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Elephant Sandro continues adaptation at Mato Grosso

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-21 16:24 UTC → 2026-10-17 13:34 UTC · added removed

Elephant Sandro begins continues adaptation at Mato Grosso sanctuary

Following his a 1,600-kilometer journey from the Quinzinho de Barros Municipal Zoo in Sorocaba, 54-year-old Asian elephant Sandro has begun his adaptation process at the Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (SEB) in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso. During his first weekend Sandro’s transfer followed 44 years at the sanctuary, Sorocaba zoo and was mandated by the São Paulo Court of Justice. The legal move followed disputes involving the Public Ministry and animal protection organizations, with advocates arguing the zoo's facilities were inadequate, particularly after the 2020 death of his companion, Haisa. During his initial period, monitoring cameras show showed Sandro exploring his new environment. While he has utilized the provided shelter, he has preferred spending nights outdoors among the native vegetation. The sanctuary team reports that he is eating normally, environment, utilizing mud areas, and drinking plenty of water, and utilizing mud areas. Veterinary water. While veterinary teams are closely monitoring his health. Initial assessments have identified lesions on his toes and gait asymmetries, suggesting asymmetries and toe lesions—suggesting possible osteoarticular changes. To avoid the need for invasive sedation, specialists intend changes—specialists planned to use positive reinforcement conditioning to gradually habituate him to facilitate medical sampling, X-rays, exams without invasive sedation. One month after his arrival on September 18, sanctuary staff report that Sandro is adapting well. Observed behaviors include taking water and physical examinations. mud baths and using branches to scratch himself. Raphael Bontempi Ferreira, president of the sanctuary, noted that the transition has been surprisingly smooth, stating it feels as though the elephant has ‘always belonged there.’ With Sandro’s arrival, the sanctuary now houses a total of seven elephants.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-17 13:34 UTC Elephant Sandro continues adaptation at Mato Grosso
  2. 2026-09-21 16:24 UTC Elephant Sandro begins adaptation at Mato Grosso sanctuary
  3. 2026-09-19 23:52 UTC Elephant Sandro relocated to Mato Grosso sanctuary
  4. 2026-09-18 18:38 UTC Elephant Sandro relocated to Mato Grosso sanctuary
  5. 2026-09-18 12:51 UTC Elephant Sandro relocated to Mato Grosso sanctuary
  6. 2026-09-17 02:01 UTC Elephant Sandro relocation from Sorocaba Zoo
  7. 2026-09-16 21:46 UTC Elephant Sandro relocation from Sorocaba Zoo

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