Global Rumblings Podcast: Episode 59 – Tamy's Passing

Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: Nadia Mari
Guests: Kat and Scott Blais, Co-founders of Global Sanctuary for Elephants

I. Introduction

In this poignant episode of Global Rumblings, host Nadia Mari delves into the heartbreaking news of Tamy's passing, a solitary male Asian elephant who died on June 23rd at the Mendoza Eco Park in Argentina. Joined by Kat and Scott Blais, co-founders of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE), the discussion navigates the multifaceted challenges surrounding elephant captivity, sanctuary efforts, and the bureaucratic hurdles that impede their rescue and rehabilitation.

II. The Passing of Tamy: Circumstances and Emotional Impact

The episode opens with Nadia expressing the somber tone of the discussion ahead, setting the stage for a heartfelt exploration of Tamy’s demise. Scott reflects on the emotional toll, stating:

Scott [01:25]: "It's heavy, it's hard, it's frustrating."

Kat echoes these sentiments, highlighting the complexity of processing such losses while striving to advocate for better elephant welfare.

III. Bureaucratic Obstacles in Elephant Rescue Efforts

A significant portion of the conversation centers on the bureaucratic challenges that GSE faces in relocating elephants from captivity to sanctuaries. Scott paints a picture of a systemic impediment, describing it as:

Scott [02:43]: "It's called the bureaucracy of our society."

He explains that the licensing process alone can take three to four years, a stark contrast to the expedited six-month period GSE experienced in Brazil. This delay is exacerbated by limited sanctuary spaces—only one sanctuary in Europe can currently accept new elephants, accommodating just one more at the time of the discussion.

Moreover, Scott draws parallels to similar struggles in the United States, referencing Lucy’s campaign, which has been ongoing for 15 years without resolution. The rarity of available sanctuaries worldwide intensifies the frustration, leaving many elephants languishing in inadequate conditions.

IV. Ethical Dilemma: Captivity vs. Sanctuaries

The ethical implications of elephant captivity versus sanctuary life form the crux of the debate. Scott emphasizes the detrimental effects of confinement:

Scott [05:45]: "Poor diet, small space, all the things that captivity contribute to compromise health."

He highlights Tamy's suffering due to inadequate care—improper diet, limited space, and lack of foot maintenance—as symptomatic of a broader systemic neglect. Kat adds that elephants cannot be valued merely as educational tools but deserve to exist and thrive for their intrinsic worth:

Kat [06:32]: "They are valuable when they can be tools of education because people can stare at them and see this unnatural life that doesn't even educate them to what the reality of an elephant is."

This perspective underscores the necessity of sanctuaries not just as temporary refuges but as essential havens for genuine healing and well-being.

V. Critique of Zoos and Their Justifications

Kat and Scott critically assess the role of zoos, challenging their purported missions of conservation and education. While zoos claim to contribute to elephant welfare, the reality often starkly contrasts with these assertions. Scott cites the tragic death of an African elephant male in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, who suffered from severe health issues unaddressed by inadequate care:

Scott [09:13]: "There's another elephant that just died in Belo Horizonte, which is in Ministry dais in Brazil. 29 year old African elephant, male, who has skin and bones abscesses on his body."

Kat further critiques the superficial value placed on elephants, arguing that their presence in zoos primarily serves human entertainment rather than their own needs:

Kat [08:13]: "Tammy was in that zoo because people wanted to be able to see elephants."

This critique extends to the broader societal acceptance of such practices, where elephants are commodified for visitation rather than respected for their inherent worth.

VI. Challenges in Implementing Sanctuary Solutions

The discussion highlights the resistance to change driven by institutional pride and fear of admitting wrongdoing. Kat attributes the failure to adhere to sanctuary recommendations to ego and a reluctance to recognize the flaws in current captivity practices:

Kat [12:00]: "A lot of it comes back to ego. The people not wanting to feel like there are other people that know better, that what they're doing is wrong."

