Mundi exploring the wilds of the Refuge |
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Elephant Update: Deepening Bonds
Mundi was rescued three months ago. With the incredible progress she has made, it feels like she has been here for years. Every day we are more amazed at the growing relationships between Mundi, Bo, and Tarra. Just when we think deeper bonds are not possible between species and genders, we are proven wrong.
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Mundi and Tarra enjoy an afternoon together |
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Recently Mundi and Tarra spent the better part of the day together, passing close as they grazed the pasture, stopping to gently touch trunks and undoubtedly engage in some nonverbal exchange. At times Mundi would wait for Tarra to follow, and then in turn, Mundi would follow Tarra. Later, Bo wandered under a shade tree where Mundi joined him, standing close, Bo draping his trunk over the tree branch as they both napped. Their lives are peaceful and by all signs, fulfilling. |
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Mundi and Bo napping under the tree |
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It seems reasonable to believe the strong friendship Bo and Tarra developed prior to Mundi’s arrival was beneficial to how quickly Mundi felt she was safe and among friends.
Without a doubt elephants communicate in ways beyond human comprehension. Mundi, Bo, and Tarra continue to demonstrate that being the same species is not a required component for compatibility. Feeling safe, understood, and accepted, while experiencing autonomy in an environment that meets everyone’s needs, appears to be key in their desire and ability to forge deep and trusting relationships.
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Bo and Tarra's strong friendship helped Mundi feel safe and accepted |
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Many continue to be surprised at how quickly and seemingly effortlessly Bo, Tarra and Mundi became friends. But it was not effortless. Every day we observe Mundi acting in ways that strengthen her relationship with both Bo and Tarra. She is a fast learner and appears driven to have strong social bonds with both. Bo and Tarra have been kind and gentle teachers, guiding Mundi along in her desire to belong. They are truly a family. |
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Will you help us reach $145,000 for Mundi’s first year of care?
Thanks to generous supporters like you, we have already raised $91,934 of our $145,000 Mundi’s Year of Care goal! Will you help us raise $53,000 more today?
Your donation will support Mundi’s food, supplements, veterinary care, and caregivers.
Mundi is finally in paradise and soaking in all the Refuge has to offer. From sunny days spent with elephant friends, to devouring fresh vegetation and wallowing in mud, her life is as it should be—that of a free elephant.
Now it is our turn to provide Mundi with all she deserves. We can only do this with your help! You can make a difference by donating today.
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Talking About Elephants – A Conversation with Carol Buckley |
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EAI honored World Elephant Day this month by exploring all things elephant with our founder/CEO Carol Buckley. In this eye-opening conversation, sponsored by In Defense of Animals, hear how Carol’s first elephant teacher—a baby elephant named Tarra—started Carol on an over 45-year journey and mission.
Travel with Carol to Asia and see essential elephant foot care in action, and joyful elephants being released into chain-free corrals. Discover how learning the culture helps you weave compassionate caregiving techniques into a centuries-old elephant management philosophy and aid, instead of alienate, the elephants’ mahouts (caregivers) to improve the lives of all.
Next, venture to southernmost Georgia to Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) and hear the backstory of sweet and loving Bo, a retired circus elephant; Tarra, the independent and playful elephant who has been Carol’s inspiration; and Mundi, a former zoo elephant from Puerto Rico who enthusiastically joined her new herd mates after spending over 35 years alone.
Carol answers questions ranging from the different types of elephant management and what is best for elephants and their caregivers, to true elephant conservation, to how we can bring positive change for elephants.
You can listen to this eye-opening conversation now:
Special note: The webinar contains a translation feature.
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Protecting the Future by Leaving a Legacy |
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August is National Make-A-Will Month: a month dedicated to thinking about the future and how you can protect it. Why estate planning? No matter what your “estate” includes, everyone needs a plan, but 2⁄3 of Americans don’t have a will.
Estate planning is an essential task, and Elephant Aid International, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, invites you to consider leaving a legacy for the retired elephants at Elephant Refuge North America and to assist with EAI’s international projects to benefit elephants in Asia. One world...one elephant at a time.
For more information please visit:
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Exciting news! After decades of elephant deaths in India caused by speeding trains, the first underpass that was built to avoid casualties has been used by a lone tusker. The success of this project means more underpasses will be built to protect the lives of wild elephants whose ancestral migratory paths have been obstructed by trains that have killed hundreds of elephants over the decades. |
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In Memory of Bob Barker, Animal Welfare Hero |
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This month, we join the animal welfare community in honoring the life of legendary animal activist and philanthropist Bob Barker. His extraordinary contributions benefited both domestic and wild animal populations. As a substantial donor to Elephant Aid International through his DJ&T Foundation, we experienced firsthand his care and concern for animals. His donations made a substantial impact on EAI and hundreds of other non-profits, and institutions promoting animal rights legal initiatives. We are eternally grateful for his support and his lifelong efforts to give animals a voice.
A true hero, Bob Barker lives on through his message, actions, and example. May his memory be a continued call to action for others to follow in his footsteps.
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A Special Thank You - Subscriber Premiere Video |
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Bo and Mundi at Elephant Lake. 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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