Tamy, an Asian elephant that has been living in the Ecoparque de Mendoza for decades, is practically the last one in captivity in Argentina.
The reason is that Kenya, the African specimen that lives in the same former zoo, is about to embark on the long-awaited journey to the sanctuary in Brazil.
The next one, and what is expected to be a symbol of the definitive closure of the era of elephants in captivity in the country, is Tamy. In addition, it will put an end to a stage marked by years of loneliness, confinement, and fear.
Who is Tamy: the touching story of captivity and an attempt for freedom
Tamy was born in captivity in 1970 and arrived in Mendoza in 1984. She spent a large part of her life in inadequate conditions, as her years had been spent in a circus.
When “El circo de los hermanos Gasca” tried to cross to Chile to continue their itinerant life, they encountered the impossibility of taking the elephant, as they needed a special permit.
With no other alternative, they decided to “donate” her to the then Zoo de Mendoza.
Upon arrival, and for a few hours, the male Asian elephant was, however, free. It’s because during the first afternoon at the former zoo, Tamy took advantage of a carelessness and escaped.
However, they managed to recapture her and since then she remained in the same place. Although he is the father of Guillermina, the male was separated from his daughter and mother (the two females were never separated).
Her behavior, according to specialists, shows signs of chronic stress, a common consequence in elephants deprived of their natural environment.
One step away from living among her own kind
The case of Tamy is especially relevant not only for being the only elephant left in an Argentine ecopark, but also because her story reflects years of claims from environmental organizations for a more ethical and respectful treatment towards wild animals.
Currently, the procedures are being carried out for her transfer to a sanctuary in Brazil, the same destination where the elephants Pocha and Guillermina were taken in 2022.
With Tamy’s departure, the Ecoparque de Mendoza will stop housing elephants, fulfilling its objective of transitioning to a model without exhibiting wild fauna.
“This will be a historic moment for animal protection in our country,” stated various environmental groups.
Argentina would become a country free of captive elephants, like Chile and Uruguay
If Tamy’s transfer is completed, Argentina would join Chile and Uruguay as “elephant-free” countries.
Both neighboring countries are examples of nations working to eliminate the presence of elephants in captivity, such as in zoos or circuses. Legislative measures were taken in both countries, and the remaining elephants in captivity were transferred to sanctuaries where they can live in more natural conditions.
