asian elephants to ensure effective and humane treatment.
Scott emphasizes the necessity of overcoming fear in training:
“The best thing is, the first thing is let go of their fear. Let go of their fear, their fear of it not going well.” ([13:17])
By fostering an environment of trust and patience, the sanctuary aims to empower elephants like Pupi to overcome past traumas and adapt positively to new settings.
Conclusion and Future Prospects
As the episode concludes, Kat and Scott express their confidence in Pupi's potential for successful relocation, thanks to their dedicated and empathetic approach.
Scott reflects on the progress made:
“We have time. We have a community who is very, very supportive of that process. We have Pupu, who's exceptional. And now we just have to see how things go next.” ([25:06])
They remain committed to providing Pupi with the necessary time and support, ensuring her well-being and facilitating her transition to a secure sanctuary environment.
Kat summarizes their mission:
“We don't want to sedate her, we don't want to force her in. Since we have the time, we can give her that time, and it's going to benefit everybody.” ([25:23])
The Blais brothers reinforce the importance of patience and individualized care in animal welfare, leaving listeners with a profound understanding of the complexities involved in elephant sanctuary operations.
Notable Quotes:
- Scott Blais ([02:09]): “She has beautiful eyes and she, more than anybody I have ever seen, wants to look directly in your eyes.”
- Kat Blais ([05:00]): “African elephants are often mislabeled as aggressive or having behavioral issues, but it's merely a reflection of their natural responsiveness.”
- Scott Blais ([04:23]): “Instead of taking a chance on what could be and knowing that you can always stop, try. If it doesn't work, you're not going to break your spirit.”
- Scott Blais ([07:54]): “She just stayed there inside the crate while I banged on the window until it slid down. And even when it slid down, which a bit of a jolt, she just stayed right there.”
- Scott Blais ([13:17]): “The best thing is, the first thing is let go of their fear. Let go of their fear, their fear of it not going well.”
- Scott Blais ([25:06]): “We have time. We have a community who is very, very supportive of that process. We have Pupu, who's exceptional. And now we just have to see how things go next.”
Final Thoughts
Episode 53 of Global Rumblings offers an intimate glimpse into the intricate world of elephant sanctuary management. Through candid discussions and expert insights, Nadia, Kat, and Scott Blais illuminate the delicate balance between compassionate care and practical challenges in rescuing and rehabilitating elephants like Pupi. Listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the emotional and logistical complexities involved, underscoring the importance of patience, trust, and species-specific understanding in animal welfare.