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Mara Takes New Steps

July 8, 2026

Backside of female Asian elephant Mara. You can see a tree to her right.We’re used to seeing Bambi and Maia in the area across the creek in Yard 5. It’s one of Bambi’s special spots and she seems to feel called to stay there–sometimes for days. Rana has also enjoyed lots of time there, but we’ve never seen her companion Mara on the back side of the yard, on the other side of the creek. It’s possible that she’s been and we simply never saw evidence of it but, to our knowledge, it’s not a spot she’s ventured into. 

It was breakfast time and caregivers were on the lookout for the elephants. At first, they were unable to find Rana and Mara, but a quick peek into the back of the yard found both ladies vocalizing near the second creek crossing. Our guess is that they walked over to the far point in the yard before they went to sleep, then headed back closer to the barn around meal time. We’re not sure why Mara chose this particular day to give that spot a try, but she’s clearly still branching out and challenging herself to become open to new experiences, even after years at sanctuary. Growth isn’t instantaneous or linear, and sometimes it takes time to develop the degree of confidence you need to do something you’ve never done before. Mara didn’t just take a few steps forward, she opened herself up to a whole new world.

Photo of Mara headed out into the habitat

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Comments(9)

  1. REPLY
    Wim says
    July 8, 2026 at 2:08 pm

    Interesting choice, Mara. Elephants possess perfect timing. They don’t need watches to know how late it is. 👏🐘🍉

  2. REPLY
    Audrey T. says
    July 8, 2026 at 2:14 pm

    What a wonderful post!! Courage does take time to build, go Mara!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

  3. REPLY
    Johnny says
    July 8, 2026 at 2:16 pm

    It’s fun to imagine what motivates the girls to do what they do on any given day. I love it! Thanks for the post.

  4. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    July 8, 2026 at 3:02 pm

    Maybe Mara is checking around for that ‘stranger in town.’ 🥰

  5. REPLY
    Suzanne Eaton says
    July 8, 2026 at 9:46 pm

    Humans should get adventurous like Mara.
    Thanks for leading the way, Mara. ❤️🐘

  6. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    July 8, 2026 at 11:00 pm

    Mara is on an adventure and she loves it because she’s doing it at her own pace everyone of the girls have come a long way and they know their safe and loved

  7. REPLY
    Terry says
    July 9, 2026 at 8:32 am

    Way to go Mara!!! So proud of you!

  8. REPLY
    Diane S. says
    July 22, 2026 at 2:33 pm

    Beautiful! 🐘💚🌳 Keep exploring dearest Mara!

  9. REPLY
    Carey says
    July 26, 2026 at 3:34 pm

    That’s something I’ve learned, like humans elephant recovery and growth isn’t linear, these things take t.i.m.e… 😄

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