During Bambi’s most recent weigh-in, we were delighted to see how willing she was to get into the chute and participate in the whole process. Those of you who have followed Bambi’s journey from the beginning – particularly in the days and months prior to her transport to sanctuary – may remember how hesitant she was to enter her crate at first. She was also quite reluctant to remain in the crate for any length of time.
Most of our girls have been curious about the transport crates fairly quickly, even finding it comforting at times, eating and resting in them. Bambi was not one of those elephants; the crate was not her “thing.” Even when she arrived at sanctuary, she did not want to stay in the treatment chute; she never seemed very settled in there. Karissa, one of our protected contact trainers, worked with her on entering and remaining in the chute for a few seconds, but Bambi was quickly ready to leave every time. In fact, the chute was not completely closed during those sessions.
During the recent weigh-in, Bambi did not hesitate to walk into the chute and stay there. After seeing how relaxed she was, the caregivers closed both sides of the chute, just to see if she would remain calm – and she never showed any signs of unease. This is another sign that Bambi is becoming much more trusting in her new life and is more grounded in general. As we’ve seen with other elephants in the past – most elephants learn to understand the freedom that comes along with their new lives, but in their own time.
Photo of Bambi before and after gaining about 400 kilos (880 pounds)
Comments(28) 
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Tracy H says
August 11, 2021 at 2:28 pmWhat an amazing transformation Bambi has gone through while being at sanctuary. She is such a beautiful girl. Love them all. Thanks again for all y’all do for the sweet intelligent Eles🐘🐘
John says
August 11, 2021 at 2:38 pmIs that what you hoped for (gaining that much weight)? It sounds like such an unbelievable amount of increase.
Sara says
August 11, 2021 at 2:48 pmIt is exactly what she needed. As you can see from her “before” picture, it was necessary for her to put on quite a bit of weight and muscle mass to get healthier. Her skin was literally sagging from her being severely underweight. We are thrilled with her progress!
Bobi StaySee says
August 11, 2021 at 2:40 pmThis is wonderful! She doesn’t look like the same girl, even her ear flap edges appear less ragged (in this photo, anyway). Realizing she won’t be forced or punished for the times she didn’t stay in, has got to instill a tremendous dose of trust and confidence to be who she is. SWEET.
Kenneth B. Newman says
August 11, 2021 at 2:58 pmAre Bambi’s legs thicker from walking or running (MORE muscle mass), than when she first came to GSE? That’s one of the MORE norticeable things I saw from the TWO pictures……Am I correct? Due to the light being different in the two pictures, its hard to understand where else Bambi has improved her body, with this weight gain…..
Sara says
August 11, 2021 at 3:29 pmShe does have more muscle mass on her legs, instead of the skin just hanging off of them. But, in the first picture, her pelvis is visible, as is her spine. In the after photo, those things are significantly filled out. The skin on her face no longer hangs off to the degree it once did. Other differences not necessarily having to do with weight (but likely due to her better health) are the improved condition of her skin and, quite importantly, her spirit being in a healthier place.
Alana says
August 11, 2021 at 3:40 pmBoy she looks good! I’ve noticed with my rescue dogs that it seems like they just one day decide “everything’s OK” and are a totally different dog. It’s so wonderful to see Bambi grow more confident & comfortable. Can’t wait for the day when you post “Bambi has joined the herd”.
Sara says
August 11, 2021 at 5:39 pmWell, she is a member of “the three” so that makes her a big part of our group. She has grown so much physically – but also socially and emotionally since she arrived.
Sue says
August 11, 2021 at 3:56 pmAnd now, when she grins, we can see it 😁. So incredible remembering her arriving and seeing this picture of her now. Both the physical change and emotional growth – makes me so happy to see! Thank you, for everything you do! ❤️🐘❤️
Elizabeth Hook says
August 11, 2021 at 4:03 pmThank God for you people! She looks so much better and you can even tell she is so much happier.
You change lives.
Katie Howard says
August 11, 2021 at 5:31 pmWow! That’s quite the transformation! Her legs look about 6” shorter in the second photo because she’s appropriately filled out. And in the first photo her head is held high & kind of hunched in, while in the second photo she’s holding her head naturally and looks relaxed.
…She just looks about 1000% better!!! Thank you, Scott, Kat & Team 👍😊
❤️🐘❤️
Denise Spinharney says
August 11, 2021 at 6:06 pmOMG what a transformation!! Brings tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for all you are doing for the elephants. I wish we could put you in charge of many more. Keep up the great work.
Sara says
August 12, 2021 at 10:51 amThank you very much.
