35 years in isolation: Mundi finally finds sanctuary in US

Mundi spent nearly 35 years in isolation at the Mayaguez Zoo in Puerto Rico, which was ordered to shut down after failing to meet animal welfare standards. Trained through cruel methods and exploited for entertainment, her story is a reminder of the lifelong impact captivity can have on wild animals.

Born in Zimbabwe in 1982, Mundi was orphaned during a government-led mass culling. She was brought to the US by millionaire Arthur Jones, along with 62 other elephants, and spent two years at his Jumbolair estate in Florida before being donated to the Mayaguez Zoo, following time spent being exploited in a circus. The zoo later lost its licence from the US Department of Agriculture due to serious welfare concerns.

World Animal Protection and Elephant Aid International (EAI) worked closely with local authorities and other partners to coordinate the rescue. Described as calm and curious, Mundi, who weighs around 8,000 pounds (3,600kg), was safely transported to her new home with care taken at every step to ensure her comfort and wellbeing.

Her arrival at ERNA marks the beginning of a new chapter. She’ll be given time to settle in and adapt to her surroundings before meeting the two other resident elephants, Bo and Tarra. The sanctuary spans 850 acres of rolling hills, forests, pastures, and a spring-fed lake, providing each elephant with the space and individual care they need to heal and thrive.

Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach, Head of Wildlife Research and Animal welfare at World Animal Protection said:

Seeing Mundi arrive safely is honestly a beautiful sight. For almost 35 years, Mundi has been on display at the zoo. She lived alone in a small enclosure with access only to a dark indoor shelter. That is no life for any wild animal. I hope Mundi gets to live out her remaining years with the freedom and care she deserves.

Carol Buckley, Elephant Aid International Founder, President and CEO said:

We are thrilled that Mundi will be coming to live at Elephant Refuge North America and are grateful to World Animal Protection for joining us in her rescue. Mundi has suffered in captivity her entire life, and we look forward to caring for her and giving her the life she deserves.

Mundi’s rescue was part of a broader effort to rehome the animals from Mayaguez Zoo to sanctuaries where they can finally live in peace. Her story is a powerful reminder of why World Animal Protection is working to end the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment. Across the world, hundreds of thousands of animals are still being held captive for profit — torn from their natural habitats and forced to perform.

We’re fighting to make this the last generation of wild animals suffering in captivity. Because animals like Mundi deserve better.