Elephant Sandro begins transfer from Sorocaba Zoo to Mato Grosso sanctuary

Sandro, a 54-year-old elephant who has lived at the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo in Sorocaba since 1982, has begun a 1,600-kilometer journey to the Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (SEB) in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso.

The transfer follows a judicial order from the São Paulo Court of Justice, supported by the Public Ministry, which cited inadequate enclosure conditions at the zoo, including issues with drainage and space. The relocation process involved using a crane to load a climate-controlled transport box and a flatbed truck. The journey is expected to take approximately two and a half days.

The move has faced local opposition. Residents of Sorocaba protested the transfer, expressing concerns regarding the animal's health during the long trip and his ability to adapt to a new environment. The City of Sorocaba has filed legal appeals to suspend the order, arguing that the elephant receives specialized care and that the transfer poses high risks to his well-being.