Global Rumblings Podcast

Elephant Sanctuary Brazil has a new resident! Baby, a 34-year-old female Asian elephant, arrived at the sanctuary on 20 June 2026, following a court-ordered relocation from Beto Carrero World in Brazil. In this episode, we look back at Baby’s life before sanctuary, and one thing becomes strikingly clear: her story reflects many of the themes we’ve explored throughout our Rethinking Elephants serie...

We’ve all heard an elephant trumpet, but what does a rumble or a squeak sound like? Where in the body are these sounds produced, and what do they mean? In this week’s episode, we explore the fascinating world of elephant communication. From audible vocalizations to infrasonic and seismic communication beyond human hearing, we discuss the many ways elephants share information with one another. We a...

In this episode, we explore something that seems to contradict much of what we’ve discussed in past episodes: Why do inherently social, deeply bonded elephants sometimes choose solitude, even when given the opportunity to build relationships at a sanctuary? How can an elephant who has never — or only briefly — experienced life within a true herd suddenly be expected to behave the way we think they...

In this episode, we explore one of the most profound qualities we see and admire in elephants: their ability to grieve. Kat and Scott share stories from decades of working with captive elephants, revealing that grief is not just a moment, but a process. For some elephants in captivity, especially those encountering loss for the first time, this process may need to be learned or reawakened. Yet onc...

In this episode, we explore some of the traits we so admire in elephants: empathy, self-awareness, and their capacity for grief, and how these are shaped by the bonds they form over a lifetime. Scott raises an important question: Can we truly understand relationships that develop over decades within multi-generational herds, when our own lives are so far removed from that kind of social structure?...

In the first episode of our new Rethinking Elephants series, we begin by exploring the architecture of elephant societies. Scott and Kat give an overview of herd structure—from matrilineal families and the role of the matriarch to key differences between African and Asian elephants. While many of our listeners are already elephant-savvy, this episode asks a deeper question: what happens when these...

In this week’s episode, we catch up with Kat and Scott. While they’re still busy providing documentation to SEMA, we’re happy to share that the temporary suspension of the sanctuary’s operating licence has been lifted. We also celebrate one very dedicated listener with our first-ever Global Rumblings Podcast Binge Award of 2025 — after listening to every episode in just one month. For the past thr...

In this episode, we discuss recent developments at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (ESB) following the deaths of Pupy and Kenya, the sanctuary’s two female African elephants, in 2025. As we have seen in recent weeks, we are living in a time that is exposing a troubling side of our society — one where false and negative claims are more readily accepted than positive truth, and where it often seems easier...

Please note that this episode was recorded prior to Kenya’s passing. In our final podcast of 2025, we start by clearing up last episode’s “acre-gate” and confirming the size of the expanded female Asian habitat: once completed, our elephants will have approximately 280 acres to roam . There is still time to support our year-end fundraiser for this major expansion. With a USD 75k match in place, ev...

We’re back after our holiday and have a lot to talk about! Kat and Scott have just returned from the US, where part of their trip included attending one of the film festivals screening The Ramba Effect , the documentary about Chile’s last circus elephant and beloved late ESB resident, Ramba. We also share how Kenya is doing after the sudden and heartbreaking loss of her companion, Pupy. As the yea...

Kenya & Pupy’s first steps together Please note that this episode was recorded prior to Pupy’s sudden passing. The moment we’ve all been waiting for since Kenya’s relocation to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil on July 9, 2025, is finally here! Pupy and Kenya are now sharing the same yards, and can begin exploring this next step. Scott and Kat share how Kenya is learning to channel her big energy as s...

On 29 August 2013, Global Sanctuary for Elephants was founded as a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit—paving the way to a better life for South America’s elephants. In today’s episode, we look at the progress made over the past 12 years and what still needs to happen so captive elephants everywhere can live as naturally as possible. ☕ Giveaway: 🎉 Don’t miss your chance to celebrate 12 years with us! Win...

Time flies when you’re having fun—and that couldn’t be truer for Kenya, who has already spent her first four weeks in her new home. In this episode, we discuss how Kenya is settling in, transforming from a polite wanderer into a bold explorer. She’s knocking down trees, enjoying her mud wallow, and her caregivers are training her to get comfortable with routine examinations. And what about Pupy? W...

