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A Few Squeaks From Guille

There’s no doubt about it–Guillermina’s little squeaks can melt hearts. She’s not always as vocal as Maia and Bambi, but when she chooses to express herself, it’s absolutely charming. In this case, her little vocalizations were enough to encourage Bambi and Maia to join in to create an elephant chorus with squeaks, little trumpets, and rumbles. 

The three elephants had just eaten breakfast and Scott heard Guille offering a few of her tiny creaky noises. We love to encourage her to express herself, particularly because she seemed to largely suppress her vocal side after her mother Pocha died. We celebrate every moment when she feels free enough to make her feelings known. She even gets silly enough to back into Bambi and Maia, perhaps trying to encourage them to start a party. 

Meanwhile, Maia and Bambi are side-by-side, lovingly touching each other’s faces with their trunks. For her part, Guille heads toward Scott with an open mouth, hoping for an extra treat for an after-breakfast snack. There were none to be had, but she wasn’t bothered. You can’t fault a girl for trying. 

P.S.: Did you notice how Guille’s mouth almost turns up into a smile when she makes her little squeaks? The edges of her mouth turn up, almost in an impish grin and you can see her cheeks moving as she vocalizes. Her tushes are also more visible from the outside than most of the other Asian elephants. 

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Comments(8)

  1. REPLY
    Sharon klesse says

    Little people! So sweet.

  2. REPLY
    Shelley Wolinsky says

    What a beautiful Blue sky you have. Does vocalizing mean they are happy?

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      In this situation, it means contentment. But different sounds can mean different things depending on the circumstances. Trumpets could be calls to another elephant or it could act as an alarm to warn others of danger. Rumbles can communicate things similarly across the spectrum. We wrote a little about vocalizations if you’d like to read more: https://globalelephants.org/elefact-friday-elephant-vocalizations/

  3. REPLY
    Terry says

    These girls look so vibrant, healthy and happy!!! Guille, you are so stinking adorable!!!❤️💙💜

  4. REPLY
    Carol says

    Omg!!! Love these ladies so so much! So happy they’re happy💕💕💕💕💕

  5. REPLY
    Johnny says

    What amazing creatures. I love the close-ups when their eyes are right there. Thank you so much for letting us in to this world of theirs.

  6. REPLY
    Finn says

    Love you, Guillie 💕💖

  7. REPLY
    Joy Corley says

    I love those squeaks! Wonder what they are saying to each other? Thank you for sharing this happiness this morning. Hope you all are doing well, even though recent events have been very difficult I know. Peace to you all.