This month, we celebrate the 38^th birthday of big, beautiful Bo!

Born on January 22, 1987, at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida, Bo spent his first 34 years in the entertainment industry. At one year old Bo was sold to Animal Actors of Hollywood. But at age five, he became difficult to manage and was sold to the George Carden Circus. In an effort to reduce his tendency towards aggression, Bo was castrated and lived with a herd of female elephants, where he learned valuable social skills.

Then in 2021, Bo received the best gift any elephant in captivity could dream of—freedom. As Elephant Refuge North America’s first resident, Bo was exceptionally welcoming to Tarra and then Mundi as soon as they arrived. He has bonded with both and created his own family, complete with two beloved canines, Mala and Samie.

Prior to retirement to the Refuge, during his three decades performing for the entertainment of humans as a circus star, all his decisions were made for him. Learning how to live in a natural environment, free to roam the vast habitat and choose what vegetation to eat, was a process.

Elephant Aid International founder and CEO Carol Buckley notes, “Bo benefits from exposure to Tarra and Mundi who both utilize the habitat and the food it provides much more naturally and effectively. First, being born in a zoo setting and then later traveling as a performer, Bo did not have exposure to nature as Mundi and Tarra did. From them, he is learning what he would have as a calf living with his wild family if he had not been captive born. The learning curve has been slow for Bo because he exhibits learned helplessness. In his life before the Refuge, all his needs were provided for him, whereas here he is learning how to fulfill his needs on his own.”

Now autonomy comes more easily to Bo as he seeks out one of his favorite foods—fresh bamboo in the forests of his 850-acre habitat or strolls along his worn elephant trails across the pastures. This is the world he was born to wander.



To watch Bo snorkel across the lake, roll around in the soothing attapulgite clay of his favorite pond, or share sweet trunk touches with Tarra and Mundi, you would never know he had been a circus performer. He is far from that life as he settles down on a pile of soft sand left for his napping pleasure under an old southern oak or cluster of pine trees.

Elephant Update

January is our cold month at Elephant Refuge North America. Although relatively warm in comparison to most parts of the US, a few hours just before dawn can be chilly. The elephants continue to enjoy the freedom to come and go through the open door of the barn, where radiant heaters provide the individualized warmth each elephant desires.

On cold mornings just before daybreak, Bo can be heard snoring, deep in slumber, in the cozy, soft sand stalls. Mundi sleeps adjacent to Bo but also spends time standing over him until he rises, and they both step out into the intense sunlight of daybreak.

Bo and Mundi off on another adventure

The sun is the energy source that recharges their internal heat core. Basking in the sun boosts their heat reserves and revitalizes them as they forage throughout the day.

Bo and Tarra soaking up the sun and savoring the hay

Last night, Bo was quite the sight. As the food wagon came clanking down the bumpy road for the 10 pm feed, Bo burst into a full run. Elephants don’t gallop, they only have one gait which is why they look so comical running. At first, it appeared that Bo was racing the wagon. Then he abruptly spun around and started running towards Mundi in his high-energy play. Mundi was unsure if this was a game to engage in or one to stand still and observe. She ended up doing both.

The two ran side by side, throwing chunks of dirt high into the air as their toes dug into the wet soil. Bo squeaked and blew trumpets, shifting his attention back and forth between the wagon and Mundi. At one point, Mundi was in the lead, but she screeched to a stop, and Bo raced right past her, letting out a silly squeak as he passed. The fun and games ended with Bo glaring at the wagon with his direct and clear facial request, “Ok, I’m ready. Where is my food?”

After both were fed, Tarra stepped out from the shadow of the trees where she had been observing the scene. Now that the games were over, she, too, was ready for food. Quiet as a mouse, she glided over to the spot she’d chosen to eat.

All three settled into a mesmerizing rhythm, their breathing slowed, their eyes softly focused on the veggies before them. Different but equally dexterous trunks selected the favored bananas and carrots while simultaneously arranging the grain pellets into an easy to grasp pile. Unrushed they savored the fruits, vegetables, and grains of which they are unabashedly so fond. If one could describe what pure contentment looks like, it would be this moment.

Contented Trio

Bales for Bo: Winter Hay Drive

As winter settles in at Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA), the landscape changes. While there’s still foliage in South Georgia, grass growth slows, resulting in pastures being less abundant. To ensure Bo, Tarra, and Mundi continue to thrive, we rely on Timothy hay as a key component of their diet during this season.

Timothy hay is an excellent choice for elephants, providing high fiber, the species appropriate protein level (around 7%), and essential minerals. Its stems and naturally abrasive textured leaves support their digestive health, giving them plenty of fuel during the cooler season. Since high quality Timothy hay is not grown in humid environments, we import it from Ohio. One semi-trailer can haul 770 bales which will ensure high quality hay through the winter months.

We buy in bulk at $11 a bale delivered. Through Bales for Bo, we’re working to raise $8,470 to ensure our elephants have the hay they need to stay healthy and happy.

How You Can Help



🎁 Sponsor a Bale: Donate $11 to fund one bale of Timothy hay.

🎁 Support 10 Bales: Contribute $110 to provide ten bales.

🎁 Go Big with 100 Bales: Donate $1,100 to cover one hundred bales.

Thank you for being an active participant helping us give Bo, Tarra, and Mundi the gift of good health this winter. Your support means everything!

Let’s load up Bales for Bo and make it the best birthday yet!

Join the Celebration on Bo’s Special Day!

Here’s your chance to make Bo’s 38th birthday extra special! Show your support in the way that aligns with your helping philosophy:

Sponsor Bo : For just $75 annually or through a monthly donation, you can sponsor Bo and receive a certificate featuring a photo of him and five fascinating facts.

Feed Bo: Bo enjoys hundreds of pounds of fresh produce, grains, grasses, and supplements daily. Your support ensures he gets the nutrition he needs to thrive. Choose the exact dates to feed him, select Bo using the radio button, and complete your gift!

Bo T-Shirts : Celebrate Bo in style! Choose from two commemorative T-shirts—one featuring Bo solo and another with Bo, Mundi, and Tarra. Wear your love for Bo with pride!

Celebrate someone special by making a donation in their honor or memory. Your gift supports Bo, Tarra, and Mundi while expressing your love and thoughtfulness. Choose to send a personalized honor card by email or receive a printable PDF to share with your recipient.

Together, let’s make Bo’s 38th birthday truly unforgettable!

A Critical Look at Thailand’s Plan for Wild Elephant Management

This month on EleDiaries, Carol Buckley explores Thailand’s plan to use contraceptive injections to manage wild elephant populations. The blog examines the ethical and ecological implications of this strategy and highlights the urgent need to address habitat loss and human expansion.



Discover how reframing the narrative from conflict to coexistence can lead to compassionate, sustainable solutions for both humans and elephants.

Moonlight: The 13th Stone Series

Under the serene glow of the moon, Bo, Mundi, and Tarra roam freely, celebrating joy and companionship in their Refuge home. Bo trumpets, Mundi dances, and Tarra shines with delight as the moonlight marks Bo’s birthday with radiant beams and a sense of harmony at Elephant Aid International.

Each hand-painted stone in the "Moonlight" collection is crafted by Maritza Curet from Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, as a tribute to the elephants’ joy and freedom. These stones are generously donated to support Bo, Tarra, and Mundi.

Don’t miss this limited opportunity to commemorate Bo’s 38th birthday with a unique piece of art while supporting the elephants’ care and well-being!

A Special Thank You - Subscriber Premiere Video

Celebrate Bo's 38th with a look back at a year filled with joy, growth, and unforgettable moments!

Click the image above to watch!