Happy days! Elephant Sanctuary Brazil has a new resident: Kenya, the female African elephant relocated from Mendoza Ecoparque in Argentina. In this podcast, we talk about the final days leading up to her move and the last-minute preparations before the team hit the road. Scott shares stories from the five-day journey, including some unexpected technical issues with the truck. It was another daylig...

With the shock and sadness of Tamy’s sudden passing still fresh, we take a closer look at the mechanisms behind elephant rescues and the broader challenges GSE faces. Transparency has always been a core value at GSE, and this extends to Tamy’s relocation story. Kat and Scott share their thoughts on how elephants in captivity—particularly in zoos unequipped to meet their complex needs—have often be...

In this week’s podcast, we shine a light on the humans behind the sanctuary—especially co-founders Kat and Scott—to find out what they actually do all day. You might be surprised to learn that direct elephant care isn’t the main part of their daily routine. A large portion of their work involves managing staff in both Brazil and the U.S., juggling logistics, and overseeing projects across multiple...

Our virtual online auction, Trunks & Treasures , is back! Starting on June 13 and running for 10 days, all proceeds will go toward the costs of relocating Kenya and Tamy—the last two elephants at the Mendoza Ecoparque in Argentina. Join us here: www.globalelephants.org/trunksandtreasures and bid on charming elephant items, purchase gifts for the Girls, and—if you’re a U.S. resident—buy one or...

In this episode, Scott shares how the decision to initiate Pupy's relocation came together swiftly, thanks to the dedicated efforts of the entire team. Despite thorough preparation, the final moments—closing the crate door and Pupy's brief reaction—remained a poignant challenge. Pupy adapted remarkably well, and the impressive convoy, comprising 26 team members, embarked on the journey. Upon arriv...

Transparency in our work can be both a blessing and a challenge. This week, we catch up with Kat in Brazil and Scott in Argentina, where he is assisting both Kenya’s (Mendoza) and Pupy’s (Buenos Aires) caregiver teams with relocation training. Kat and Scott share how the introduction of a chain in Pupy’s crate training has raised concerns among even long-time supporters. We also discuss why sedati...

In this week’s episode, we catch up on events at Ecoparque Mendoza in Argentina, where female African elephant Kenya has received a significant new item: her transport crate! Marcos, one of GSE’s caregivers, is on-site, preparing and training Kenya for her upcoming journey to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. Kat also declares her love for Tamy, the male Asian elephant destined for his forever home at th...

Kat and Scott have said it time and time again—and Scott’s recent return from Argentina without Pupy, the female African elephant at the Buenos Aires eco-parque, proves it: everything works on elephant time. We discuss how amazing Pupy is (of course), how she has developed since the death of her companion, Kuky, and how her insecurities about having the back gate of her transport crate closed made...

In this week's podcast, we catch up on life at the sanctuary and talk about Rana, Mara, Bambi, Maia, and Guille. How are the herd dynamics evolving? How are the elephants embracing the rainy season? Kat and Scott share insights into the elephant’s daily routines and how they typically spend their days. If you love hearing about the elephants at the sanctuary, consider becoming an EleGuardian b...

In today’s podcast, we say goodbye to Pocha, who had only a short time at the sanctuary. Her death, though sudden, was not entirely surprising, as there had been signs for a long time that something wasn’t quite right. Kat and Scott take us back to October 2022 to share Pocha’s final days and her passing. We also discuss how Guillermina and the other elephants reacted to her death, as well as the...

Happy New Year, everyone! The sanctuary is buzzing with activity as preparations continue to welcome its first African elephants. The crates have arrived in Argentina—but why and how do you draw blood from an elephant? What’s a trunk wash? How are Kenya and Pupy being trained and prepared for their journey to Brazil? In this episode, Kat and Scott answer these questions and share behind-the-scenes...

This GivingTuesday, we shared the exciting news that the importation permits for female African elephants Kenya and Pupy are finally in our hands, and we are taking the necessary steps for their relocation from Argentina to Brazil. To celebrate, we’ve paused our timeline on Pocha and Guillermina to introduce you to the first African elephants we will welcome to sanctuary. Kat and Scott discuss wha...