Episode 57: Pupy's Path of Self-discovery & Our Virtual Online Auction - Summary

Released on June 10, 2025

In Episode 57 of the Global Rumblings Podcast, hosted by Nadia Mari of Elephants in Japan, listeners are taken deep into the heart of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE) in the Mato Grosso region of central Brazil. Co-founders Kat and Scott Blais share insightful updates on sanctuary life, the ethics of captivity, elephant physiology and behavior, and the sanctuary's latest initiatives, including their virtual auction and the journey of their newest resident, Ms. Pupi.

Trunks and Treasures: GSE’s Virtual Auction

The episode begins with an exciting announcement about GSE’s upcoming virtual auction, "Trunks and Treasures." Scheduled to start on June 13, three days after the podcast release, the auction aims to engage supporters by offering a variety of unique elephant-themed items and experiences.

Kat explains, “We have different cute elephant items. We have stuff you can get for the girls. We have different trips, artwork. There's a lot of cute things.” (01:45). This year marks the second iteration of the auction, with Kat highlighting the expansion from the previous year's format by introducing a sweepstakes element. This allows more supporters, especially those who may not afford high-priced donations, a chance to win a trip to the sanctuary with flight costs covered.

Kat further elaborates on the inclusive nature of this year's auction: “We wanted those people to be able to have a chance at it as well.” (04:13). The sweepstakes is currently limited to US residents due to legal constraints, but GSE hopes to expand it internationally in the future.

Supporting Caregivers for Tami and Kenya

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the sanctuary’s efforts to support Tami, a male Asian elephant, and Kenya, a female African elephant. Kat details the financial needs involved in their care, including airfare, lodging, food stipends, and salaries for two dedicated caregivers to handle tasks such as blood draws and specialized training.

Scott shares optimistic news about the addition of a new caregiver, Walter: “He is there for two months… And he's doing remarkably well.” (09:03). Walter's arrival has been pivotal in enhancing the emotional and physical well-being of both Tami and Kenya, fostering stronger bonds and improving their overall health.

Ms. Pupi’s Path of Self-discovery

The sanctuary's latest resident, Ms. Pupi, has quickly adapted to her new environment, showcasing remarkable behaviors that align with her natural instincts. Scott describes her as a "landscape designer," highlighting her engagement with her surroundings.

Kat observes, “She definitely is very much into eating bark and scraping bark off of trees, which is great. It’s part of their natural diet.” (16:11). Pupi’s activities not only demonstrate her physical health but also her emotional adaptation, reflecting the sanctuary’s mission to provide elephants with the space to heal and rediscover their natural behaviors.

Physical and Behavioral Developments

Over the past four weeks, Pupi has shown significant physical and behavioral improvements. Scott notes, “The other night Medina sent a message saying she was actually picking grass the way a normal elephant eats grass for the first time.” (22:55), indicating her progress in regaining natural foraging behaviors.

Pupi also exhibits resilience despite a minor trunk weakness: “She has a little weakness… but she does have full mobility.” (21:38). Kat reassures that Pupi is thriving physically, with improvements in skin condition and muscle development, essential for her long-term health and well-being.

Building Trust and Emotional Bonds

A key theme throughout the episode is the importance of trust and emotional connections between the elephants and their caregivers. Kat emphasizes the balance required in caregiving: “We are trying to find the balance with where they're at… reading the room and making your adjustments.” (12:48). This approach ensures that the elephants feel safe and respected, fostering positive relationships without over-pampering.

Scott adds, “It takes a nice, even approach… being emotionally available to them is not this overly pampering.” (12:12). This balanced interaction is crucial for the elephants' emotional health, allowing them to engage naturally with their caregivers while maintaining their innate behaviors.

Future Plans and Expansions

Looking ahead, GSE plans to continue expanding their sanctuary to accommodate more elephants and enhance the living conditions for their current residents. Kat mentions, “We're building a brand new crate… it is super exciting to see.” (07:16), highlighting ongoing infrastructure improvements aimed at providing spacious, comfortable habitats tailored to each elephant’s needs.

Scott expresses enthusiasm about the future, saying, “It's amazing to watch Bupi adapt to that environment.” (17:48). The upcoming expansions will ensure that elephants like Pupi and Kenya have ample space to explore, socialize, and continue their journey of self-discovery in a safe and nurturing environment.

Notable Quotes:

• “We wanted those people to be able to have a chance at it as well.” – Kat (04:13)
• “He is there for two months… And he's doing remarkably well.” – Scott (09:03)
• “She definitely is very much into eating bark and scraping bark off of trees, which is great.” – Kat (16:11)
• “We're building a brand new crate… it is super exciting to see.” – Kat (07:16)
• “It takes a nice, even approach… being emotionally available to them is not this overly pampering.” – Scott (12:12)

Conclusion

Episode 57 of Global Rumblings offers a heartfelt glimpse into the dedicated efforts of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants in caring for and rehabilitating their majestic residents. Through the virtual auction "Trunks and Treasures," the sanctuary continues to garner support, ensuring that elephants like Tami, Kenya, and Pupi receive the care and environment they need to thrive. Kat and Scott’s passionate discussions provide listeners with a deeper understanding of elephant welfare, the challenges of sanctuary life, and the profound impact of dedicated caregiving.

For those interested in supporting GSE or participating in the "Trunks and Treasures" auction, visit globalelephants.org/trunksandtreasures.