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Recently, we opened up all of the yards for the elephants to share after lunch, separating the two groups into neighboring yards before night time arrived. We offered Mara and Rana Yard 5, and then 1 and 2, near the barn. Bambi, Maia, and Guillermina occupied Yard 4 and Yard 3, which is also close to the barn. That configuration meant that the two groups of girls shared a smaller fence line, along with the main divider fence line and could meet across the barrier, should they choose to. 

Because it was the later part of the evening, caregivers kept an eye on the elephants using the observation camera, and they saw Guille standing in the spot where Yards 3 and 4 meet Yard 2. Mara and Rana were nearby in Yard 2 and walked over to meet Guille where she was resting. The three elephants spent some time sharing space, and things were quiet and soft. Rana doesn’t always seem completely at ease when Guillermina is demonstrating high energy, so it was lovely to see Rana so open to an interaction with a calmer Guille. And Guille, who has made great strides in “reading the room,” appeared to know that a gentler approach was the best way to go.

When we see the girls in situations like this one, we’re guessing they could be having a conversation in their own specific, elephant ways. Whether they “talked” or not, the moment was a great example of how choice impacts relationships and how everyone involved made the conscious decision to reconnect.

Photo of Guillermina in the shade