At Mendoza Zoo, a cow elephant and her daughter lived in a concrete pit for 20 years and both knew nothing but captivity.
They had never experienced the freedom and vastness of nature. But that was finally about to change!
A life in a concrete cage
The mother elephant Pocha and her daughter Guillermina spent 20 years in a zoo in Mendoza, Argentina, before they were brought to the elephant sanctuary in Mato Grosso, Brazil.
The rescue was a logistical challenge, but the goal was to give the elephants a dignified life in the wild.
„Porch’s story is the story of an elderly elephant who was stolen from the wild and integrated into a zoo that didn’t have the capacity or space. She led one of the most confined lives I have ever seen. Completely devoid of anything natural. She was bred in captivity.“
scott, the sanctuary’s president, tells The Dodo.
Her daughter Guillermina was also born in a zoo and knew no life outside of concrete walls.
The spectacular rescue: a trip to the elephant sanctuary
Thanks to the elephant sanctuary in Brazil and the support of various organizations and society, the rescue of Pocha and Guillermina was made possible.
The elephants embarked on a 3,600-kilometer journey to reach their new home at the sanctuary.
On the way, they were lovingly welcomed by the locals.
It was a logistical challenge to transport the elephants safely and in good health.
But the team of specialists made sure they received regular rest and care.
Unbelievable! Elephants walk on grass for the first time in 20 years!
When the elephants finally arrived at their new home, it was a moving moment.
Pocha and Guillermina stepped onto grass for the first time in their lives and were able to enjoy the vastness of nature.
They will now be able to live the rest of their lives in the wild, together with other elephants.
The rescue of Pocha and Guillermina is an example of the work of Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, which rescues captive elephants from abusive situations in South America.
Watch the moving video now.
Source: SBLY Animal Channel
