Maia was recently standing in the pond as Rana and Mara splashed along the edge. This scenario happens somewhat regularly lately. As we approach the end of the dry season, the ponds become more and more popular. Once it starts raining, and water is abundant, the ponds get slightly less exciting.
This day was remarkable because, as Rana and Mara played along the edge, Maia decided it was naptime. She simply plopped down a few feet away in the pond to rest. Mara and Rana continued splashing around while Maia seemed to sleep soundly. When we checked later, they were still there, splashing, as Maia continued to pond blob. It was encouraging to see that all three of them were actively choosing the dynamic of “Maia sleeps while Rana and Mara play nearby.”
Even after nap time and pond time, the three spent most of the day close to each other. We saw Maia touching Mara at one point, and Mara seemed comfortable with it. It’s nice watching their friendships develop at their own pace.
Photo of Maia after a nap in a mud wallow on another day.
Comments(18) 



















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MARCELA says
September 9, 2020 at 4:16 pmQué alegría leer que se están haciendo amigas las tres!!! Ojalá alguna vez puedan disfrutar y estar más tiempo juntas compartiendo cada vez que tengan ganas…
arie says
September 9, 2020 at 4:18 pmheartwarming to witness their growing friendship and trust.
I wonder if they think back sometimes and realise what a wonderful life the have now. I hope not, I hope they just enjoy the moment ?❤️
Wim says
September 10, 2020 at 6:23 amReal muddy picture how fascinating. Carefully but still inch by inch they seem to discover the sanctuary possibilities and reach out to each other. Elephants never stop to surprise and enchant your heart. ?????
Jacqueline Leighton says
September 9, 2020 at 4:21 pmThose elephants are so lovely
Barb says
September 9, 2020 at 4:22 pmFantastic bonding! I guess Lady was off enjoying her solitude.
Paula says
September 9, 2020 at 4:45 pmQue alegría!?
Sigo pensando que el agua y el barro hacen milagros en las damas!
Ellas adoran esta actividad, disfrutan, se relajan y olvidan las inseguridades o temores propios!
Hermoso, al igual que Maia de pie en el barro!❤
Carey says
September 9, 2020 at 4:48 pmSo great to hear!
Bobi StaySee says
September 9, 2020 at 4:56 pmDelightful! Gorgeous photo, fun-filled. Huge progress. Simply wonderful, so natural.
Julie says
September 9, 2020 at 5:13 pmOoooh, how exciting The first signs of a herd forming. I love it! Thank you, dear
Lori Hoover says
September 9, 2020 at 5:18 pmThis is the sweetest thing. I am so happy to hear that Maia is getting closer to Mara. It sounds like things are going great for all the ladies.
Lila says
September 9, 2020 at 5:37 pmSo cool
Tammy says
September 9, 2020 at 5:50 pmGood times had by all ???
Jacquelinr Leighton says
September 9, 2020 at 6:02 pmThey look so happy and cool
ANDREA SIMONETTI says
September 9, 2020 at 7:12 pmé para morrer de amor!!!!
Bo says
September 10, 2020 at 12:25 amHow can you not love this photo?!
Wonderful to hear and read about Maia, that she feels more and more comfortable in the company of the others.
But secretly I think Maia was playing tag.
Closer, closer, closer, and a little bit closer, and, …
“Tag! You’re it Mara!”
🙂
Rosie P says
September 10, 2020 at 6:57 amI am very happy to read about this blossoming friendship with Maia, Rana and Mara. There is definite progress with all three interacting. Maia feeling comfortable with the others being close while she dozes. Maia touching Mara, who seems at ease with it.
Fabulous photo of magnificent Maia.
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
September 11, 2020 at 6:38 pmLovely to hear the relationships are slowly moving toward acceptance of being closer and in each other’s space..
Carol in Canada says
September 16, 2020 at 4:19 amThank you for sharing this with us. These updates always make me so happy for the ESB Girls. We really can’t wait for Bambi to arrive, and to watch their Sanctuary lives unfold. Bravo!
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A Little Splashing and Napping with Friends