This month marks four years since Bo stepped onto the 850 acres of Elephant Refuge North America, becoming its very first resident. In that time, he’s grown into the heart of the herd, forming a steady bond with Mundi and a gentle companionship with Tarra. Watching him thrive—mud-slinging, grazing, and simply enjoying the freedom to choose how he spends each day—is a reminder of why sanctuaries matter. Thanks to your support, Bo’s life is no longer defined by captivity but by health, companionship, and choice.

Elephant Update

Weather and growing seasons profoundly influence elephant behavior—both in the wild and in captive-held elephants who are free to roam a natural habitat. In contrast, life in a zoo is often a series of sameness. Limited space and predictable routines mean elephants depend heavily on keepers for stimulation, with little opportunity for self-directed activity.

Here at the Refuge, seasonal changes bring remarkable shifts in how the elephants spend their days. When the heat rises, they spend more time in the mud wallow, coating their sensitive skin with thick, nutrient-rich clay. During the hottest midday hours, they nap under groves of trees. As temperatures drop at night and the moon replaces the sun, the elephants forage, graze, and explore more of the habitat.

Bo keeps cool with a midday nap in the shade

Earlier this month, the daily rain showers that cooled their skin and refreshed our pastures all season ceased. As a result, some grass is slower-growing and less lush, prompting the elephants to wander further in search of undiscovered forage and hidden pastures. Watching their behavior shift with the seasons is truly thrilling.

Mundi in full habitat immersion

The intense sun, heat, and lack of rain have also lowered the water levels in our migratory bird ponds. A natural island has appeared, connected by a stable, soft-packed boardwalk leading to the center of the pond. We’ve watched the elephants venture out to shallow wallows, collecting thick Attapulgite clay, which they sling onto their bodies—first their sides, then backs, and finally their heads—creating a full-body therapeutic mask. Afterwards, they retreat to the shade of nearby trees for a nap. One can only imagine how refreshing the cool mud feels on their skin.

The gals' clay masks, elephant style

Lately, Tarra has been spending more time in the back 750 acres, where dense trees and hidden grasses thrive. Every few days, she leads Mundi and Bo into this lush area, where all three spend the night, benefiting from its diverse plant life and cooler temperatures.

The magical back 750 wood

🎉 🍉🍎 Bo’s Big 4-Year Snack-a-Versary! 🎉🍌🥕

Help us restock the snacks that make Bo’s days sweet and his care stress-free!

Last month, you helped us fill a few baskets, buckets, and even a barrel of goodies for Bo, Tarra, and Mundi. They keep coming back to the care wall for more, so we’ve run out. They’ve noticed. 👀🐘

At ERNA, treats aren’t just tasty—they’re transformational. The care wall is where we build relationships, reinforce trust, and deliver the love (and snacks) that make medical care and foot trimming safe and stress-free.

Here’s what snack time looks like:

🐘 Bo comes prepared—with a serious craving for watermelon.

🐘 Tarra makes a beeline for the wall, trunk ready.

🐘 Mundi shows up early, flapping those ears in anticipation.

It’s engaging. It’s heartwarming. And it’s 100% powered by YOU.

🎁 Still on the Menu:

Help us reach our full treat goal this month with your favorite snack-sized donation:

• 🧺 A Basket of Treats – $10
• 🪣 A Bucket of Snacks – $25
• 🛢️ A Big Barrel of Goodies – $100
• 🧺 A Feast of Favorites – $250
• 🛒 A Market Load of Treats – $350
• 🚚 A Truckload of Deliciousness – $500
• 💝 Or any amount that helps us top off the treat tower!

Every gift you give supports positive, choice-based care that lets Bo, Tarra, and Mundi decide when and how to participate. When they choose to stay at the care wall—that’s trust in action—and a beautiful bond made stronger by snacks.

Thank you for helping fill every basket, bucket, and barrel so that next time you're watching the EleCam and see a trunk reach up for a treat, you’ll know you made that sweet moment possible. 🍌💛

The Truth About Riding Elephants in Asia

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind elephant rides in Asia, the latest EleDiaries post is a must-read! In “The Truth About Riding Elephants in Asia,” Carol explains why these rides cause harm and how awareness creates opportunities for change. It’s an eye-opening look at the issues elephants face and how we can be part of the solution. And if you haven’t checked out the EleDiaries yet, now’s the perfect time to start!

Step-by-Step: Building Trust at the Care Wall

Haylie, Bo and Carol at the Care Wall

A care wall is simply a physical barrier that separates a person and an elephant. Its purpose is powerful and straightforward: to give the elephant real choice — to participate or not — without threat of reprisal. For captive-held elephants raised compassionately, the care wall does not replace their trusting relationship but expands the option for interactions; for elephants with histories of dominance that employed intimidation or pain, the care wall becomes a cornerstone of rehabilitation. When autonomy is respected, an elephant’s confidence rises, stress decreases, and genuine trust is nurtured.

Core principle

Let the elephant decide. Every interaction must be voluntary, predictable, and free of coercion. The caregiver’s role is to invite, mark success, and reward — never to force.

Why it works

• The barrier signals to the elephant that the human cannot force participation.
• Short, predictable training sequences build clarity and success.
• Pairing the whistle with a reward teaches the elephant what “success” looks like — and that the choice to respond is safe.

Step-by-step protocol

1. Invite — no requirements. When the elephant approaches the care wall, a treat is given immediately. Nothing is requested; the first lesson is: approaching is safe and rewarding.
2. Create a clear marker. Sounding a whistle immediately before the treat helps the elephant learn “whistle = a good thing is coming.” The whistle becomes a reliable way to mark success.
3. Introduce a gentle tactile prompt and a name. Using a soft-tip target pole, a specific body part (for example, a foot) is gently touched while saying the chosen word for that part. Immediately following the touch/word, the whistle is sounded, and a treat is given. Repeating this sequence a few times, the elephant links the word with the body part and the whistle with success.
4. Fade the pole. As the elephant begins to respond reliably to the verbal cue and whistle, the pole is no longer necessary. The word + whistle becomes sufficient for the elephant to decide whether to participate.

Carol’s Corner: A Special Moment with the Elephants

Step into life at the Refuge with Carol, offering an inside look at the elephants’ world, routines, personalities, and favorite places. In this month’s video, Carol takes us to the care wall, where patience and trust shine through every interaction. Watch as Bo learns to present his feet for trimming and to give his ear for a mock blood draw, while Mundi works on giving her feet with growing confidence. Ever the seasoned pro, Tarra stops by for a treat, and sometimes Haylie joins Carol to support the lessons. It’s a rare glimpse into the gentle care that helps keep the elephants healthy on their own terms.

Click the image above to watch!