After decades in captivity, a 34-year-old elephant named Baby is preparing for a life-changing move.
Born at Busch Gardens in Florida, Baby was sold to a circus as a young elephant and eventually spent decades at Beto Carrero World Theme Park in Brazil. Surrounded by crowds, rides, and constant noise, she lived much of her life as an attraction. Now, after years in captivity, she is preparing for a new beginning.
The transport team from Elephant Sanctuary Brazil has arrived, and Baby has acclimated to her travel crate as preparations are made for the 1,900-kilometer journey to her new home.
Once she arrives, Baby will have opportunities she has never experienced before:
๐ฟ Space to roam
๐ฟ Natural surroundings
๐ฟ Peace and quiet
๐ฟ The freedom to make her own choices
๐ฟ The chance to simply be an elephant
Although Baby has not yet arrived at Global Sanctuary for Elephants, the transport team has already begun getting to know her. They describe her as curious, expressive, energetic, and interested in what's happening around her.
Like many elephants who have spent years in captivity, there may be parts of Baby's personality that have not yet had the opportunity to fully emerge. Her caretakers are looking forward to learning more about who she is once she arrives at sanctuary and is able to explore a larger, more natural environment while making choices about how she spends her day.
Stories like Baby's remind us that it's never too late for a new beginning.