Global Rumblings Podcast - Episode 60: Coming Home- Kenya's Rescue
Introduction In Episode 60 of the Global Rumblings podcast, the Global Sanctuary for Elephants celebrates a significant milestone: the relocation of Kenya, a female African elephant, to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. This episode, released on August 12, 2025, aligns perfectly with World Elephant Day, emphasizing the sanctuary’s commitment to elephant welfare and ethical captivity practices.
Welcome and Celebrations (00:00 - 01:08) Host Nadia Mari opens the episode by introducing the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE) and its mission to provide safe and healing environments for captive elephants. Kat announces the arrival of Kenya from Argentina to Brazil, marking Argentina as officially elephant-free, a "fantastic development" (Nadia Mari, 00:57). The team expresses their excitement and congratulates each other on this milestone.
Handling Tragedy and Transition (01:24 - 02:23) Scott discusses the recent passing of Tammy, a somber event preceding Kenya's relocation. He reflects on the importance of being present during Tammy's final moments, stating, “we are by their side as much as we can be” (02:00). Despite this tragic event, the team shifts focus to the positive news of Kenya’s successful transition.
Kenya’s Transformation and Trust Building (02:23 - 07:17) Scott highlights Kenya’s remarkable behavioral transformation, attributing it to increased trust and improved communication fostered by Walter’s involvement. He notes, “a substantial shift in her trust, in her communication, in her understanding” (03:00). Walter elaborates on his approach, emphasizing autonomy and respectful communication with elephants, which significantly benefited Kenya (04:33).
Logistical Challenges and Successes During Relocation (07:17 - 12:00) Scott recounts the complexities of relocating Kenya, including unpredictable weather and mechanical issues. Despite a forecast of snow and cold, the team managed to prepare Kenya’s crate with heaters, which initially caused her discomfort but eventually led to her desensitization to noise and movement (06:39). They faced battery and brake issues with the transport truck but handled them efficiently, ensuring Kenya's safety (11:28).
Dietary Observations and Misconceptions (12:00 - 15:47) A significant discussion revolves around Kenya’s dietary habits. Walter addresses misconceptions about Kenya disliking apples, clarifying that her apparent refusal was a matter of preference at the moment rather than a permanent aversion. Scott explains, “she doesn't want to [eat] now... try again later” (09:31). This segment underscores the importance of understanding elephant behavior without projecting human interpretations onto them.
Team Collaboration and Support (15:47 - 21:14) Kat and Scott discuss the collaborative efforts of the diverse team involved in Kenya’s relocation, including veterinarians and caregivers from various organizations. Scott praises the team’s flexibility and dedication, stating, “a great team. Super collaborative” (13:52). The team’s ability to adapt and support each other was crucial in ensuring Kenya’s smooth transition.
Kenya’s Adaptation and Sanctuary Experience (21:14 - 22:38) The sanctuary staff express their amazement at Kenya’s adaptation to her new environment. Scott shares reactions from the Mendoza Eco Park team, who were impressed by Kenya’s transformation and the sanctuary’s expansive space. He remarks, “She gained a lot of trust... which made the trip that much better” (20:18).
Behavioral Insights and Sanctuary Life (22:38 - 24:17) Scott provides anecdotes illustrating Kenya’s vibrant personality, including her playful trumpeting and interactions with the sanctuary’s environment. He emphasizes Kenya’s expressiveness and emotional openness, stating, “she is very vocal, she is very expressive” (18:25). The team discusses the challenges and joys of integrating Kenya into the sanctuary, highlighting her gentle nature despite her large size.
Community and Ethical Impact (24:17 - 25:50) Scott acknowledges the role of Argentina in setting a precedent by becoming elephant-free for ethical reasons. He urges this positive change to inspire global efforts toward better elephant welfare, saying, “it was their choice to say we have to do better” (25:08). Kat emphasizes the community’s support and the importance of spreading awareness about ethical captivity.
Closing Remarks and Future Plans (25:50 - End) Kat wraps up the episode by thanking supporters and encouraging them to engage with the sanctuary’s online presence. The team shares light-hearted comments about Kenya’s unique noises and playful nicknames, adding a personal touch to the episode’s conclusion. Scott humorously mentions the challenges of managing the team’s logistics, while Kendall encourages continued support and engagement from listeners.
Notable Quotes:
- Nadia Mari: “Global Sanctuary for Elephants, or GSE for short, is a non-profit organization with a mission to create vast, safe spaces for captive elephants where they are able to heal physically and emotionally” (00:16).
- Scott: “A substantial shift in her trust, in her communication, in her understanding” (03:00).
- Walter: “He was very open to learning and very open to what we had to share” (04:33).
- Scott: “We are not letting people get too close. But again, it's a really unique opportunity” (12:35).
- Scott: “She is very vocal, she's very expressive” (18:25).
- Scott: “It was their choice to say we have to do better” (25:08).
Conclusion Episode 60 of Global Rumblings offers an in-depth look into the successful relocation of Kenya, showcasing the dedication and collaborative spirit of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants team. Through transparent discussions of challenges and triumphs, the episode provides valuable insights into elephant welfare, sanctuary life, and the ethical considerations of captivity. Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the sanctuary’s mission and the transformative power of trust and compassion in animal rescue and rehabilitation.
Stay Connected For more updates and to support the Global Sanctuary for Elephants, visit their website, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook. Join the community in celebrating and advocating for better elephant welfare worldwide.