Story highlights Two former circus elephants are the first residents

The sanctuary was built in an old cattle ranch

(CNN) Brazil has opened up the first sanctuary in Latin America for elephants previously in captivity, an idyllic retreat that could eventually house as many as 50 of the giant animals.

Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, in the central Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, was founded by the US-based non-profit organization Global Sanctuary for Elephants, and it already has its first two residents.

Maia and Guida, two elephants that spent the past four decades in captivity, arrived at the sanctuary Tuesday. Posts on the group's Facebook page show that the girls have started to adapt not only to their newfound freedom, but also to each other.

"They are completely thriving," said Scott Blais, the chief executive for Global Sanctuary for Elephants.

Maia and Guida spent the past 40 years with a circus in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. For the past half-decade they were attached to 15-foot chains on a farm owned by the lawyer for the circus.

JUST WATCHED A third of Africa's elephants wiped out in 7 years Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH A third of Africa's elephants wiped out in 7 years 05:47

Read More