Gentle Giant: 40-Year-Old Elephant Finds Sanctuary in Mexico

A three-ton Asian elephant named Pame has found a safe haven at a conservation center in Chapa de Mota, State of Mexico, after a decade of living there. Pame, who is over 40 years old, is a gentle giant that allows close interaction with her caretakers. "Being close to her is a privilege," says Ulises Grajales, a conservationist. However, Pame's species is critically endangered due to poaching for ivory. Gerardo López Santamaría, the center's marketing manager, explains that in the wild, Asian elephants typically live to 50, but under conservation, they can reach 80 years. Cristian Santana, operations manager, adds that Pame consumes around 150 kilograms of fruit, vegetables, and other food daily. The conservation center provides a sanctuary for Pame and other endangered animals, offering hope for their survival. The story of Pame highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures from poaching and extinction.