With his binoculars, the little eight-year-old boy tries to get a closer look at these two majestic animals that we are not used to coming across in Limousin. This Saturday, November 30, the only elephant sanctuary in Europe, Elephant Haven, located in Bussière-Galant, in the southwest of Haute-Vienne, opened its doors to visitors.
A unique moment which only takes place twice a year and which continues this Sunday, December 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Do everything to help animals
The opportunity for Sofie Goetghebeur and Tony Verhulst to share their passion for these animals and explain the importance of this place: “We find that it is important to involve people, to answer questions, because not everyone knows not what a sanctuary is. The main word here is respect. We are not there to touch them and give them food. They are at home and we must respect that. »
Since 2016, the founders of the sanctuary have decided to settle in Limousin, “the ideal place” according to them for their two pachyderms that they have welcomed, Gandhi and Delhi. After 20 years of experience at Antwerp Zoo, the Belgian couple decided to do more to help the animals. With an idea in mind since 2012: offering animals removed from circuses a refuge for a green retirement.
Limousin, the ideal place
“We chose Limousin for the climatic conditions. It rains often so the grass stays green and there are lots of edible trees for the elephants, it’s perfect,” Sofie explains to visitors. An essential animal welfare for the couple, who specially built a stable on the land to protect these two great ladies, Delhi and Gandi, from the cold in winter and the heat in summer.
For more than a year, Gandhi and Delhi, two females aged 55 and 41 respectively, have been enjoying the Limousin air until their last breath. Delhi came straight from a zoo based in the Czech Republic, while Gandhi spent 25 years in a zoo in Denmark before taking his first steps in France in Brittany.
A well-deserved retirement for the two pachyderms who have not always had an easy life. “We don't have all the details about them, including their previous health problems. These are elephants who may have experienced mistreatment, and who have contracted physical and mental problems. Delhi has osteoarthritis and has difficulty getting around. For her part, Gandhi is very anxious. She also suffers from chronic illnesses, such as ear infections and respiratory problems,” explains Sofie.
Expand and continue to welcome
“Since they arrived, they already smell better. We try to do the best we can to care for them. We work with other zoos and veterinarians. We use the laser technique to treat abscesses, but we also use natural products like turmeric,” adds Tony.
The founders of the sanctuary also practice “ medical training “, that is to say cooperative care: “To examine, we touch the part we want to see. The animal shows it to us and we offer it a reward. It's all positive. This takes time, because there is a trust that must be established between the caregiver and the animal. »
Today, in France, there are six circus elephants in France who need help
To offer the ideal living environment for their animals, the couple plans to expand to 50 hectares, instead of the 29 they currently rent in the town. “Since the law was passed to ban elephants in circuses, there is a real need,” assures the couple.
A colossal job for Tony and Sofie, helped mainly by volunteers from all over the world to carry out the necessary work, and financed by donations. The Intermarché of Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche, located a few kilometers away, regularly brings unsold fruit and vegetables to the association. “We are here thanks to donors, volunteers, businesses that support us. Everyone told us we were crazy. We are just determined,” assures the couple.
The next open days will be held in April 2025. To support the Elephant Haven sanctuary, donations can be made directly via their website. For more information, visit elephanthaven.com.
Emilie Montalban
