Elephant Update

Habitat Immersion

Watching Bo, Mundi, and Tarra immerse themselves in their natural habitat and deepen their emotional bonds never ceases to amaze us. By providing them with autonomy and a vast, diverse space, we offer captive-held elephants a truly enriching environment, fostering both physical and emotional well-being.

Bo and Tarra: Built on Trust

When Tarra joined Bo nearly three years ago, well-meaning people voiced concerns: "Bo is big, towering over Tarra by more than two feet. He could become aggressive and hurt her." But Bo and Tarra quickly demonstrated their advanced sensitivity and intelligence, resulting in the ability to form a safe, nurturing companionship. They showed everyone that their friendship and comfort had little to do with size and everything to do with choice. Tarra, knowing her vulnerability, approached with care. Having been introduced to 23 other elephants in the past, she knew to take things slowly and retreat if needed. With access to all 850 acres of habitat at ERNA, she had the freedom to do just that. Bo, in turn, was gentle and patient, waiting for Tarra to see his true nature. Their friendship blossomed in just a few days, and today, they share their space comfortably and confidently.

Mundi and Bo: An Emotional Bond

When Mundi arrived, she had lived alone for 35 years. Being smaller than Bo and of a different species than both Tarra and Bo, some worried that she wouldn't be able to communicate with them. But we knew better. Even dogs, who are not as intelligent as elephants and a completely different species from their human guardians, can understand various languages. We had no doubt that Mundi, Bo, and Tarra would communicate with ease—and they did immediately.

Tarra and Mundi : An Effortless Connection

Elephant communication is vast and complex. While each family or herd has its own unique dialect, elephants share a common language used to communicate across distances. We watched, as many of you did on the EleCam, as Mundi, Bo, and Tarra immediately interacted. Driven by Mundi's desire to join the herd, they rumbled, touched, and played—all forms of communication that brought them closer. Infrasound, inaudible to the human ear, plays a key role in their ongoing communication.

Communication: The Key to Closeness

Keep Bo, Tarra, and Mundi Healthy and Happy

Our elephants enjoy a diet of hundreds of pounds of fruits, veggies, grains, branches, grasses, and supplements every day. Whether it’s a crisp apple, a fresh ear of corn, or an entire bale of hay, every bit makes a difference—and Bo, Tarra, and Mundi appreciate your generosity!



Now, you have the opportunity to feed one or all three elephants and choose the dates that work best for you. Your support helps keep them healthy and thriving!

In Asia:

When Elephant Aid International (EAI) began building the first-ever solar fencing in Asia in 2012 as an alternative to chaining captive-held elephants, even leading elephant tourism organizations still chained their elephants overnight. EAI's introduction of chain-free corrals marked a major shift in elephant management. Mahouts observed their elephants becoming calmer and less stressed, no longer confined by chains, and owners realized this novel approach led to better overall welfare.

More than a decade later, our solar fencing has been adapted to address human-elephant conflicts, protecting farmers' crops and saving elephant lives. Never doubt that efforts to improve animal welfare can make a huge difference in ways never envisioned—even decades later.

News in Africa:

In October 2024, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) began moving 50 elephants from Mwea National Reserve to Aberdare National Park to ease pressure on Mwea's ecosystem, which a growing elephant population has strained. The elephant population in Mwea has risen dramatically, from 49 in 1979 to 156 today, part of a larger national population surge to 36,280 since 1989. The translocation aims to reduce human-wildlife conflict, improve resource distribution, and promote ecotourism. This move also supports genetic diversity and ecosystem health in Aberdare, benefiting local communities by reducing property damage and increasing economic opportunities through tourism.

What’s Ours is Yours

Hannah with a swallow-tailed kite in training as an education ambassador due to permanent muscle damage.

 A rehabilitated opossum released in the ERNA wilderness.

EAI loves to partner with like-minded organizations whose mission is to improve our world in whatever ways we can.

For three years now, Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) has worked with St. Francis Wildlife Association, a non-profit dedicated to the conservation of native wildlife in north Florida through the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and through public education. 

To tell you more, here’s some Q&A with their Wildlife Rehab Manager, Hannah Altonji:

Question: Describe the relationship between St. Francis Wildlife Association (SFW) and Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA)?

Answer: SFW shares donated produce with ERNA weekly for the elephants to eat. ERNA donates hay used for wildlife bedding and is a key member of our Release Site Program, providing property for rehabilitated wildlife to live on once they’re healed and ready to be released back into the wild.

St. Francis Wildlife receives Costco produce donations by the trailer load weekly by sending an SFW volunteer 50 minutes into Tallahassee with a trailer. Costco uses a forklift to place a pallet full of produce bins onto our trailer for our volunteer to take back to SFW. SFW then contacts ERNA to retrieve the extra produce donations. 

Question: What types of animals have you released into Elephant Refuge North America?

Answer: SFW has released many animals on ERNA’s fantastic land, including raccoons, opossums, birds of prey such as hawks and owls, and squirrels. 

Having property available to release animals onto is one of our highest needs for our wildlife patients. ERNA graciously fulfills this need for SFW by welcoming animals to their 850 acres for wildlife to call home.

Question: How do sick, injured, and/or orphaned wildlife find their way to your facility?

 Wildlife in need arrive at SFW often due to human-related issues, such as being hit by cars, poisoned, shot, attacked by outdoor cats or off-leash dogs, or being “kidnapped” by well-intended folks.

Question: Any other thoughts on this incredible collaborative effort between these two non-profits with a mission to serve and protect animals?

Answer: St. Francis Wildlife is so appreciative of our amazing neighbors at Elephant Refuge North America for sharing their property with native wildlife. We are amazed by the incredible organization that ERNA has established for these wise elephants and are so proud to help each other continue caring for the amazing wildlife. 



Our many thanks to Hannah and everyone at St. Francis Wildlife for all they do to rescue, rehab, and release animals in need. And Bo, Tarra, and Mundi are especially grateful for all the tasty produce they provide. Caring is sharing!

Autumn Stones: Elephants in Harmony

Celebrate the beauty of fall with the Stone Series, "Elephants in Autumn: A Season of Change," featuring Bo, Tarra, and Mundi enjoying the golden hues at the Refuge. Their peaceful and playful presence reflects autumn's transformation.

Each hand-painted stone, crafted by Maritza Curet from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, is a unique tribute to nature's harmony and is generously donated to support the elephants.



Don't miss out on this limited opportunity to bring home a piece of autumn beauty and support the elephants this fall season!

A Special Thank You - Subscriber Premiere Video

Bo and Mundi, slumber buddies, waking from their peaceful morning nap—enjoy!

Click the image above to watch!