A Rare Visit To the Barn

Bambi, Mara, and Rana made a rare visit to the barn on a recent evening, so we opened Yard 2 up for them. All three got very excited when they ended up under the shade tree in the back of the yard together, and there was a mini-celebration.

After dinner, we did what we normally do and put down some food on “Middle Road,” which leads back into Yard 4. But then the three of them split up. Mara headed back toward the barn, most likely to check for scraps remaining from dinner. Rana, who also tends to be interested in leftovers, followed her that way. Bambi, however, knew there was food just down the road and initially went toward the path for more snacks. Before making it out to the first pile of produce, Bambi gave up and decided that time with friends was more important than the food she knew would be waiting for her.

By the next morning, Bambi, Mara, and Rana were still close to the barn. Eventually, Bambi and Mara headed towards the pond, while Rana found Maia and the two napped together in Yard 3 (which we opened up for them). We don’t always know what they do at night but, no surprise, the snacks were gone come sunrise.

Photo of Rana and Bambi

Comments(11)

JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
April 28, 2022 at 2:49 pm
These girls and their individual personalities are an absolute joy to read about, and watch. Their ever evolving friendship they enjoy is truly heartwarming when you think of their past life and what they have endured.
John says
April 28, 2022 at 2:57 pm
I love how you tell stories. It’s makes me feel like I know the girls. Thank you!
- REPLY
  Sara says
  April 28, 2022 at 3:49 pm
  Thank you. That means a lot.
Deb says
April 28, 2022 at 2:59 pm
I look forward to your daily posts & enjoy each one! Several times I have tried to comment but the computer says my response is repetitive….so it won’t accept my comment.
Please know that I’m very attentive to your posts💕
You guys are the BEST!
- REPLY
  Sara says
  April 28, 2022 at 3:49 pm
  Well we got this one! Thanks for reading daily. We appreciate you.
Julie says
April 28, 2022 at 3:11 pm
Awww, sweet Bambi. You make my heart swell with the love you have for your friends! Thank you for this post!
Nancy Shaw says
April 28, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Made me Smile !!
Patricia says
April 28, 2022 at 9:51 pm
Funny angel poopsie sweethearts! xoxoxo
Tammy says
April 29, 2022 at 7:12 am
Adorable! sisters forever 💞
Carey says
April 29, 2022 at 7:25 am
Why do you think that they are coming to the barn less now?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  April 29, 2022 at 9:53 am
  More than likely it has to do with Mara’s ability to acquire more nutrition from the habitat than she once was. In the days when Mara was particularly unwell, we made a point to feed them at the barn so that we could be sure that she was getting a proper amount of food, nutrients, medicine, etc. These days, she is eating well – so we’re letting them do what comes naturally, which is to graze more of what the land holds, which should ideally be the largest part of their diet. Of course, we monitor how much food everyone eats, but there hasn’t been much need for the elephants to come to the barn often. Plus, it’s likely much more relaxing and gratifying to spend most of their time grazing out in sanctuary land.

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