In 2016, Brazil will be the site of the first elephant sanctuary in Latin America. The Brazil Elephant Sanctuary (SEB), a non-governmental organization, has purchased an area of 1,100 hectares in the state of Mato Grosso near the Guimaraes mountains national park.

The project site, authorized by the Brazilian federal environmental agency,  has forested areas, headwaters, slopes, and pastureland.

The sanctuary is a partner of the US Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Ramba, an Asian female in her 50s with permanent scars and kidney problems, after working for decades in circuses in Argentina and Chile, is one of the first three females to call the sanctuary home. Her other two companions are Guida and Maia, both in their 40s.

Brazil was selected for three main reasons: location, mild climate, and relatively low maintenance costs, compared to other countries.

The sanctuary, which is expected to be fully operational in five years, will house over 50 elephants. However, it won’t be open to the public.