Elephant Update – Creating Family
As the days and weeks pass, elephant-directed patterns emerge. Bo, Tarra, and Mundi have bonded, proving that for elephants, species is not as important as the driving need for companionship. The concern of some that Mundi being an African elephant would prevent her from enjoying a rich social life with Asian elephants—Bo and Tarra—proved unfounded.
Mundi has an enthusiastic and protective Puerto Rican following who watch her every move on our EleCam. Their avid interest in Mundi’s rehabilitation has grown to include Tarra and Bo, with wonderful results. As they observed Tarra and Bo unconditionally welcome Mundi into their world, an entire island of Mundi activists became elephant advocates, increasing awareness for all captive-held elephants. Our mission of “One elephant at a time” really works.
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Tarra, Bo and Mundi Enjoying the Wonderful World of Mud |
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The viewing public’s understanding of elephant behavior increases watching Tarra, Mundi, and Bo take full advantage of their autonomy, the lush pastures, and the newly excavated mud wallow. Mundi is a mud diva and introduced both Tarra and Bo to the wonderful world of mud. All three can be found huddled together in the sloshy mud wallow, digging, splashing, mud packing, and sprawling out in the squishy goo. You, too, can watch this daily unsolicited entertainment live on our EleCam. |
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Mundi’s arrival and instant gravitation towards Bo and Tarra resulted in a deeper and more fulfilling social life for all three. Mundi is very active, putting in double the mileage of Tarra and Bo, yet remains within sight of them. Their effort to be emotionally available to Mundi 24/7 can be taxing, although their actions show they want Mundi to feel safe and at home. Periodically Tarra or Bo removes themself from this small herd to take time off, a day to themselves. The pattern that has emerged looks like this: all three spend 24/7 together, which is obviously valuable learning time for Mundi. Then after three days, Tarra or Bo will go to a distant area of the habitat alone for a day, sometimes two. During this time, the other stays with Mundi. Then the pattern repeats itself with a return to the threesome, and after a couple of days, Tarra or Bo peeling off to spend time alone. And most interesting is Mundi is never left alone. |
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Mundi and Tarra Deep in the 750 |
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Bo and Mundi Hanging Near the Migratory Bird Pond |
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This threesome teaches us so much about elephants, their tolerance, intelligence, consciousness, empathy, playfulness, and their sense of responsibility and compassion for each other. For elephants who have only known each other for seven weeks, they have most certainly created a caring family. |
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EleCam Expansion Campaign |
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At the Refuge, the needs of our elephants come first. We are not open to the public, however, we know it's a great learning experience to watch elephants being elephants in a natural habitat. That's why we have our EleCam—so you can watch our elephants unobtrusively as they go about their daily lives.
High-definition cameras that auto-track movement are strategically located throughout the Refuge. They even have night vision, so you can check on Bo, Tarra, and Mundi after dark and watch them stroll under the stars.
Your support will mean more cameras for a reliable communication system throughout our 850-acre habitat, which will include the following:
- Uninterrupted live-streaming video to monitor the activity of resident elephants and educate the public on normal elephant behavior.
- Reliable internet connectivity so we can provide online educational opportunities for schools and organizations.
Will you help fund the expansion of our EleCam system?
With the vast habitat, we are challenged to monitor Bo, Tarra, and Mundi's behavior in real-time 24/7. Our ability to locate them for vet care and supplemental feedings and unobtrusively monitor what they eat, where they sleep, when they drink, how much time they spend together, and how their interpersonal relationships are progressing helps us provide excellent care.
Now you can be part of this effort by contributing to the Elecam Expansion. Any donation brings us closer to our goal.
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Online Print Store — Photos of Bo, Tarra, and Mundi Delivered to Your Door |
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Now is your chance to proudly display images of Bo, Tarra, and Mundi in your home or office. Have photos of these forever friends delivered right to your door. Starting this week, you can shop in EAI’s Online Print Store and enjoy the elephant paradise Bo, Tarra and Mundi call home.
Choose from print sizes 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, and 24x36. Printing options are paper or canvas wrap. Currently, we have nine photos available, with more to come.
All proceeds support Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) to provide the care each elephant needs and deserves.
Many thanks to the generous photographers who contributed their photos to our staff’s collection of images. Each print gives you a window to Bo, Tarra, and Mundi's world and a reminder of the true joy that comes from freedom.
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Journalist Ethan Reddish Wins Georgia Press Association Award |
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The Georgia Press Association (GPA) gave its first place award in the Multimedia Journalism category to Ethan Reddish of The Post-Searchlight for a piece on EAI's CEO Carol Buckley and elephant Tarra. Carol states, "Ethan is a talented writer and impressive photographer. We are fortunate to have such a talented person right here in Bainbridge, Georgia."
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In addition to his journalistic skills, Ethan also volunteers at Elephant Refuge North America.
Ethan's award-winning story with video, Happy Homecoming: Tarra, the elephant, celebrates reunion anniversary, published in Nov. 2022:
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A Special Thank You - Subscriber Premiere Video |
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Watch our small elephant herd enjoy the lush Refuge habitat. Click the image above to watch! |
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As always, we greatly appreciate your interest, commitment and help. You make our work for elephants possible. Thank you! |
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Support EAI Every Time You Shop |
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One World... One Elephant at a Time
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