My Nonprofit Reviews

Kat & Scott Blais, founders of Global Sanctuary for Elephants Brazil (GSE), have created utopia for captive, neglected elephants. They let elephants be elephants, do elephant things and be themselves. Sanctuary is an elephant haven...the elephants are free to do as they wish. They can go on walk-abouts for days (Elephants Lady and Maia enjoy being on their own figuring out who they are) and find food and water in designated spots left by GSE crew. They can enjoy mud wallows, swimming in ponds, dirt dusting piles and acres of lush beauty. Elephants camouflaged by bushes, trees and greenery. They can enjoy other elephants (as Rana and Mara became instant best friends) or be on their own until they figure out their new freedom and what elephants do. They are fed, given treats, taken care of medically, physically and mentally. It only takes days (sometimes less) for the elephants to acclimate to Sanctuary life. Their faces become softer, eyes become bigger and brighter and then there's the smile, trumpeting, rumbles and squeaks. Sanctuary brings glowing, healthy skin along with needed foot spa treatments (as most captive elephants have bad feet from being on cement and have no care). I've followed GSE for years with awe of Kat and Scott's love and dedication to the elephants (Heroes to the elephants and me). They excitedly pull us in with videos, photos and, best of all, stories of each elephant. Funny, silly, educational, serious, sad stories of their lives with the elephants (and other animals at Sanctuary) and they tell it in such a way you feel like you're right there beside them. When I first read a post, I'll quickly read through it, watch the video or look at the photos and then re-read two or three more times to get every word and information. From GSE, I've learned incredible elephant information . Someday, before I leave this world, I would LOVE to just be in the presence of this blissful utopia called Global Sanctuary for Elephants Brazil. I don't need to touch an elephant; I don't even need to be near one. Just knowing the eles are there and happy would bring such joy. I'm sure I would have rivers of tears stream my face. And of course, I would work my butt off.