Global Rumblings Podcast

Episode 65: Reflections and 2026 Plans

Global Sanctuary for Elephants, Hosted by Nadia Mari
Published December 30, 2025

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and insightful year-end episode, host Nadia Mari checks in with Kat and Scott Blais, co-founders of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE), to reflect on the highlights and challenges of 2025 and share exciting plans for 2026. Covering everything from a record-breaking sanctuary expansion and animal rescues to the emotional nuances of their mission, the conversation encapsulates both the hard realities and the hope fueling their work.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Rainy Reality of Sanctuary Life (00:33–03:07)

• Atmosphere Check: The episode opens with Kat and Scott sharing a vivid account of the relentless rain soaking the Brazilian sanctuary. The relentless mist has even saturated the inside of their home, marking a true “Gorillas in the Mist” day.
• Impact on Daily Operations: Staff and caregivers adapt, changing into dry clothes mid-day.
• Quote:
  “We have very, very saturated caregivers who were changing clothes at lunch because everything is wet down to the core.”
  — Kat (02:15)

2. Clearing Up "Acre-Gate" and Habitat Expansion (03:07–05:13)

• Clarifying Numbers: Correction on the expansion figures for the female Asian elephant habitat. Currently, 80–85 acres are available, with an additional 200 acres soon to be added for a total of about 280 acres—nearly a third of Central Park’s size.
• Navigating Nature: Scott notes that environmental factors, like unexpected springs, mean plans often shift on the ground.
• Quote:
  “We work around trees and all sorts of things...trying to balance between what elephants need and preserving beautiful spots and really special spots with those springs.”
  — Scott (04:32)

3. Fundraising Updates and Philosophy (05:13–10:12)

• Year-End Fundraiser: GSE aims to raise $300,000 (split between Giving Tuesday and the end-of-year push), with generous donors contributing matching funds.
• Donor Diversity Matters: Kat emphasizes the power of small contributions, recounting a story of a $3 cash donation from a supporter.
• Quote:
  "If all of our supporters gave $5, it would actually pay for the entire expansion. So, you know, don't discount that amount of money.”
  — Kat (08:00)
• Message on “Only”: All three hosts reflect on the significance of any contribution—never “only” a small amount or a humble support role.

4. Major Milestones and Highlights of 2025 (10:12–13:18)

Elephant News

• New Arrivals and Losses: Welcoming Pupi (first female African elephant), a farewell to Kenya (recently passed), and the sadness at losing Tammy, the last male Asian elephant on their transfer list.
• Freedom in Argentina: 2025 marked the removal of the last elephant from Argentina—an historic moment and legislative victory.
• Rescueversaries: Celebrations for Maya (9 years), Hana (7), Bambi (5), Mara (5), Gigi (3), and a nod to Gigi's real birthday.
• Quote:
  “...Argentina is the first to say, as a country, no more [elephants in captivity] and make really positive action to make that happen. So there’s so much to celebrate.”
  — Scott (12:43)
• Legislation for the Future: Notably, Argentina didn’t just empty the zoos—they legally closed the door to future captive elephants.

Wildlife Rehab Successes (13:18–19:14)

• Iconic Animals Helped: Notably, “Pushy” the tapir was released back into the wild after intensive, creative medical care.
  • “We created a little treatment chute for her...She was very relaxed. We did laser therapy, cleaning, topical therapy, I mean, you name it.”
    — Kat (14:27)
• Broader Impact: Rehabilitation efforts also supported endangered harpy eagles, the rare shako eagle (Agia Cinzento), and local owls—with released animals sometimes returning to “visit.”
• Challenge: Most rehab infrastructure is designed for smaller juveniles, presenting unique engineering and animal care tests.

5. Looking Forward: 2026 Plans and Growing Independence (19:14–24:38)

• Empowering the Team: After their first meaningful “holiday,” Kat and Scott reflect on the staff’s growth—increased self-reliance and confidence:
  • "Stepping away and them not having that security blanket...allowed them to gain more self-confidence in their own abilities that they've always had."
    — Kat (20:46)
  • "That self-confidence allows them to be in that space where they say, I'm not 100% sure, but let me try."
    — Scott (21:31)
• Supporting Other Sanctuaries: With ESB running strongly, 2026 may see Kat and Scott consulting more directly with organizations like Elephant Haven and Pangea.
• Global Vision: The original “three to five year” plan has extended into a decade, but GSE’s expanding impact is clear.

6. Personal Reflections & Closing Messages (24:38–29:13)

• The Elusive Work-Free Holiday: Kat and Scott joke about their inability to fully disconnect, as every trip ends up with work or elephant-related activities.
  • "I think a vacation where we don't go anywhere that has anything to do with elephants and we just go somewhere to enjoy is the goal. I'm keeping it."
    — Kat (24:26)
• Gratitude: Nadia, Kat, and Scott express heartfelt thanks to listeners, donors of all sizes, and their team.
• Encouragement & Call to Action: They reiterate the importance of any act of support—financial or spreading awareness.
  • "Never doubt those first steps can do. And if that's $5, don't doubt the impact that that has...Just do what you can where you can and keep plugging forward because you can all change the world together."
    — Scott (27:59)
  • "Sharing is huge. You know, with people, with their friend groups, social media...Just educating somebody that sanctuaries for elephants exist."
    — Kat (28:32)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Expansion Challenges:
  "When I was actually down there and clearing it, we ran into some really, really soggy ground and don't want to mess with the springs at all. So we quickly diverted and went different routes."
  — Scott (04:32)

• On Sanctuary Growth:
  "The Dynamics of this 200 acres for the Asian elephants is phenomenal...hidden pastures and hidden valleys. And that's really an amazing, amazing little plot."
  — Scott (07:37)

• On Wildlife Rehab Joys:
  "We did repeat X-rays...everything was all clear."
  — Kat (15:17)

• On Team Building:
  "What GSE was supposed to do...help create an organization that can stand on its own. And we're getting closer and closer to that. It's just an exciting time.”
  — Scott (21:48)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Rainy Sanctuary Slice-of-Life – 00:33–03:07
• Habitat Expansion & Acre-Gate – 03:07–05:13
• Fundraising Status & Donor Stories – 05:13–10:12
• Year in Review: Elephants and Progress – 10:12–13:18
• Wildlife Rehab Successes – 13:18–19:14
• 2026 Visions & Staff Independence – 19:14–24:38
• Personal Reflections & Community Thanks – 24:38–29:13

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a warm, candid portrait of sanctuary life—the rain, the rescue work, the losses, and the triumphs—reminding listeners that every effort, every dollar, and every shared story is vital. With a growing, empowered team and ambitious plans for sanctuary expansion and global outreach, Kat, Scott, and the GSE community are poised to make 2026 their most impactful year yet.

To support the expansion, find donation links in the show notes. Remember: no donation is too small, and sharing the message matters just as much!

Happy New Year from the Global Rumblings team!