Global Rumblings Podcast - Episode 58: Running the Sanctuary - More than Elephant Care

Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Nadia Mari
Guests: Kat and Scott Blais, Co-founders of Global Sanctuary for Elephants

Episode Overview

In Episode 58 of the Global Rumblings Podcast, host Nadia Mari delves into the intricate workings of running an elephant sanctuary beyond the day-to-day care of these majestic animals. Featuring co-founders Kat and Scott Blais of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE), this episode offers listeners an insider's perspective on the multifaceted responsibilities involved in sanctuary management, highlighting the balance between animal welfare, team coordination, and ongoing projects.

A Day in the Life at the Sanctuary

The conversation kicks off with Nadia expressing admiration for the sanctuary's operations and prompting Kat and Scott to describe a typical day from their vantage point.

• Kat's Humor on Sanctuary Life:
  “A good day is Sunday.”
  (02:30)

• Scott on Daily Routines:
  Scott shares his early morning routine, starting his day before dawn at 5:30 AM, checking messages, and consulting with Pangea on their Portugal project.
  “My day starts right a little before 5:30, get up, check messages right away.”
  (03:11)

The team, comprising approximately 14 to 18 people on an average day, engages in diverse tasks ranging from feeding elephants and small animals to managing projects like fundraising and social media initiatives.

Team Management and Coordination

Managing a sanctuary involves overseeing both on-site and remote teams:

• Dual Organization Structure:
  Kat explains the complexity of running two separate entities: GSE in the US and SCB in Brazil, each with its own fundraising and staff requirements.
  “We're running two organizations. It's not just GSE in the US. It's SCB... a completely separate organization here in Brazil.”
  (03:32)

• Time Zone Challenges:
  Kat manages a virtual team spread across different time zones, ensuring seamless communication and project progression.
  “Our team is in the US and they get up at all different times because they're in different time zones.”
  (10:48)

Sanctuary Projects and Maintenance

The sanctuary is continuously evolving with various projects aimed at improving the elephants' living conditions:

• Yard Expansion:
  Scott updates on the gradual progress of yard extensions, addressing delays due to material arrivals and ongoing construction tasks.
  “A little slow. We had a couple other projects that needed to get back to.”
  (07:50)

• Water Distribution and Irrigation Systems:
  Successful testing of a new two-stage pump system enhances water distribution for fire containment and irrigation.
  “We did a test which was actually really successful this week.”
  (08:25)

Building Crates and Facility Management

A significant part of sanctuary operations involves constructing and maintaining facilities tailored to elephants' needs.

• In-House Construction Philosophy:
  Kat and Scott emphasize the importance of building crates and other structures internally to ensure quality and suitability.
  “We build everything at the sanctuary. You don't send anything away. If you want it done well, you do it at home.”
  (05:18)

• Challenges with External Contractors:
  They recount a problematic experience with a Buenos Aires company that failed to adhere to proper specifications, leading to subpar construction.
  “They used the wrong size... ridiculously, our crates are like... but to charge 120,000 and then not even use the appropriate metal is just absurd.”
  (05:25 - 06:23)

Managing Legal and Welfare Issues

The sanctuary faces ongoing legal challenges related to elephant welfare and captivity ethics.

• Mason's Legal Battle:
  Kat discusses the complexities of responding to flawed legal documents concerning Mason, an elephant previously at Bambi.
  “They use the wrong elephant. But five is actually obese. Five isn't... it should be an 86 page Portuguese document.”
  (15:09 - 15:26)

• Addressing Misinformation:
  The team painstakingly dismantles inaccuracies in judicial processes, showcasing their dedication to truthful advocacy for elephant welfare.
  “It's just obnoxious and it's total fabrications.”
  (13:07)

Challenges vs. Rewards of Sanctuary Life

Kat and Scott shed light on the reality behind the sanctuary's operations, contrasting the romanticized view with the actual challenges.

• Reality of Management Tasks:
  Scott admits, “Sorry to burst a beautiful bubble that everyone thinks is the life of sanctuary.”
  (29:57), highlighting the extensive management and administrative responsibilities that often go unnoticed.

• Personal Fulfillment:
  Despite the challenges, both find immense satisfaction in witnessing the growth and development of both elephants and team members.
  “It's incredibly rewarding to see the evolution of people.”
  (25:37)

Insights on Sanctuary Management

The episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to run a successful elephant sanctuary:

• Training and Autonomy:
  Scott emphasizes the importance of training the team to handle elephant care independently, reducing the founders' direct involvement over time.
  “It allows us to do other things that people aren't trained to do.”
  (17:48)

• Website Revamp:
  Kat discusses the ongoing efforts to redesign the sanctuary's website, aiming for better functionality and user experience.
  “Late this year probably... making it much more functional on the backside.”
  (17:55 - 19:26)

• Consulting and Community Support:
  GSE extends its expertise to other sanctuaries and animal welfare projects globally, offering guidance based on their extensive experience.
  “We get calls on a regular basis... trying to start a sanctuary, but they have to seek medical help immediately.”
  (20:25 - 20:34)

Conclusion

Episode 58 of Global Rumblings provides a transparent look into the complexities of running an elephant sanctuary. Kat and Scott Blais reveal that while the work is demanding—balancing construction projects, legal battles, team management, and more—the rewards are profound. Witnessing the healing and growth of the elephants, alongside the personal and professional development of their team, underscores the sanctuary's mission to create safe and nurturing environments for these incredible animals.

Notable Quotes:

• “A good day is Sunday.” – Kat (02:30)
• “Sorry to burst a beautiful bubble that everyone thinks is the life of sanctuary.” – Scott (29:57)
• “It's incredibly rewarding to see the evolution of people.” – Scott (25:37)

Stay Updated:
Follow Global Sanctuary for Elephants on their website and social media channels for the latest updates and stories from the sanctuary.