South Georgia elephant refuge opens gate to 750-acres of natural habitat

Special to the Tallahassee Democrat
·2 min read

ATTAPULGUS, Georgia – The two Asian elephants who live at Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) in Attapulgus, Georgia, now have an additional 750 acres to call home.

When Bo and Tarra first arrived at ERNA last year, they lived in a 100-acre elephant paradise filled with pasture for grazing, woods for exploring, ponds for bathing, and plenty of room to roam.

Now that both elephants have demonstrated compatibility, and self-confidence living with their newly discovered autonomy, the gate was opened giving them access to an additional 750-acre habitat.

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Readying the expanded habitat for the elephants involved a thorough examination of the double fence system, construction of an overhead shelter where elephants can come and go freely, a new automatic refilling water trough, and expansion of the trail camera system that monitors the elephants’ movement and allows continued documentation of their behavior.

Asian elephants Bo and Tarra, along with their friend Mala, gained 750 more acres to explore at Elephant Refuge North America in South Georgia.
Asian elephants Bo and Tarra, along with their friend Mala, gained 750 more acres to explore at Elephant Refuge North America in South Georgia.

“Elephants are wild animals. Holding them in captivity doesn't change their natural motivations, instincts, or behaviors,” said Carol Buckley founder and CEO of Elephant Aid International, the nonprofit organization that runs ERNA. “Even though their lives have been much different from wild elephants, they have not lost their true nature and thrive best in a natural habitat.”

Bo retired to ERNA after a 30-year career in the circus. Tarra came from an alternate sanctuary setting. They didn’t know each other before arriving at ERNA but have shown great compatibility and become fast friends.

With their recent access to the expanded habitat, they have even more room to rediscover and embrace their elephantness. Additionally, they have befriended a young dog named Mala who was recently rescued by the Refuge. The three are often seen playing or just relaxing together as if they have been together for years instead of months.

Elephant Aid International (EAI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to end the worldwide suffering of captive elephants by creating innovative approaches to their care and management.

World-renowned elephant expert Carol Buckley founded Elephant Aid International in November 2009. EAI then started a new chapter in the care of captive elephants with its establishment of Elephant Refuge North America in South Georgia.

Learn more at elephantaidinternational.org.

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: South Georgia elephant refuge adds 750 acres of natural habitat