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Baby’s Having Training Sessions

July 2, 2026

Female elephant caregiver Barb touches the knee of female Asian elephant named Baby who is in a treatment chuteWe’ve mentioned in the past that Baby is working with her caregivers to get better at trunk touches, which right now means showing her she can trust them when they hold her nose, plus asking her to be gentle with it and to position it in a safe place. She’s making progress and letting her care team know the best ways to approach her, and they’re watching and listening to determine how to encourage her to improve. In some of their sessions, Baby is also showing off her foot presentation on both the front and back feet. 

This afternoon, we found Baby already in the barn and asked her if she’d be interested in going in the chute to practice trunk and foot presentations. She obliged and she’s so willing to participate that she doesn’t mind both the front and back gates being closed. We use what’s called a target, which is essentially a pole with a soft circle at the end that she is already familiar with. We use it as a cue as to where we want her to position certain body parts. We asked her to lift her foot and she showed us she was a perfect princess by placing it up on the bars of the chute. She was calm the whole time and responded well to every request. Baby did foot presents at the amusement park, but we are not only getting her used to working with new people, but also adjusting how she presents her foot; we’re asking her to change from placing them to the side (which is what she is used to) to placing them through the front and back foot bars. This allows better access to her entire feet and pads. 

At the end of the session, Baby walked near the barn where her team placed some food in the habitat for her to find. We’ll work with her more as she continues to become confident and at ease, but right now we’re proud of her for how far she’s come.

Photo of Baby working with Barb, one of her primary caregivers

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Comments(18)

  1. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    July 2, 2026 at 2:07 pm

    Baby is a honor roll student.🥰

  2. REPLY
    Carey says
    July 2, 2026 at 2:53 pm

    I’m sure you’re very proud of Baby, and we’re proud you Barb and all of you guys too!

  3. REPLY
    Lynne Russert says
    July 2, 2026 at 6:42 pm

    She’s a rock star!!! 🩷🩷🩷

  4. REPLY
    Sherry says
    July 2, 2026 at 7:55 pm

    Baby is already learning her way at sanctuary!

  5. REPLY
    Terry says
    July 2, 2026 at 11:33 pm

    Baby will be a fast learner. I am so happy for her!!!!

  6. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    July 3, 2026 at 1:50 am

    She is amazing not scared friendly and willing to work with her caretaker she’s seems so mellow I believe she knows you all are good People and care question Sara has Scott caught up with his sleep

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      July 3, 2026 at 12:45 pm

      He’s much more rested now, thanks 😉

  7. REPLY
    Johnny says
    July 3, 2026 at 11:05 am

    When I read a post like this it tells me that the sanctuary is so great at what they do. Keep up the good work folks. Oh, and you too Baby!

  8. REPLY
    Lisa Padilla says
    July 3, 2026 at 12:31 pm

    Glad she is doing well I look forward to seeing stories of her

  9. REPLY
    GAD says
    July 3, 2026 at 1:57 pm

    This moves my heart. Its wonderful they post these life slots of baby’s progress. Thanks for being part of the solution and not the problem

  10. REPLY
    Carole Jones says
    July 3, 2026 at 4:24 pm

    I am so in love with how good Baby is doing. Very encouraging for her and her care givers too.

  11. REPLY
    Helen Farrell says
    July 3, 2026 at 5:51 pm

    Amazing! Smart and beautiful! Thank all of you for your love for these precious souls!👍👍👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️

  12. REPLY
    John says
    July 3, 2026 at 11:32 pm

    Excellent work baby you’re such a cutie pie! Love you!

  13. REPLY
    TUCKER THOMAS says
    July 5, 2026 at 10:34 pm

    AWWWW YAAAY ELEPHENT NAMED BABY!!

  14. REPLY
    Linda Morris says
    July 6, 2026 at 11:26 am

    There are no trainers in the wild and they have been getting along ok for many centuries

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      July 6, 2026 at 12:13 pm

      It’s not a matter of them getting along. It’s much more a matter of them getting proper medical care. They wouldn’t need the same care if they’d lived in the wild but because of captivity they will need care for the rest of their lives.

  15. REPLY
    Virginia says
    July 6, 2026 at 2:54 pm

    I’m so happy for Baby!

  16. REPLY
    Beji says
    July 21, 2026 at 10:48 am

    She is a perfect princess!!

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