For nearly 35 years, Mundi lived alone at the zoo in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, after a long and difficult journey that began in Zimbabwe in 1984. A wild-born African savanna elephant, Mundi was one of 63 orphaned calves brought to the United States following a government cull. After being separated from the herd and surviving a brutal attack that left her blind in one eye and with a permanently damaged tusk, Mundi spent decades confined to a small enclosure with little space and no elephant companionship. In May 2023, after years of setbacks and uncertainty, Mundi finally arrived at Elephant Refuge North America, where she now lives with Bo and Tarra, free to roam, forage, mud wallow, and live as an elephant.
The cost of Mundi’s care for a year is $145,000, which covers food, supplements, veterinary care, caregivers, and fuel for the 4-wheeler that makes multiple daily trips into the habitat to deliver food and care. Can you help care for Mundi? Your donation makes a difference.
Since her arrival, Mundi has settled in at the Refuge. No more nervous pacing as she did all day long at the zoo. Only casual exploration of her vast new habitat, where she plays in the ponds, covers herself in skin-rejuvenating mud, naps in the sun, scratches on trees, and grazes to her heart's content. As each month passes, Mundi displays more confidence, independence, and a deeper desire to share personal time with both Tarra and Bo. It is encouraging to see how calm and comfortable she is in her environment and how much she enjoys being with Bo and Tarra. By all accounts, Mundi is thriving in her new forever home!
By contributing to A Year of Care for Mundi, you will become part of her family and help ensure her bright future.
We hope you’ll help give this resilient elephant the care she deserves. Every donation counts and helps us provide the best life for the elephants who call the Refuge home.
Every donation is greatly appreciated and helps us take care of the magnificent elephant residents under our care.
