One Year of Mundi

Thanks to the generous support of our donors and the Wild Animal Sanctuary, Mundi arrived at Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) May 12, 2023. Her road to freedom was marred with resistance from those who would have her remain alone at the zoo in Puerto Rico. But thousands of locals fought for Mundi’s release and won.

Within hours of her late-night arrival at ERNA, Mundi solicited interactions with Bo and Tarra over the fence that separated them. She had not seen another elephant in 35 years, yet was fearless and determined to interact with Bo and Tarra. 

Curious Mundi's meets her new companions on her first day

After a few days, Mundi was released from quarantine. All three elephants demonstrated calm comfort with each other. In the beginning, it appeared Bo and Tarra were taking turns spending time with Mundi so that she was never left alone. It was amazing to watch how patient all three were, getting to know one another and gently building bonds.

Building Bonds: Tarra, Bo and Mundi

Initially, Mundi was distrusting of people. Considering her past, fear is understandable and respected. Mundi quickly learned that she was now in charge of her life. With autonomy as the core of our elephant care philosophy, Mundi understands all decisions are hers. Now Mundi rumbles when caregivers approach. She accepts her daily supplement ball without hesitation and has no reason to experience fear or display aggression.

Mundi enjoys her nutritious treat

Mundi is a very fast learner. When she acts in a way that Bo feels is too forward or pushy, his teaching technique is to turn his back and walk away. Mundi, ever eager to be accepted, understands the meaning of his behavior. Thanks to her desire to be friends, Mundi accepts Bo's instruction quickly and adapts her behavior. The lessons she learns are an example of what Mundi would have learned growing up with her family in the wild. We are so grateful Mundi wants to be a vital part of Bo and Tarra’s life. Her effort is required to make their relationships thrive.

For the first few months, Mundi would race towards the ATV food delivery, cutting Bo off, stepping in front of him, and stopping him from moving forward. Bo never showed any aggression, he simply ignored her unwanted behavior and modeled what he expected. It was not long before Mundi stopped approaching Bo’s food, realizing there was a routine; Bo was fed first, then Mundi, and then Tarra. Now she races up to Bo in an excited Foods Here, Foods Here way, immediately steps in behind him, and calmly follows to the food.

Mundi has refined her elephant dining etiquette

When winter finally hit South Georgia in late November, Mundi surprised almost everyone by enjoying the cool weather. There were only a few nights when all three elephants retreated to the barn to warm up and then exited after only a couple of hours.

As each month passes Mundi displays more confidence, independence, and a deeper desire to share personal time with both Tarra and Bo. It is encouraging to see how calm and comfortable she is in her environment and how much she enjoys being with Bo and Tarra. Tarra takes Mundi to distant grazing locations in the 850 acre habitat while Bo shows her the joy of playing in the ponds. At first, Mundi would race around the embankment while Bo submerged himself in the pond. Eventually, Mundi worked up the courage to join him, nose diving into the cool water, creating a cascade of splashes. Playing in the ponds and mud wallows are now Mundi’s favorite activities.

Mundi and Tarra grazing away

When Bo naps Mundi searches out Tarra’s companionship and the tastiest vegetation. She walks miles every day which keeps her body fit and her mind active. She engages with dogs Samie and Mala when they enter the habitat, playing chase until Samie dives into the pond to cool down.

Just the other night, the neighbors were treated to a symphony of trumpets, bellows, and ear-piercing squeaks as Bo and Mundi raced around the pasture, crashing through trees, in a show of excitement before the 10 pm feed. Their boisterous display lasted for nearly 30 minutes as they spun around each other in complete abandon. By all accounts, Mundi is thriving in her new forever home!

Happy Herd

Mundi the Birthday Girl

This year is exceptionally special since it is Mundi's first birthday as a free-living elephant! She shows a profound confidence living in the vast space of the Refuge, absorbing and appreciating her new autonomous life. 

Mundi arrived at the Refuge in southernmost Georgia on May 12th, 2023, after a highly anticipated and lengthy battle to rescue her from a Puerto Rican zoo where she lived completely alone in a small yard for nearly 35 years. Now, after twelve months of calling the Refuge her home, Mundi not only has access to 850 acres of elephant paradise and receives the highest quality of specialized care, but she also has the best birthday gifts an elephant could ask for: freedom and family.

Mundi was born in the wild, and one of 63 young elephants brought to the United States after a mass culling organized by the Zimbabwe government, so we do not know her exact birthday. Since Mundi's arrival at the Refuge was the start of a whole new life, we are designating May 12th as Mundi's birthday to honor her day of independence.

Join us in celebrating Mundi's birthday and her first anniversary of freedom!

Year of Care

We're almost there! Mundi's first year at the Refuge has been nothing short of miraculous, thanks to the incredible support of our generous donors. We've come so far, raising $120,000 toward our $145,000 goal—that's 80% of the way there! With your support, we can continue to ensure that Mundi's happy, healthy life remains a beautiful reality.

Your donation goes directly toward Mundi's care, covering essential expenses like food, supplements, veterinary care, and the daily operations that keep her thriving. Can you help care for Mundi? Your donation makes a difference.

Since arriving at the Refuge, Mundi has flourished, embracing her newfound freedom with joy. Gone are the days of nervous pacing; instead, she leisurely explores her expansive habitat. From playing in the pond to indulging in skin-rejuvenating mud baths, napping in the sun, and bonding with Bo and Tarra, Mundi is truly thriving in her new home.

Join us in making a difference in Mundi's life. Together, we can give her the love and care she deserves. Your support matters—every donation brings us one step closer to our goal and helps us provide the best life possible for the elephants at the Refuge. Thank you for being a part of Mundi's journey home.

Show Mundi Your Support

Does Mundi hold a special place in your heart? Why not become her sponsor? You can sponsor Mundi in one of two ways: with an annual gift of $75 or through a recurring monthly donation of your choice. As a sponsor, you'll receive a sponsorship certificate featuring a photo of Mundi and five fun facts about her, delivered via eco-friendly email.

In the Celebration of New Life series, artist Maritza Curet, a Mayagüez, Puerto Rico resident, created these hand-painted stones in tribute to “a year full of life and blessings for the elephant Mundi. Her freedom and happiness fill us all with hope, especially the people who fought for her freedom in Puerto Rico. No matter where you are in the world, please CELEBRATE with Mundi, Bo, Tarra, and Elephant Aid International. Happy first anniversary in freedom, dear Mundi!” With each stone, you will receive an appreciation gift of sticky notes inside a beautiful elephant holder.

Custom T-shirts: Mundi stands happy and healthy on her very own graphic design T-shirt, which comes in either the original or Puerto Rico edition. Big and beautiful on her solo shirt, or with her elephant family on the “three amigos” design, with each purchase, you help support Mundi and her refuge home.

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a Gift of Elephant Joy

Celebrate Mother's Day (May 12) by sending an honor card from Elephant Aid International, featuring the beloved Mundi herself!

What better way to honor the matriarch in your family than by sharing the heartwarming story of Mundi's remarkable journey at Elephant Refuge North America.  Having spent a year in our care, Mundi's anniversary falls on Mother's Day, making it the perfect occasion to give an update on her life.

You can choose to email Mom her honor card directly, or we'll provide you with a printable PDF that you can print and mail—or perhaps even hand-deliver to your mom in person.

Give the gift of joy to elephants in need and express your love with a donation in Mom's honor to EAI.

A Special Thank You - Subscriber Premiere Video

A Year in the Life of Mundi - May 12, 2023 - May 12, 2024 Click the image above to watch!