We were leaving after feeding Lady dinner in the back of Yard 2 when we heard rumbles and trumpeting in the distance. We knew it could only be Bambi – nobody else sounds quite like her, and, due to her deep rumbles, they also seem to travel the furthest (at least to our human ears).
They were happy vocalizations and were no cause for concern. However, we aren’t usually around Lady when the other girls have their parties, and we wanted to see Lady’s reaction. We were in Yard 3, so we approached on foot, much quieter than a four-wheeler. Lady was standing at her dinner, still eating happily, but she had one ear out, so she was listening to them, unphased.
Like the overly curious humans we are, we decided to check on Bambi and see what she was celebrating. We quickly discovered that Bambi and Rana had come across each other on the main path, which we usually call “Middle Road.” Bambi was beside herself with excitement to see her friend. She was smelling Rana everywhere and touching her belly. Rana was standing there, nonchalantly eating because she is good with Bambi’s most over-the-top antics. You really would never guess Bambi was 58 years old. ?
It was nice to see Bambi’s excitement level with just the two of them. Bambi has always been relatively obvious about her preference for Mara. Bambi would always happy to be with Rana, but she would remain focused on Mara. Even when Bambi and Rana would share space, and Mara would be in a neighboring yard, Bambi would frequently walk away from Rana to socialize with Mara through the fence.
At this point, Bambi has developed enough of a friendship with Rana that seeing her now deserves its own party. Not only is it good to see Bambi let go and be her fully silly self with another elephant (she is still a little reserved with Mara), but it’s also great that Bambi has realized what we all know – that Rana is awesome! It’s also good for Rana, who does enjoy those silly moments, and doesn’t have them as much with Mara at the moment.
Photo of Lady, listening and eating.
Comments(25) 
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Debbie Sides says
January 26, 2021 at 3:55 pmBambi is so cute getting silly and excited around the girls!
Sue says
January 26, 2021 at 3:57 pmI just love these sweet ladies so much, and it makes me so smiley and happy when I hear stories from their humans!! Especially knowing that you derive as much pleasure as we do just checking them out and observing! your love shines through and I appreciate all you share! Love and hugs ❤️?❤️
Nannette Stone says
January 26, 2021 at 4:03 pmOh my, this is such a beautiful update. Thank you
John says
January 26, 2021 at 4:12 pmI have become addicted to your posts now. Thanks a lot!!!
Kat Blais says
January 26, 2021 at 4:58 pmyou’re welcome 😉
Nancy J Shaw says
January 26, 2021 at 4:59 pmYou must LOVE experiencing these moments !
Tammy says
January 26, 2021 at 5:03 pm? Love hearing about Bambi showing us her very enthusiastic excited silly side i guess when you’ve been stopped from being your true self for so long it’s hard to hold back shes just bursting with love and joy acting like a kid and we couldn’t be more over the moon happy for her and all the girls! Bambi brings such positive energy to the herd sometimes a bit much but we know shes just thrilled to finally be free able to express her emotions with those who truly love and respect her both human and sisters alike ?
Lori Hoover says
January 26, 2021 at 5:12 pmI am so glad to hear that Bambi is over the moon and celebrating Rana’s presence. Rana deserves it, oh so much, and Bambi’s exuberance comes through even in posts. It’s good to hear Lady take it all in stride and go about her own activities as well. Hope they are all well.
Kenneth Newman says
January 26, 2021 at 5:21 pmCan’t wait for the reaction of ALL 5 female packederms when Guillermina and Pacha show up in a few weeks……..I hope that Argentina will soon be ready to accommodate the trainers, trucks, crates, and other GSE staff, and that coronavirus doesn’t delay the round trip…….. so that the next full time residents can come live at their forever home……..
Charlotte Hansen says
January 26, 2021 at 5:25 pmThank you–this made my day! So good to hear that Bambi is so happy! Even Lady seems happy, or at least content.
Barb says
January 26, 2021 at 6:32 pmHappiness is receiving such joyous news and “tails” from ESB! We are always ready for more :o). Thanks sincerely.
Andrew says
January 26, 2021 at 6:45 pmI love too here the Elephants communicate with each other in there different ways. A Fifty + Elephant behaving like a smitten teenager in love just shows the love Elephants have for each other
FRANCINE FORD says
January 26, 2021 at 7:02 pmThank you so much again for a truly uplifting post and account of Ms Bambtastic & her endearingly silly ways. I, too, think of her as a child ele & not one who is 58 years old. I call them The Golden Girls & think of Me Bambalina as Rose in her child-like qualitities & naitivity. Much LOVE to ALL of you from myself & ALL of us. Enchanting post! Thank you so much!