This resistance manifests in neglectful practices, as illustrated by Tamy's lack of training and inadequate care, ultimately contributing to his untimely death. Scott underscores the inefficiency and delays caused by bureaucratic red tape, which often result in critical intervention being too late to save affected elephants.

VII. Advocacy and Legal Battles

Legal obstacles play a pivotal role in the sanctuary efforts. Scott outlines the legal battles GSE faces, citing judges' hesitance to make decisive rulings without deferring to panels or fearing public backlash. For instance, a judge handling another elephant case remarked:

Kat [22:12]: "He doesn't want to make the decision because he's been told she might die in transport."

This hesitation underscores the systemic fear of making potentially controversial decisions, even when evidence supports the necessity of relocation to a sanctuary.

Nadia questions the consistency of judicial decisions, especially given South America's progressive laws on elephant confiscation. Scott responds by highlighting the ongoing struggle with legal delays and misinformation campaigns that hinder swift action:

Scott [22:26]: "They're using data excerpts to make their arguments... There's nothing to support these delays."

The dialogue emphasizes the need for judicial systems to prioritize animal welfare over institutional inertia and public pressure.

VIII. Emotional and Personal Reflections

The emotional weight of the discussion is palpable as Nadia shares her personal heartbreak over Tamy's death:

Nadia Mari [30:13]: "I don't know what to say. I'm crying now."

Scott offers a blend of sorrow and hope, reflecting on the positive changes witnessed in other relocated elephants and the enduring spirit of those still fighting:

Scott [28:38]: "There's something that is incredibly, I guess, beautiful, knowing that there's no more elephants in that concrete hole."

This balance between grief and optimism encapsulates the resilient spirit of the sanctuary community.

IX. Call to Action and Future Efforts

As the episode draws to a close, the guests emphasize the importance of continued advocacy and public support. Kat expresses a cautious optimism, urging listeners to educate themselves and support sanctuary efforts:

Kat [27:17]: "We just all have to keep doing what we're trying to do and hope that somebody listens at some point."

Scott reaffirms GSE's commitment to fighting for every elephant's well-being, regardless of setbacks:

Scott [30:16]: "We don't stop that fight. We don't stop pushing in that direction to give these elephants whatever it is for however long it is."

X. Conclusion

Global Rumblings Episode 59 serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing struggle for elephant welfare. Through the lens of Tamy’s tragic passing, the podcast sheds light on systemic issues within elephant captivity, the relentless pursuit of sanctuary solutions, and the emotional resilience of those dedicated to these majestic animals. Listeners are left with a profound understanding of the complexities involved and a call to support meaningful change.

XI. Notable Quotes

• Scott [01:25]: "It's heavy, it's hard, it's frustrating."
• Scott [02:43]: "It's called the bureaucracy of our society."
• Scott [05:45]: "Poor diet, small space, all the things that captivity contribute to compromise health."
• Kat [06:32]: "They are valuable when they can be tools of education because people can stare at them and see this unnatural life that doesn't even educate them to what the reality of an elephant is."
• Scott [09:13]: "There's another elephant that just died in Belo Horizonte... who has skin and bones abscesses on his body."
• Kat [12:00]: "A lot of it comes back to ego. The people not wanting to feel like there are other people that know better, that what they're doing is wrong."
• Nadia Mari [30:13]: "I don't know what to say. I'm crying now."
• Kat [27:17]: "We just all have to keep doing what we're trying to do and hope that somebody listens at some point."
• Scott [30:16]: "We don't stop that fight. We don't stop pushing in that direction to give these elephants whatever it is for however long it is."

Thank you for reading this summary of Episode 59: Tamy's Passing. For more in-depth discussions on elephant welfare and sanctuary life, subscribe to the Global Rumblings Podcast and join Nadia, Kat, and Scott in their mission to create safe, healing spaces for elephants worldwide.