Elephant Update: Exploration and Playtime

It has been five fabulous months since Mundi arrived at Elephant Refuge North America. Her assimilation into the habitat was immediate, as was her comfort with Bo and Tarra, which deepens daily. Bo and Tarra did not surprise us by their immediate and wholehearted acceptance of Mundi. She is eager to learn, and they are willing to teach. It is a healthy symbiotic relationship shared by all three.

It is so fun to watch Mundi race to get in front of Bo at feed time. She stops directly in front of him as if attempting to block his path. Our Elecam viewers can attest to the fact that Bo never pushes or nudges Mundi out of the way. Instead, he stops and allows her to do her animated gymnastics, appearing mildly amused by her youthful antics, before stepping around her toward his goal—food. 

Bo is aways patient and gentle

Mundi continues to amaze us with her curious and playful nature as she races alongside the tractor, tumbles on the ground in front of Bo, enticing him to play, shares soft truck touches with Tarra, and explores further and further into the Refuge habitat each day.

Mundi entices Bo to play

Earlier this week, all three were seen on the Elecam heading out into the 750 acre habitat together, disappearing around the bend in the dirt path, reappearing some four hours later. This is the first time Mundi has ventured that far into the habitat. With her trusted friends at her side, she was fearless.

Bo and Tarra continue to play a powerful role in Mundi’s rehabilitation. By sharing their skills and showing her by example how to find the best vegetation, the most comfortable resting spots, and shelter from sun and rain, they demonstrate to Mundi how much they care about her. This helps build Mundi’s confidence so she can develop her own skill set. She has blossomed, and we see it as only the beginning. 

Tarra shows Mundi how to find the best vegetation

Mundi knows she is a cherished member of the family. We are ever grateful for the wisdom and kindness all three elephants show each other.

Tarra, Bo, and Mundi enjoying fall

Make a Wish

The Wish List on EAI’s website has a fresh new look! Check out the diverse selection of products you can choose from with a wide range of prices. Our lowest item is only $3 so there is something for every budget.

From our everyday needs like elephant feed and nutritional supplements, to footcare tools and essential equipment required for maintaining the Refuge habitat and barn, you can donate the amount for the item you wish to gift (or contribute toward) and then we can purchase the item(s) in your name.

Purchasing from our Wish List is also a great way to honor a loved one for their birthday, anniversary, or holiday.

EAI Gift Shop

Bring the magic of Tarra, Mundi, and Bo from the Refuge to your home when you order items from EAI’s Gift Shop, also known as Tarra’s Treasure Trunk.

You’ll find T-shirts displaying the Refuge’s elephant Trio, as well as T-shirts commemorating each elephant individually. The “Smurfiest of Rescues” T-shirt with the Elephant Refuge North America logo is available while supplies last.

EAI CEO/Founder Carol Buckley’s book about Tarra and her internationally known friendship with Bella the dog is also for sale and includes a special letter to the reader.

Colorful artwork by artist Maritza Curet can be found on our EAI stickers showing all three elephants and their two dogs or on the unique hand-painted stones that are added to EAI’s website as Maritza creates each new series. These natural stones used as a canvas feature bright, beautiful images honoring Tarra, Mundi, Bo, and their dog buddies Mala and Samie.

Your purchases help fund EAI’s work in the U.S. and around the world and raise awareness about our mission and Refuge.

   Elephant Learning Center

Do you love elephants and want to learn more about this intelligent species? The Learning Center on our website is just what you need. Whether you are interested in facts about elephants or you want educational resources to help students learn more, the Elephant Learning Center is designed to give you all the materials you need to teach your students about elephants and their lives in captivity. Here you’ll find carefully curated elephant facts, a reading list, resources to help your students make a difference, and examples of inspirational learning projects.

Topics include information on important body parts like the trunk and tail and fascinating facts about everything from where elephants come from (their ancestors) to their love of swimming.

And if you follow EAI on Facebook, you’ll get a weekly dose with our Fun Facts Friday!

Smurfy Ever After Rescue Project

We are so excited that we are one of 9 animal organizations benefiting from FarmHouse Fresh’s Smurfy Ever After Animal Rescue Project. $1 from every purchase of their limited-edition Smurfs-inspired face and body care collection will help animals in need.

We have ERNA Smurfiest of Rescues T-shirts available for purchase for $20! Don’t miss out. Grab yours now at https://elephantaidinternational.org/product/smurf-t-shirt/. One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Elephant Aid International.

To learn more about the project, visit https://bit.ly/ernasmurf.

Mundi followed Tarra into one of her favorite wooded areas of the habitat. Mundi is curious, Tarra is her talkative self, and Samie just wants Mundi to play. 

Click the image above to watch!