Today is a bit of a quiet day at the sanctuary, it seems things are setting in a bit. Maia and Rana shared the habitat last night, bumping into each other around 9 pm, but went their separate ways. We somewhat expected Rana to be close to the barn, but she was in a part of 5 that she doesn’t often visit. She is sullen today, but it is expected. The first day Rana just seemed to be trying to take it all in. Yesterday she seemed a little lost and trying to figure things out, today she looks sad. Her usual silly side is quiet, and although she is not disconnected, she’s not fully there either. Her mood is appropriate; she lost her new best friend.
Maia is doing ok today, lighter than yesterday. She went off by the pond, seeming to take it all in stride. Lady is also better today. We did her foot soaks this morning and worked on touching, and she did very well- patient and positive. She enjoys her food reward for sure, but she also seems to appreciate the pride felt towards her when she puts in the effort.
We’ll all take each day as it comes. We have many thoughts on moving forward, but we need to let the girls lead the way. It’s part of trying to reign it in and not push our own desires or what we think would be best on them but instead allowing them to show us what they truly need.
The photo is Rana (left) and Maia both with Ramba. Although we wanted to write about how Rana was doing, it felt invasive to try to take a photo of her today and to be anything less than completely present with her. So we are sharing this photo instead.
We also wanted to say thank you for the love that has been shown to Ramba and her life at the sanctuary. I spent a chunk of the afternoon reading and crying at the beautiful sentiments that people shared. The vulnerability struck me, as it has always been one of the qualities of the elephants that I admire most. Putting your heart out there is never easy, and it was such a tribute to Ramba and what she meant to so many. One of the other things that stood out was seeing that she was ‘the first’ elephant for many that they connected with in such a profound way. She was unique and changed us all and the sanctuary forever. We are honored to have shared her story with all of you and for you sharing yours in return.
December 28, 2019
Comments(7) 








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Sarah Bedford says
December 28, 2019 at 5:04 pmThank you for your touching and moving update. I’m glad the girls are as OK as they can be and that you all are too.
Ramba was and is so loved, it will take everyone quite a good while to heal. I’m sure we will all get there in our own way and time.
Sending all my love to you and the girls ???
Debbie Sides says
December 28, 2019 at 5:29 pmShe got to experience home and herd and freedom of choice. Bless her sweet soul. She’ll get to meet Pelusa and the rest of the herd in the heavens. Love you Ramba.
Sherry says
December 28, 2019 at 6:21 pmIt was a such a shock to hear of Ramba’s passing. I cannot tell you how the pain of the big hole in my heart hurt tremendously.. The passing was just too soon after she arrived only in October of this year!
Please Lord take good care of GSE the caretakers and all of the elephants.
Love to you all.
Elke Riesterer says
December 28, 2019 at 7:02 pmI have a candle lit for sweet Ramba !?She went over the rainbow bridge with all the love and care she received from GSE and the wider circle of supporters from all over the world. I see her now rooming the land of her ancestors ……. ? ?
My upmost thank you to Scott and Kat for creating this Brazilian elephantine retirement home. ❤️
Barb Campbell says
December 28, 2019 at 7:11 pmI can only imagine how sad GSE is I am heartbroken you guys are absolutely awesome there love all of you. Thanks for all you do ??????? loving and caring for elephants.
catherine says
December 29, 2019 at 10:06 amquiet and somber. so sad, so sorry.
Muriel Servaege says
December 29, 2019 at 12:06 pmElephants are sentient being , which makes them particularly vulnerable when losing a friend. It will take time for Rana and Maia to get over their loss.
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