Freedom at Last: 35 Years in Captivity Ends as Rescued Elephant Finds a Forever Haven

Mundi is ready for her fresh start.

The 41-year-old female African savannah elephant has spent most of her life in captivity. According to World Animal Protection, Mundi was orphaned at a young age, captured, trained, and sold into the entertainment industry.

Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) agreed to take Mundi to its sanctuary in Attapugus, Georgia. World Animal Protection partnered with the Wild Animal Sanctuary and Elephant Aid International to assist with Mundi’s safe transportation from Puerto Rico to Georgia.

Katie Bryden-World Animal Protection

“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,” Carol Buckley, Elephant Aid International’s founder, president, and CEO, said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

For the trip, Mundi rode on a chartered 747 flight from Puerto Rico to Jacksonville, Florida.The elephant arrived at the Jacksonville airport on the afternoon of May 12 and then was driven to ERNA in Georgia. World Animal Protection monitored the trip and shared that the journey went smoothly.

Katie Bryden-World Animal Protection

Mundi arrived at her new sanctuary home by nightfall on May 12 and was given time and space to adjust to her new surroundings. In the days following her arrival, the elephant got to know the sanctuary’s other elephants. After 35 years without a friend, Mundi seemed comfortable and content to be around elephants again.

Once Mundi fully acclimates to her new home, she will have access to its 850 acres of lush nature, spring-fed lake, and unlimited outdoor time.

Katie Bryden-World Animal Protection

World Animal Protection and Mundi’s other rescuers hope the elephant’s story inspires others to keep animals out of the entertainment industry.