Mara, a beautiful elephant who suffered for years as a “tourist attraction” in circuses and zoos, is finally free and will start her new life at a Brazilian animal sanctuary.
Until recently, the 50-something Indian elephant spent her life in captivity. First she performed at a circus and later at the Buenos Aires City Zoo in Argentina. The zoo shut down due to animal cruelty accusations in 2016, becoming an “eco-park,” but officials recently decided to move Mara to a more suitable environment at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil in Mato Grosso.
Safely stowed in a massive crate and loaded onto a truck by a crane, Mara travelled nearly 2,000 miles to her new home.
The sanctuary live-streamed Mara’s arrival on Facebook.
“We are grateful to everyone who has helped to make this happen,” the sanctuary said, “especially the EcoParque Buenos Aires, our supporters and the officials in both Brazil and Argentina who have made an international elephant transport possible during this pandemic.”
Mara is now able to roam around the sanctuary’s 2,800 acres of trees, grass and mud wallows, scratching against trees and enjoying the company of other rescued elephants.
“Mara … is incredibly tactile and touches everything,” the sanctuary continued. “Even when she collects grass, she passes over it with her trunk a few times first. She’s lovely. It’s apparent that she is insecure about many things, but we expect that to change as she discovers the new world around her and builds confidence with each new exploration and choice.”

YAY — SUCCESS —- I am so happy for Mara — this is DOING THE RIGHT THING — we love you, Mara.
I just watched the video of MARA the Elephant, her rescue, transport and arrival to the sanctuary in Brazil. I cried tears of joy !!! She looked tired but had such a huge smile on her face ! Beautiful, beautiful girl. With love , Diana
I just watched the video of MARA the Elephant, her rescue, transport and arrival to the sanctuary in Brazil. I cried tears of joy !!! She looked tired but had such a huge smile on her face ! Beautiful, beautiful girl. With love , Diana
This is wonderful news.
these poor animals need love and caring
It helps seeing success stories like Mara. I have been rescuing animals and donating to as many groups as I can afford. Thank you for something positive
Glad someone wants to rescue the elephants. They need to be a safe place to beable to live their lives out.
By watching this video one could easily figure out this poor pachyderm is 100% ‘Insecure’. Any animal who shows the fear & insure itself is a sign of prior Abuse & torment they have experienced earlier. It’s a clear testament to HER being taken almost an entire 1 HOUR, for her just to come out from the container.
For Circuses their PROFIT is the most important thing & it’s their priority. Animals well being is no where near. Solitary confinement, torment & abuse is part of the game. Such massive, majestic, amazing animals should NEVER BE CONFINED TO CAGES for the purpose of the human pleasure & entertainment. They have not done any crimes to be imprisoned in such cruel manner.
Elephants are very strong Family oriented, very intelligent magnificent creatures. I hope from this day onward this beautiful Girl will have the freedom to roam, forage, explore the natural habitats & wallow in mud pools & enjoy. THANK YOU TO ALL THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THIS HAPPENED. YOU ALL ARE THE BEST.
Finally, something good has happened to an animal. Pray that other elephants get freed from their zoo prisons.
ALL zoo animals should be RELEASED, or at least kept in large, NATURAL ENVIRONMENT enclosures!
That’s such nice news ! Well done and Thankyou
Oh, what a lovely story!! Thank you to all who made Mara’s exit to freedom (finally) happen!!
BEAUTIFUL — THANK YOU for making this happen for Mara the ELEPHANT.
I am so glad that she was moved to a sanctuary. 🐘🐘
Wonderful to read another story with a positive outcome.
Agree.
Not a. Moment to soon .bless her
This is great news. So very delighted. Thank you so much to all who have helped her.
Sometime I just cry for animals that are being tortured and neglected and sometime I cry for animals that have a chance at a second life…a life of freedom and care.
I’m so happy for Mars!! She deserved to live in peace, and I hope she will at this sanctuary.
Thank you everyone who made this possible for sweet Mare. Thank you, thank you 🐘 💜
Amen!!! God Bless All that helped rescue Mara, God’s precious animal 🙂
That’s amazing. I hope to hear many more rescues just like this for elephants that have been exploited by tourism, zoos, circuses and such. Elephants are wild and that is exactly where they should be.
EcoParque Buenos Aires is going to seem like Heaven to sweet Mara. Room, fresh air, and other elephants to be with <3
Thank you to all who helped make this happen.
moche
THIS NEWS MADE MY DAY!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!