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A Little Splashing and Napping with Friends

Maia

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.

September 9, 2020

Comments(18)

  1. REPLY
    MARCELA says
    September 9, 2020 at 4:16 pm

    Qué 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…

  2. REPLY
    arie says
    September 9, 2020 at 4:18 pm

    heartwarming 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 ?❤️

    • REPLY
      Wim says
      September 10, 2020 at 6:23 am

      Real 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. ?????

  3. REPLY
    Jacqueline Leighton says
    September 9, 2020 at 4:21 pm

    Those elephants are so lovely

  4. REPLY
    Barb says
    September 9, 2020 at 4:22 pm

    Fantastic bonding! I guess Lady was off enjoying her solitude.

  5. REPLY
    Paula says
    September 9, 2020 at 4:45 pm

    Que 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!❤

  6. REPLY
    Carey says
    September 9, 2020 at 4:48 pm

    So great to hear!

  7. REPLY
    Bobi StaySee says
    September 9, 2020 at 4:56 pm

    Delightful! Gorgeous photo, fun-filled. Huge progress. Simply wonderful, so natural.

  8. REPLY
    Julie says
    September 9, 2020 at 5:13 pm

    Ooooh, how exciting The first signs of a herd forming. I love it! Thank you, dear

  9. REPLY
    Lori Hoover says
    September 9, 2020 at 5:18 pm

    This 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.

  10. REPLY
    Lila says
    September 9, 2020 at 5:37 pm

    So cool

  11. REPLY
    Tammy says
    September 9, 2020 at 5:50 pm

    Good times had by all ???

  12. REPLY
    Jacquelinr Leighton says
    September 9, 2020 at 6:02 pm

    They look so happy and cool

  13. REPLY
    ANDREA SIMONETTI says
    September 9, 2020 at 7:12 pm

    é para morrer de amor!!!!

  14. REPLY
    Bo says
    September 10, 2020 at 12:25 am

    How 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!”
    🙂

  15. REPLY
    Rosie P says
    September 10, 2020 at 6:57 am

    I 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.

  16. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
    September 11, 2020 at 6:38 pm

    Lovely to hear the relationships are slowly moving toward acceptance of being closer and in each other’s space..

  17. REPLY
    Carol in Canada says
    September 16, 2020 at 4:19 am

    Thank 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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