A Sleepy Evening With Mara and Rana

Rana and Mara are known to sleep near each other most nights, if not every night. They have a well-known routine of calling back and forth to each other should they get separated in the late evenings–when one gets up while the other stays sleeping–but not out of distress. They always seem to know that they’ll find each other soon, if they call long enough, which usually is just a matter of waking the remaining sleeping elephant.

Some people are curious about whether elephants can lie down to sleep–and they do. It’s true that elephants in the wild get less sleep than those at sanctuary. But, in the wild they have to be on guard for dangers that the girls here simply don’t have to deal with in their daily lives. Elephants like Rana and Mara don’t need to be constantly on the move, so they have the ability to let their guards down and actually fully relax.

After sunset, we heard a noise from the habitat that sounded like metal clanging, so Scott went down to check everything out. After a thorough search, everything turned out to be just fine, but on the way back up to the office, he saw these two beauties (Mara is on the right and Rana is on the left) bedded down for some deep sleep. It was a delight to hear their relaxed, slow breathing and see them peacefully snuggled up as we headed home for the evening.

Comments(5)

Joey Lamphier says
July 29, 2026 at 2:25 pm

It is such a beautiful sight to see them sleeping soundly next to each other. Something they couldn’t do in captivity wherever that may be. I love knowing they are most always together, enjoying their life at the Sanctuary. What a wonderful new life they’ve gotten thanks to GSE and everyone who cares for them so deeply. Good night, girls! Have a wonderful night’s sleep.
Sue says
July 29, 2026 at 3:01 pm

Thank you for sharing this delightful (great word!) video. It brought the biggest smile to my face and I enjoyed watching and listening to it several times. Just wonderful! Love and hugs ❤️🐘❤️
Johnny says
July 29, 2026 at 4:07 pm

This is so great. I don’t recall seeing a video like this before. Such amazing creatures!
Ada says
July 29, 2026 at 4:21 pm

Oh my gosh! How could you not cuddle with them…hahaha. I know that’s wrong. It’s just the sweetest to see them sleeping next to each other without getting tempted to sleep next to them. Cuddle bugs these two💕🥰
Bonnie says
July 30, 2026 at 2:58 am

Thanks Scott that was so nice to see the girls so relaxed and safe and they know that again Thank you all at the Sanctuary for everything you all do to keep these girls safe and as healthy as possible and (Free ) Thank you

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