First Latin American Elephant Sanctuary Opens in Brazil

Rescued Elephants Maia and Guida, adjusting to their new home. © BBC

Latin America's first elephant sanctuary in Brazil has opened its doors to two elephants, and hopes are high to receive many more. On Wednesday, October 12, the first elephant arrived at its new home. Maia and Guida, the two Asian elephants to arrive at the sanctuary, are now free from their former trainers' abuse and living in harsh conditions in the circus.

In general, there is a lot of environmental activism present in Brazil among the wide variety of wildlife in the country. Activists in Brazil have shown great concern for former circus elephants in Latin America. Although the sanctuary can hold up to six elephants, there are still 50 elephants across the continent in need of help.

To read more about elephants Maia and Guida, and more about the sanctuary and wildlife activism, click here: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37663208