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When people think of Decatur County, they often think of the Flint River and Lake Seminole, perhaps the Bainbridge square, or the various small towns and communities that surround Bainbridge. Most people don’t associate it with elephants, despite three now calling Attapulgus home.

Bainbridge local Haylie Moye first heard about Elephant Refuge North America in 2018, when the operation began taking shape, but years before any elephants would arrive.

“I never thought I would be out here,” Moye said.

About a year ago, Moye reached out to the sanctuary, interested in a job. At first, she was told by sanctuary founder Carol Buckley she would need more experience.

“I let that sit in my inbox for a couple of days,” she recalled. Not one to take no for an answer, after some persistent email conversations, Moye ended up volunteering for the sanctuary, after which point she was hired.

“I’m very lucky that I have this opportunity,” she said. A 2023 BHS graduate, Moye hopes to further her education and pursue a career in animal science. Getting a job working with elephants has been a big boost to her.

“It’s really been the opportunity of a lifetime for me. Starting with no prior experience working with elephants, I’m incredibly grateful for this chance,” she said. “Carol has truly blessed me with this opportunity. I’m so thankful to be out here.”

A typical workday can encompass multiple facets of elephant care, from arranging the elephant’s daily meals to cleaning stalls, along with basic maintenance like keeping the sanctuary’s hay barn stocked.

“Before this, I had never even seen an elephant, other than Google,” Moye laughed. Working with the sanctuary’s trio has been an eye-opening experience for her. “They’re all very smart. You don’t really realize how intelligent these animals are until you’re right up with them.”

“It just feels so good to be a part of something that’s so much bigger than myself, caring for these animals,” she continued. “I just hope I can continue to care for Bo, Mundi, and Tarra in the future… I’m just so thankful that Carol believed in me.”

“We are fortunate to have Haylie on our team,” Buckley said. “She has proven to be an invaluable asset, and we sincerely hope she remains with us for many years to come.”

For those interested in working at Elephant Refuge North America, the sanctuary is currently seeking to fill a part-time job. This position would include assisting with the elephant’s feeding, cleaning, and general care, along with basic groundskeeping tasks. Experience with animal care is a requirement, while experience with groundskeeping tasks is also preferred; a driver’s license and reliable transportation are required.

For more information, contact Suzanne Carr at suzanne@elephantaidinternational.org.