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Mundi the Elephant Celebrates Two Years of Freedom at Elephant Refuge North America
ATTAPULGUS, GA, May 8, 2025:
On May 12, Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) celebrates a deeply moving milestone: the second anniversary of Mundi the elephant’s rescue and return to freedom. After nearly 40 years in captivity—most of them spent in heartbreaking isolation—Mundi is now living the life every elephant deserves: one filled with friendship, freedom, and joy.
Mundi’s journey began in Zimbabwe, where she was born in the wild but orphaned during a brutal mass culling. Taken from her homeland, she spent decades alone in a zoo in Puerto Rico. Her world was one of concrete confinement and solitude—until May 12, 2023, when she arrived at ERNA’s 850-acre sanctuary in southern Georgia.
“Mundi's transformation is nothing short of miraculous,” said Carol Buckley, Founder and CEO of Elephant Aid International. "Her transformation since arriving at our sanctuary has been truly inspiring. She has blossomed in our 850-acre natural habitat, forming strong bonds with her herd mates, Bo and Tarra."
ERNA provides a safe haven for elephants rescued from captivity, offering them the space and care to heal and rediscover their natural behaviors. Mundi’s story highlights the importance of sanctuaries in providing refuge for these magnificent animals.
From the moment she arrived, Mundi embraced her new life. She immediately scratched on trees and rolled in the glorious mud—joys she hadn’t experienced since she was a calf. Despite not seeing another elephant in nearly 35 years, she quickly bonded with gentle Bo and wise Tarra, underscoring her deep need for companionship. She’s even made new friends in dogs Samie and Mala, chasing and playing with them across the fields.
Her days are now spent napping in the shade with her herd, foraging in the forest, and creating custom trails through the thick woods. These winding, elephant-sized paths have led to quiet resting spots, showing her deep intelligence and instinct for comfort and safety.
“Mundi has become a trailblazer—literally,” said Buckley. “She clears her own paths, forages wild vegetation, and creates peaceful spaces hidden deep in the forest. Watching her regain and express her natural behaviors is one of the greatest joys we’ve experienced.”
The Refuge has also captured powerful moments of connection between Mundi and her companions. Her growing bond with Tarra and her affectionate dependence on Bo are constant reminders of the emotional depth and social intelligence of elephants. Recently, she amazed staff watching the EleCam by tracking Bo through the woods using only her trunk—sweeping the ground for his scent and choosing the correct trail without visual cues.
As temperatures rise, the trio now spends more time in the ponds and mud wallows, enjoying naps together in the cool forest shade. Tarra, previously more solitary, has begun joining the group naps—demonstrating just how far these relationships have come.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of Mundi’s freedom, but a tribute to everyone who helped make it possible,” Buckley added. “Thanks to the support of our community and the dedication of animal advocates, Mundi now lives the life she always deserved.”
Mundi's journey from heartbreak to happiness is a powerful reminder of the resilience of the elephant spirit—and of the extraordinary things that can happen when people join together to improve the lives of others.
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About Elephant Aid International (EAI): Elephant Aid International (EAI) is a nonprofit organization that creates innovative approaches to the care and management of elephants worldwide. We unchain elephants in Asia, teach humane methods of training and handling elephants, and provide a natural habitat refuge for retired elephants in the U.S. Learn more at http://elephantaidinternational.org.
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