Erin Hill
Gadsden County News Service
Bo, a 12,000-pound Asian elephant who spent more than three decades in captivity before retiring to Elephant Refuge North America, marked five years at the South Georgia refuge Sept. 23.
Bo arrived at the Attapulgus refuge Sept. 23, 2021, becoming its first resident. The refuge is operated by Elephant Aid International and encompasses 850 acres of rolling hills, pastures and forests.
According to Elephant Aid International, Bo spent the first 34 years of his life living according to human schedules and performing in a circus environment. His arrival at the refuge required him to adjust to having considerably more freedom over where he went and how he spent his time.
Caregivers initially walked alongside Bo and guided him into the shade when he became overheated, according to the organization. Over time, he began navigating the property and making those choices independently.
“Watching Bo discover his own agency over the last five years has been incredibly moving,” said Carol Buckley, founder and CEO of Elephant Aid International. “He has learned to embrace his freedom completely, choosing his own paths, forming bonds with two adoring herd mates, Tarra and Mundi, and teaching us what true resilience looks like.”
Bo now shares the refuge with Tarra and Mundi and spends much of his time roaming the property.
His routines also include interacting with caregivers. According to Elephant Aid International, Bo frequently makes a chirping sound when caregivers arrive with his daily supplements. If a meal is late, he may bellow from the pasture, alerting caregivers to his location.
Bo also has access to a heated barn but sometimes chooses to sleep outdoors in the refuge habitat.
Elephant Aid International said Bo’s five years at the refuge demonstrate how his behavior has changed as he has adjusted to an environment that allows him greater freedom to choose where he goes, when he eats and how he spends his time.
The organization provides lifetime care for elephants at the refuge and works to improve conditions for elephants living in captivity.
