Global Rumblings Podcast - Episode 54: News from Mendoza: Kenya & Tamy Update!

Host: Nadia Mari
Guests: Kat and Scott Blais, Co-founders of Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Release Date: April 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 54 of the Global Rumblings podcast, host Nadia Mari reconnects with Kat and Scott Blais from the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE) to provide updates on their ongoing projects at the Mendoza Eco Park in Argentina. The discussion delves into the progress of Kenya’s crate training, insights from recent challenges, and updates on Tammy, the male Asian elephant awaiting relocation to the sanctuary.

Kenya’s Crate Training Progress

Kenya, one of the female Asian elephants at Mendoza Eco Park, has been undergoing crate training as part of her transition to the sanctuary. Scott shares positive developments in her training process:

Scott [02:08]: "She's doing really great. She's in there day and night. There's a camera trap watching her."

The crate, already in Argentina, serves as a safe space for Kenya to acclimate to her new environment. Marcos, a dedicated trainer, has been instrumental in desensitizing Kenya to the crate through consistent and gentle interactions. Kat highlights Kenya’s adaptability:

Kat [04:06]: "It's just, as long as she doesn't break it, we're all good."

Despite the initial sterility of her enclosure, which consists merely of walls, Kenya has shown remarkable curiosity and comfort, quickly adapting to the new surroundings. Kat elaborates on the elephants' natural inquisitiveness:

Kat [03:40]: "As soon as there's something new there, they're inquisitive, they're curious."

Notably, nighttime camera footage reveals Kenya’s growing comfort with the crate, showcasing endearing behaviors such as rumbles and trunk tapping:

Kat [09:53]: "She steps into the crate doorway, and she does this little rumble. How cute are you?"

These observations affirm the effectiveness of the crate training, fostering a sense of security and trust between Kenya and her caregivers.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

Scott and Kat discuss a significant learning experience during Kenya’s training. Marcos attempted to bond with Kenya using a bristle brush to calm her before a blood draw. While the initial interaction was positive, Kenya misinterpreted the situation, leading to emotional distress:

Scott [13:04]: "They don't spend the time. So it wasn't the new introduction of needle. The difference was this moment of intimacy that they had and was taking advantage of that intimacy vulnerability that she had."

Kat reflects on the delicate nature of building trust with elephants:

Kat [14:04]: "Nobody likes being poked with a needle. ... it was very nice that that part of it is done. But I think a big lesson ... how easy it is to break a trust with an elephant who's never really opened herself up that way to trust somebody."

This incident underscored the importance of gradual and consistent training methods to maintain and strengthen the bond between Kenya and her trainers.

Tammy: The Male Asian Elephant

Tammy, the male Asian elephant at Mendoza Eco Park, presents a different set of challenges. Unlike Kenya, Tammy is an older elephant with significant health issues, including foot problems and being underweight. Kat expresses deep concern for Tammy’s well-being:

Kat [15:50]: "I love him. ... he's not a spring chicken. He definitely does not feel good."

Scott elaborates on the complexities involved in preparing Tammy for relocation:

Scott [16:06]: "There's a lot of elements involved that we can't really fully delve into ... it's a complicated scenario."

The primary hurdles include:

• Habitat Construction: Delays in building Tammy’s habitat to meet sanctuary standards.
• Permitting Issues: Obtaining the necessary CITES permits contingent on habitat approval.
• Training Logistics: Establishing a consistent training regimen amidst construction and logistical constraints.

Kat underscores the bureaucratic challenges associated with government-owned facilities:

Kat [20:21]: "... it's a government-owned zoo. So anybody who's worked for anything government knows that everything is a process."

Scott highlights the extended timelines and resource constraints that impede Tammy’s progress:

Scott [20:54]: "It's a long road ... but it's been rolling forward. And we have 12 people now working on fencing and construction that are all doing really, really well."

Despite these obstacles, GSE remains committed to Tammy’s relocation, emphasizing the need for a stronger bond and dedicated training to ensure his successful transition.

Future Plans and Conclusions

As the episode draws to a close, Nadia inquires about the possibility of relocating Tammy following Kenya’s successful crate training. Kat and Scott clarify the logistical limitations:

Kat [23:40]: "No, they're not connected, so they would have to actually put him in a crate or something to move him over there."

They discuss ongoing efforts to assess and improve the facility to facilitate Tammy’s move, highlighting the proactive steps being taken despite the challenges.

Scott encapsulates the overarching theme of the episode:

Scott [22:14]: "It's a gorgeous environment there. But that environment is hard. That zoo environment ... is a tough one."

Kat reinforces the collaborative spirit driving their mission:

Kat [20:54]: "Everyone's on the same page. ... but it's a logistical element."

The episode concludes on a hopeful note, with Kenya’s positive response to crate training serving as a beacon of progress for GSE’s broader mission to rescue and rehabilitate elephants.

Key Takeaways

• Crate Training Success: Kenya’s adaptability and comfort with her crate signify a major step towards her relocation to the sanctuary.

• Trust Building: The incident during Kenya’s blood draw underscores the critical importance of building and maintaining trust with rescued elephants.

• Tammy’s Challenges: Relocating Tammy involves complex logistical, legal, and infrastructural hurdles that require sustained effort and resources.

• Commitment to Welfare: Despite setbacks, GSE remains dedicated to improving the lives of elephants like Kenya and Tammy through meticulous planning and compassionate care.

Notable Quotes

• Scott [02:08]: "She's doing really great. She's in there day and night."

• Kat [04:06]: "As long as she doesn't break it, we're all good."

• Kat [09:53]: "She steps into the crate doorway, and she does this little rumble. How cute are you?"

• Kat [14:04]: "... how easy it is to break a trust with an elephant who's never really opened herself up that way to trust somebody."

• Scott [20:54]: "It's a long road ... but it's been rolling forward."

Conclusion

Episode 54 of Global Rumblings offers an intimate glimpse into the challenges and triumphs faced by the Global Sanctuary for Elephants in their mission to rescue and rehabilitate captive elephants. Through candid discussions and heartfelt updates, Kat and Scott Blais illuminate the intricate processes involved in elephant welfare and sanctuary management, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the dedication required to foster healing and trust in these majestic animals.

For more updates and information, follow GSE on their social media channels or visit their website at globalelephants.org.