Elephant Update

Spring has sprung at ERNA

Spring at Elephant Refuge North America is a time of renewal. The trees leaf out, fresh nutritious grass pops up everywhere, and the ponds, creeks, and mud wallows are refreshed from abundant rains making them even more inviting.

Bo, Tarra, and Mundi waste no time enjoying the mild weather and nature’s banquet. The days are pleasantly warm and nights comfortable, resulting in the elephants continuing to enjoy the great outdoors day and night. Exploring and rediscovering the variety of wild vegetation that grows in the 850-acre habitat occupies their time, keeping them engaged and nutritionally satiated.

Bo enjoys an afternoon siesta

Every few days Bo takes a nap in the comfy sand-filled stalls of the barn, usually from 7am-8am. A quick and deep sleep that rejuvenates him, preparing for another day of grazing, socializing and playing in the mud wallow with his friends.

Bo, Mundi, and Tarra are a joy to observe as many of you know from watching them on our EleCam. Their behavior demonstrates that they are completely comfortable with each other. It seems they grow closer each day.

Mundi browsing one of her favorite trees.

Mundi puts in the most miles daily. Although she spends most of her time at Bo’s side, there are times each day when she wanders off to a favorite food source, leaving Bo to graze or nap. But she doesn’t stay away for long, always returning with her little “oh so good to see you dance” when they are reunited.

Tarra returning from an adventure

Tarra is the one with the most adventurous spirit. She spends time with Bo and Mundi but if they don’t want to join her on her daily adventure, she heads deep into the habitat on her own. It is easy to track Tarra by the trail of rich deposits of manure she leaves behind.

Even when we think these three elephants could not grow closer, they prove us wrong. Their lives are full, their choices are theirs alone, and their environment supports their elephant nature.

True friendship

Planting for Pachyderms

🌱🐘 Planting for Pachyderms 2025 🐘🌱

It’s planting season, and that means it’s time to seed the pastures for Bo, Tarra, and Mundi! 🌾

We’re sowing Bahia grass, a hardy, nutrient-rich grass that thrives in our warm, humid climate. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it the perfect pasture grass to keep our elephants healthy and happy from March through late November.

This spring, we need 10 bags of seed to cover their favorite grazing spots. Each 50lb bag covers 2 acres and costs $180.

🌱 Every contribution helps! Whether you sponsor a full bag, half a bag, or even just a handful of seeds, you’re helping us grow lush, nourishing pastures for our elephants to enjoy.

🌾 Seed Sponsorship Options:

🐘 50lb = 2 acres = $180

🐘 25lb = 1 acre = $90

🐘 13lb = 1/2 acre = $46

🐘 7lb = 1/4 acre = $25

🐘 4lb = 1/8 acre = $13

🐘 2lb = 1/16 acre = $6

🌱 Let’s grow something great together—join us in Planting for Pachyderms! 🐘🌾

Free Tickets to Film Desert Elephants

Free Tickets to Film Desert Elephants

GIVEAWAY ALERT

Fernbank Museum in Atlanta, Georgia is excited to partner with Elephant Aid International for an Instagram co-promotion March 21 - 24. The promotion will feature 4 tickets to Fernbank Museum to celebrate Desert Elephants, their latest film in their Giant Screen Theater! As a bonus, Elephant Aid International will also give a prize pack to the winner!

Here’s how to enter: 

 1. On Instagram, follow @fernbankmuseum and @elephantaidinternational  

 2. Like + Share this post 

 3. Tag who you’re seeing this film with in the comments 

A winner will be randomly selected when the giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on Monday, March 24.  

Good luck!  

Watch the Desert Elephants movie trailer. 

Join Little Foot and her elephant family as they brave the harsh Namib Desert in Southwest Africa and embark on a journey to an oasis that remains green even through the toughest times. The resilience and familial strength of this species will leave viewers with an inspiring example of survival, adaptation and renewed hope.

Encouraging News for Cambodia’s Endangered Elephants

A recent genetic study by Fauna & Flora has revealed that northern Cambodia’s endangered Asian elephant population is larger and more genetically diverse than previously believed. Researchers analyzed DNA from elephant dung collected in three wildlife sanctuaries—Prey Lang, Preah Roka, and Chhaeb—and identified 51 individual elephants. This genetic diversity is crucial for the species' survival and offers hope for population growth if strong conservation measures are maintained.

The study, conducted with Cambodia’s Environment Ministry and the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, was supported by USAID and Britain’s People's Postcode Lottery. The findings highlight northern Cambodia as a vital stronghold for Asian elephant conservation.

A Special Presentation: Carol’s How-To Series

Discover expert insights from Carol Buckley in this informative How-To Video Series! Covering essential topics on elephant care, welfare, and ethical management, these videos provide valuable guidance for anyone interested in learning from Carol’s decades of experience.

Click the image above to watch!