Guillermina, now 25 years old, and her mother were kept in an underground pit for decades. “Guillermina had never even had grass under her feet, so everything was new to her,” a representative from Global Sanctuary for Elephants told Newsweek. The transition to the sanctuary was overwhelming for both elephants, who had grown accustomed to the stark surroundings of cement walls.
Upon arrival, the pair spent several weeks in the sanctuary’s treatment center by their own choice. Guillermina displayed a peculiar behavior, initially exiting all the gates and walking into the yard backward. While the reason behind this remains unclear, it added to her charm.
Guillermina enjoys her new life. Hearts melted as the elephant was rescued and transported to a sanctuary after 24 years of living in a concrete cage. @globalelephants
Tragically, Guillermina’s mother passed away shortly after their arrival at the sanctuary. Despite this loss, Guillermina has adapted well to her new environment.
“She is healthy and thriving as the youngest member of our sanctuary herd. She has a very big energy and likes to roam the habitat to keep herself entertained,” the representative said. Guillermina has formed bonds with the other elephants at the sanctuary, bringing excitement and youthful energy to the group.
Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, where Guillermina now resides, is the initial project of Global Sanctuary for Elephants. The sanctuary spans 2,800 acres on the edge of the Amazon rainforest and was chosen for its temperate climate and lush vegetation, which provide ideal conditions for elephants to thrive.
The sanctuary, led by renowned experts in elephant care, houses five of the animals, most of whom are in the later years of their lives. The sanctuary offers them essential care, maximum autonomy, and the opportunity to live in a herd while exploring vast natural habitats.
The Smithsonian Magazine highlights the detrimental effects of captivity on elephants, adding that those captured die seven years sooner than those bred in captivity.
The sanctuary aims to counteract these effects by offering a more natural and enriching environment. The treatment center’s doors there remain open, allowing elephants like Guillermina the freedom to come and go as they please, ensuring they live outside all year round.