maia and guida

In 2010, together with Junia Machado and other elephant friends in Brazil, ElephantVoices began working for the interests of captive elephants in Brazil and the South American continent as a whole. Part of our effort was to promote and support progressive legislation to end the antiquated practice of performing elephants.

We stated our objectives as:
To create awareness about elephant conservation and the welfare needs of captive elephants in Brazil, and to ensure that a sanctuary for elephants in Brazil and elsewhere in South-America is established.

One might ask, Why Brazil?

During the launch of this initiative we declared that Brazil offers: a perfect climate for elephants; the possibility of obtaining a suitable sized parcel of land with habitat permitting natural foraging and social behavior; the potential to provide a home to the many captive elephants who are suffering in South America; the presence of a team of energized, committed people who want to work hard for the best interest of elephants.

The dire need for an alternative to life in circuses

To get a sanctuary in Brazil up and running was key to discussions about how to end the suffering of elephants currently in circuses and inadequate zoos. Without a