❤?❤?❤?❤?❤?
SHEILA says
January 26, 2021 at 7:50 pmOH BIG SWEET LOVING BAMBI❤️?! YES SHE LOVES RANA AS RANA IS A SWEET. LADY AND BAMBI KNOWS SHES LEARNING MANNERS AND BOUNDARIES FROM RANA THAT HELPS HER WITH MARA! MAIA AND LIL LADY WHO DOESNT SEEM SO TERRIFIED OF THE OTHER GALS!?. I THINK BAMBI. REALLY LOVES ALL THE LADIES BECAUSE SHE WAS SO LONELY AND FORMER ZOO MATE MADISON DIDNT LIKE BAMBI! I LOVE ?BAMBIS EXUBERANCE? I ALWAYS LOVE WHEN SHES TRUMPETING AND BEING FRIENDLY BECAUSE SHE IS SUCH A TRUE GAL! YES LOUD! BUT VERY LOVING??? THANKS FOR THE GREAT STORY!!
Sidney Hodges says
January 26, 2021 at 8:13 pmAm delighted that Bambi continues to explore her relationship to her fellow herd members. Love her embrace of & exuberance for all of the benefits of sanctuary life. Sometimes wonder if this is the same shy elle who hid in the concrete shell of her former home . Sanctuary life is the completed opposite of her former very limited existence.
Blessings to the middle age ladies on four legs, and all good things to the Team who work with unerring commitment and dedication.
Holly Ann O'Brien says
January 26, 2021 at 8:39 pmThis post makes me smile! Thanks for sharing. I adopted Lady but am falling in love with all the girls.
You guys are amazing. Stay safe you all.
Lila says
January 27, 2021 at 1:57 amGreat post! Every day is a whole adventure. Bambi is so adorably crazy and funny, discovering her freedom like a child. Rana is awesome!!! Lady is gorgeous.
Thank you so much!!!
Sallie says
January 27, 2021 at 2:15 amBAMBI IS AN AMAZING PERSONALITY WITH ABSOLUTELY NO BOUNDARIES! I AM SO IMPRESSED BY HER CONFIDENCE AND CONTINUING TO SPREAD HER LOVE TO HER FAVORITE OF THE DAY, BUT STILL SHARING AFFECTION TO ALL. YOU GO, GIRL!
Katie Howard says
January 27, 2021 at 2:42 amYou already know I identify with Lady – a strong loner, quite content in her own company. But I also identify with Bambi’s “over the top” excitement at life and the pace she maintains! AND I identify with Ms Maia’s Food Enthusiasm! ?. It seems they’re all doing exactly what they want to do and sweet Rana provides the safe base and the glue for the group, with her friend Mara. So sweet! ❤️?????❤️
Rosie P says
January 27, 2021 at 3:46 amThank you so much for this lovely post. I feel happy inside! I am so pleased that Bambi can show her emotions with ever tolerant Rana. She has so much lost time to make up for and she now realises that she has the freedom to express herself.
Thank you, beautiful Rana, for allowing Bambi to experience this friendship and thank you to all the humans who make this happen.
Love to you all. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Beji says
January 27, 2021 at 4:00 amAnother great pic! Someone must be the elephant whisperer. Whoa… Bambi is 58!!? I guess she proves that it’s never too late to have a happy childhood. You go, girl
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
January 27, 2021 at 4:02 amBambi! When I read these stories about your friendships and happiness, I think of that photo of you in the corner of the dark shed at the zoo afraid to come out. Now look at you!!! ♥️?
Lori Hoover says
January 27, 2021 at 1:58 pmI already commented above about oh so happy to hear that Bambi is over the moon exuberant about Rana, and how happy I was with it all, for them, and for Rana, of course.
Looking back again at the picture I realize what it is about Lady’s eyes and expression that is so familiar somehow to me. She reminds me of a person with a faraway look in their eyes, thinking of things we can’t even guess. She does look so happily content, with that faraway look in her eyes. I think that look in her eyes is one of the things that make Lady’s big, big eyes extra, extra beautiful. She does look so content in this picture.
Carrie says
January 27, 2021 at 2:54 pmHow is Bambi doing with her training? Have you been able to get blood work done yet?
Kat Blais says
January 27, 2021 at 6:28 pmThat will take some time. 🙂
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