Alice says
August 11, 2021 at 6:26 pmShe looks wonderful, all due to the efforts of Scott, Kat, and staff at GSE. What a big difference in her physical appearance, as well as looking confident and happy! It is so fantastic to see her live as she deserves with her favorite buddies!!
Debbie Sides says
August 11, 2021 at 6:30 pmShe looks so good so glad she’s there in your care and with friends💚
Barb says
August 11, 2021 at 6:46 pmSimply remarkable transformation in sanctuary!
Lori Hoover says
August 11, 2021 at 8:01 pmShe looks amazing, it is almost beyond words. I remember her being all skinny legs and fear. It is so great to see and feel her transformation, both health wise and happiness wise.
Renee Killian-Zeiger says
August 11, 2021 at 10:02 pmI looked at the two pics and almost “squealed” with excitement at how BEAUTIFUL she looks! When Bambi arrived, I wanted to scrub her skin for her. She’s done and AMAZING job of taking car of that herself along with your help of nutrition and Ellie care! I have to parrot others in saying that all of you at Sanctuary are Gods gift to the eles that you get to move to this Heaven on earth after the hell the girls have endured. I eagerly await your daily blogs! Gods blessings on all you guys and ladies do and the eles in your care!
Sara says
August 12, 2021 at 10:54 amThank you so much for your kind words. And it’s certainly important to note that Bambi did much of this work herself. We just gave her the location and the pathway.
Andrea says
August 11, 2021 at 10:47 pmDear sweet Bambi. You’ve always been beautiful and now you are healthy and happy with your adopted family. I’m thankful for the good people taking such good care of you.
Terry Feleppa says
August 11, 2021 at 10:50 pmThen and now…how Divine sanctuary is on so many healing levels!!!! ❤❤❤
SHEILA says
August 12, 2021 at 12:25 amOH YES I RECALL THAT BIG ❤️🐘BAMBI. WAS VERY UNCOMFORTABLE IN THE CRATE TRAINING WITH SCOTT AT THE ZOO! SHE ALSO WAS A BAG OF BONES NEARLY UPON ARRIVAL AT GES! IT CERTAINLY IS VERY GREAT SHE IS. VERY CALM WITH THE CHUTE NOW👍I THINK IT IS BECAUSE SHE HAS SEEN LADY🐘 MARA !🐘AND RANA 🐘ALL IN THE.CHUTE AND REALIZES! ITS NOT BAD PLACE! WONT HARM HERE AND THERE R GREAT TREATS TO BE HAD‼️😄🤣 PERHAPS HER SISTER LADIES HAVE TOLD HER ABOUT TREATS TOO😄. INDEED BAMBI LOKS GREAT! MUSCLES FROM ALL HER WALKING AND RUNNING HAVE IMPROVED PLUS THE 880 LBS ON HER BODY SURE LOOKS GREAT👍 BAMBI IS SO HEALTHY AND SO HAPPY! SHE FIGURED OUT HER FREEDOM❗️HUNGER ❗️AND LONELINESS ❗️WAS OVER PRETTY QUICKLY UPON HER ARRIVAL AT GES‼️ BAMBI IS BEAUTIFUL AND A BIG SWEET GAL❤️🐘❤️
Anita J says
August 12, 2021 at 1:38 amWow! Now we can really see how unhealthy, starved and unhappy she was before….Now Bambi is like a new elephant! So much bulk! Beautiful skin! A very healthy and happy ellie..:-))))
Beji says
August 12, 2021 at 3:13 amHello, gorgeous! Bambi looks so much better.
Wim says
August 12, 2021 at 5:29 amBambi you’re so BRAVE!
Being cute in the chute is another beautiful Miss Bambi trick. 👏🐘❤️
Carey says
August 12, 2021 at 8:04 amOur speedy girl , all I can say is WOW! I’m so happy her head space is healing so well. Thrilled for her x
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
August 12, 2021 at 6:25 pmI knew she was transformed, but OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Not is it incredible to see the improvement in her body, it is so amazing to see a captive elephants face literally transform from sorrowful and painful to the smiling, happy face you see now on Bambi. I remember the frightened, underweight saggy dry skinned girl standing in the dark corner of her shed that she called home. THANK YOU GSE! I am forever thankful for each and every one of you that nurture these beautiful souls back to life.
Lane says
August 13, 2021 at 1:52 pmWow. Talk about a before and after. There is so much going on in these two photos, both on the surface and beneath that I keep checking back day after day. What amazing work you are doing and here is the undeniable evidence–in full color.
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