maia,

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