Global Rumblings Podcast: Episode 56 - "Pupy's Journey Begins"

Release Date: May 20, 2025

Introduction to Episode

In Episode 56 of the Global Rumblings Podcast, hosted by Nadia Mari of Elephants in Japan, listeners are taken on an emotional and insightful journey into the life of Ms. Pupi, the newest addition to the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE) in the lush jungles of the Mato Grosso region, central Brazil. GSE's mission is to provide vast, safe spaces for captive elephants to heal physically and emotionally from traumatic pasts. This episode features an in-depth conversation with GSE co-founders Kat and Scott Blais, delving into the complexities and triumphs of relocating Pupi to her new sanctuary home.

Introducing Ms. Pupi

The episode opens with Nadia congratulating Kat and Scott on the arrival of their new elephant, Ms. Pupi.

Nadia Mari [00:01:07]: "Congratulations on your new elephant, Ms. Pupi."

Scott shares the anticipation and patience that culminated in Pupi's successful arrival.

Scott [00:01:14]: "She's been a long road and a lot of patience and finally she is here."

The Decision to Relocate Pupi

Nadia references the previous episode, recalling that Kat and Scott had been in Argentina, particularly Mendoza and Buenos Aires, working with Pupi. Despite initial hesitations about Pupi's comfort with the crate door closing, a sudden shift occurred leading to Pupi's transportation.

Scott [00:01:53]: "A leap of faith is what happened."

Scott details the pivotal Thursday when Pupi showed significant progress during training sessions, leading to urgent discussions with sanctuary directors.

Scott [00:04:16]: "After a two-hour conversation, they said, if we think we can do it and we think she's ready, let's go ahead and try."

The rapid assembly of logistics, thanks to the collective efforts of key team members like Maggio, Maria Jose, Tom Weber, Dolo, and Ramuro, made the unexpected move possible within a tight timeframe.

The Journey to the Sanctuary

Kat and Scott recount the intricate process of crossing borders with a live elephant, highlighting the challenges faced, such as coordinating with multiple government agencies and managing unexpected delays.

Scott [00:07:38]: "We left Foz de Guazu... It was really, really crowded. So we had to spend the night there."

Despite these hurdles, the team's dedication ensured Pupi's safe passage to the sanctuary by adjusting plans on the fly.

Scott [00:09:02]: "They kept the border open. They kept everybody there. We got there a little bit later than we had hoped, but they had everything aligned."

Arrival and Immediate Reactions

Upon arrival, Pupi exhibited calmness beyond expectations during the initial gate closure, dispelling fears that her anxiety was tied to the crate itself.

Scott [00:06:16]: "She didn't even push against the gate. She didn't even back. You know, she backed up to it for a second. She didn't try to kick it. She didn't get stressed. She was so calm."

Kat emphasizes the transformation within the caregiving team, noting a significant shift in attitude and cooperation.

Kat [00:05:20]: "The caregiving team, the training team, how they all felt, what they were open to, so on and so forth. And I think that was the biggest change that made everything possible."

The Five-Day Road Trip

The relocation journey spanned five days, marked by meticulous care and unwavering teamwork. Kat highlights the exceptional support from both the Buenos Aires Eco Park team and the Brazilian side, ensuring Pupi's well-being throughout the trip.

Kat [00:10:59]: "She thought they were the best toy. She was throwing them around, slapping herself in the face. She had a total party with them."

Scott praises the on-site team's synchronization and camaraderie, which were crucial in handling unexpected situations smoothly.

Scott [00:12:16]: "The team at the Buenos Aires Eco park... was so synchronized and the camaraderie within the on-site team of elephant care was like nothing we've ever seen."

Pupi's Adjustment to the Sanctuary

Upon settling, Pupi's behavior became a testament to the sanctuary's nurturing environment. From initial hesitations, she began exploring her new home with curiosity and confidence.

Kat [00:25:53]: "She's just going to walk and if a tree is in her way, it's going to bump a little bit as she goes past."

Scott observes transformative changes in Pupi's physiology and demeanor, indicating her healing process.

Scott [00:26:48]: "She's eating bark, she's breaking branches. She's using all the water trough, she's using the mud wallow. She is rumbling. She looks radiant. Her skin is already improving. Her feces have already changed."

Kat notes the significant improvement in Pupi's posture and overall well-being, contrasting her current state with her time in captivity.

Kat [00:27:27]: "She's very African."

Emotional Impact and Future Steps

The relocation of Pupi marks a monumental shift for the Buenos Aires Eco Park, symbolizing the end of over 120 years of elephant captivity in the oldest zoo in South America. Scott shares a heartfelt message from Tomas, a key figure in elephant relocations, reflecting on the emotional closure of this chapter.

Scott [00:28:29]: "This relocation is huge... This is the end of elephants in the oldest zoo in South America."

Looking forward, Kat and Scott discuss plans to introduce another elephant once logistical hurdles, such as permit renewals in Kenya, are overcome.

Scott [00:27:42]: "Once those permits are in hand, we can settle the next steps."

Conclusion

Episode 56 of Global Rumblings Podcast poignantly captures the successful relocation of Ms. Pupi to the Global Sanctuary for Elephants, underscoring the profound impact of dedicated teamwork, empathetic care, and unwavering commitment to elephant welfare. Kat and Scott's narrative not only celebrates Pupi's journey but also highlights the broader mission of transforming elephant lives through sanctuaries that prioritize their physical and emotional healing.

For those interested in following Pupi's ongoing journey and other sanctuary activities, Nadia encourages listeners to engage with GSE through their various social media platforms and website.

Nadia Mari [00:31:40]: "Check out the videos on Facebook if you like reading, read the blog posts or Instagram everything. ... Congratulations on your new elephant daughter."

Takeaways

• Teamwork and Collaboration: The successful relocation of Pupi was made possible through seamless coordination among international teams, local staff, and supportive government bodies.

• Emotional Healing: Pupi's calmness and improved behavior post-relocation emphasize the sanctuary's role in healing elephants from traumatic pasts.

• Symbolic Milestone: Pupi’s relocation signifies a historic transformation, marking the end of elephant captivity in a major South American zoo and paving the way for a more compassionate future.

Quotes Highlight

• Scott [00:06:16]: "She was so calm, so calm to the point that the rest of the care team... couldn't believe it was happening."

• Kat [00:05:20]: "The caregiving team... what they were open to, so on and so forth. That was the biggest change that made everything possible."

• Scott [00:28:29]: "This is not just the relocation of an elephant. This is the end of elephants in the oldest zoo in South America."

Stay Connected

To continue following Pupi’s journey and support the Global Sanctuary for Elephants, visit their website at globalelephants.org and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.

End of Summary