ATTAPULGUS- Bo, a 37-year-old Asian elephant and first resident of Elephant Refuge North America, has much to celebrate. Bo retired from circus life three years ago and now lives in an elephant paradise located in southernmost Georgia in the small rural town of Attapulgus.
Now, Bo is immersed in 850 acres of lush natural habitat where he spends his time doing all things elephant, from grazing, swimming, and socializing to shaping sand piles into the perfect sleeping spots. The intentional design of the interconnected habitat fencing ensures that Bo and his herd members have unrestricted access to the entire property to forage and explore when and where they wish.
Although Bo is 10’6″ tall and weighs 12,000 pounds, he is the definition of a “gentle giant.” Having been one of a very few captive-held elephants who was circumcised at an early age, Bo has never experienced musth (a period of increased testosterone) that uncastrated male elephants go through annually. Therefore, Bo has an even, consistent, and extremely sweet disposition that makes him a joy to care for. His openness leaves no doubt about his feelings or wants from the other elephants and his caregivers. Bo is clear about one thing, he does not share his food. But instead of being aggressive toward another elephant who may be asking for a bite, Bo will simply lift his back leg, signaling, “I’m not sharing this with you.” The message is received and respected.
Before retiring to the Refuge, Bo was the baby of his circus herd, with five elephant aunties he had traveled with and performed with for over twenty years. Instinctively, though, or by learned behavior from his current Refuge companion and herd matriarch Tarra, Bo has become a teacher to Mundi, the newest elephant at the Refuge. He is a gentle teacher, and Mundi is an eager learner.
The Elephant Aid International (EAI) YouTube channel EleCam is the public’s opportunity to experience elephants, just being elephants. Bo is often the star of the live feed, grazing, napping, and socializing with Mundi and Tarra. Often, he can be seen splashing in the ponds and wallowing in the giant mud wallows. Those who watch the Refuge EleCam witness unobtrusively how much Bo cares for Mundi and Tarra by his physical displays of affection. There is no need to travel to Africa or Asia to see elephants; just click on EAI’s YouTube channel, and you will be transported to their world.
Elephants are not the only rescue animals at the Refuge, as Bo, Tarra, and Mundi enjoy two dog companions—Mala and Samie. Like the elephants, these canines recognize that friends come in all shapes and sizes as they playfully coexist in harmony.
Learn more about Bo at https://elephantaidinternational.org/elephant-bo and watch Bo, Mundi, and Tarra live on the EleCam at https://www.youtube.com/@ElephantAidInternational1.