One recent morning, we separated Rana and Mara after breakfast for Mara to enjoy some additional hay. Bambi was near the training square, so we opened between Bambi, who was currently in Yard 5, Rana (in Yard 2), and Yard 4. This scenario gave Bambi the option of time with Rana or time in a new space.
At that point, Bambi had not explored Yard 4. With two gates open, instead of slowing to evaluate, she barreled into Yard 4. Upon entering the new space, she still didn’t hesitate and instead started walking up the main path at full speed.
Maia ended up joining Mara and Rana for a while that morning while Bambi explored Yard 4. Bambi seemed to bounce all over the place – she found the pond first, but by the time we arrived to take photos, she had already left (she did not go in). There are many different types of grass in Yard 4, and she seems to enjoy sampling all of them. It’s common for new elephants to be excited to have food growing from the ground, and not just any food, but fresh and delicious food. While some elephants have small amounts of grass growing in their enclosures at zoos, elephants rarely eat it. This lack of edibility is due to urine build-up in the soil affecting the smell, taste, and likely nutrients for the grass. Urine build-up isn’t an issue in a space this vast as they are in many different areas throughout the day.
Bambi has now spent several days in Yard 4. She will still head to the barn to see Mara and Rana, but she will wander off quickly if they’re not around. We recently saw her check-in along a fence while Rana was receiving treatment. We decided to give her hay while she waited for the others, to give her a chance to socialize. By the time we loaded a bale of hay on the four-wheeler (ATV) and made it over there, Bambi was already gone.
She seems to be an elephant on a mission now that she has a new yard to explore.
Photo of a very happy Bambi.
November 24, 2020
Comments(11) 
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Terry says
November 24, 2020 at 4:30 pmBambi is a Fairy in elephant skin! Her wonder, enchantment, and her zest for her new life is so touching!!!
Kelejan says
November 24, 2020 at 4:54 pmThat photo looks wonderful. She is enjoying life to the full. No wonder they seldom ate the grass in their former enclosures. The soil must be loaded with stinky urine and poo.
Wim says
November 24, 2020 at 5:02 pmNo time to waste she’s enjoying free life and is exploring her new territory. How wonderful life can change into a mysterious quest.
???
John says
November 24, 2020 at 5:44 pm(Enormous elephant-size smile)
Barb says
November 24, 2020 at 5:50 pmI wish we could see Bambi as she whooshes around. You know how I love the habitat maps ?
Sherry says
November 24, 2020 at 7:21 pmBambi is loving her life at GSE! Thank you for all the caring and love you give all of the elephants and love to all of you from me! I am grateful this Thanksgiving season!❤️??????
COLLEEN JOHANNSON says
November 24, 2020 at 8:55 pmAll of the girls love their lives at the Sanctuary, and each has her own way of showing it. Thank you for providing them with the opportunity to know joy like they have never known before!
SHEILA says
November 24, 2020 at 11:03 pmOH YES THIS BIG ?BAMBI GIRL JUST MOTORS AROUND LIKE A STAR ATHLETE!!
SHES SO FUNNY HOW SHES CAREFUL NOT TO GET TOO CLOSE TO MARA NOW BUT SHE SURE WANTS CONTACT WITH RANA? AND MAIA.?. HOW IS MZ ?LADY THESE DAYS AND WHAT IS SHE UP TO?? HAS SHE BEEN KINDA HANGING OUT NEAR MARA AS THEY ALL WILL KNOW MARA? IS U NWELL!! VERY LOVELY MZ BAMBI GOT OUT INTO YARD 4. TO HAVE A FUN TASTE TESTING OF THE GRASSES??. HOPE SHE ENJOYS THE
LOLLIPOP TREE?
SHEILA says
November 25, 2020 at 3:51 amDEAR BAMBI?! SHE LOOKS WONDERFUL IN THIS PICTURE? IT APPEARS SHES STAYING HER DISTANCE FROM MARA NOW! HIEVER SHES KNOWS AS DO ALL THE LADIES MARA IS NOT WELL! YES BAMBIE AND MAIA WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH RANA BUT SHE WILL NOT LIKELY GO FAR FROM MARA! DOES BAMBIE SEEK OUR LIK LADY OR MAYBE YARDS ARE TOO FAR APART❓NICE BAMBI GO INTO YARD 4 TO TASTE THE?? LUSH GRASSES! SEE T HE POND AND LOLLIPOP ?TREE. I HOPE SOON MARA WILL BE BETTER AND THEN THERE WILL LIKELY BE NO ISSUES WITH BIG BAMBINO??
Rosie P says
November 25, 2020 at 4:46 amI delight in hearing how Bambi is progressing. Our hyperactive newcomer is certainly making up for lost time and enjoying living life, seeking out new places to go and finding tasty food for grazing. She loves being sociable but also enjoys her time alone. Thank you for making this possible for her. The gift of freedom is immense but when given with love and understanding and so much care life takes on a whole different meaning. Thank you is never enough.
Carol Andersonl says
November 25, 2020 at 6:16 amBambi is a female that does not look her age. She looks much younger.
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