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Bambi Protects Us From “Scary” Tapirs

Some days, Mara, Bambi, and Rana have begun showing up closer to the barn in the later afternoon, instead of 10 pm. We changed up their feeding schedule recently and they have adapted well. We hoped that by adjusting their routine, they would stay out in the habitat, during a time that elephants often graze more, as opposed to relying on what they can get from us at the barn. The three are more active at night and have indeed begun to forage more and get that critical part of their diet that only nature can provide. 

Tapirs are nocturnal and crepuscular (more active at twilight), so this is also the time of day when the tapirs wake up and start their “days.” Our former rehabilitation and release tapir, George, usually appears near the barn at dusk, in search of scraps. Sassy, another tapir from our rehab program, also regularly pops up in the vicinity, but not as frequently as George. 

After decades in sterile enclosures, newer elephants are sometimes startled by other wildlife, even birds. They usually quickly settle down and learn to coexist with all living beings that call the sanctuary home.

Despite being here for over six months, Bambi still feels the need to protect her world from tapirs. Now that she has been near the barn when George is around, we can hear – and see – her react to him at times..

Twice we have seen her run at him full speed and hit the gate with her trunk. Hitting the fences doesn’t make much noise, but the gates rattle quite loudly when shaken or hit, so she uses that to her advantage. She also adds lots of vocalizing to the ruckus, making things extra dramatic. Rana and Mara just go about their business – as does George. Tapirs eat abandoned scraps from the elephants’ dinner, but they don’t approach the elephants while eating.

Another day, we heard a loud commotion from the house at dusk, and we turned on the cameras to check on the girls. We saw Bambi staring at something in the bushes; then she started walking back as if the thing in the bush was scary. Seconds later, a tapir ran by, so Bambi ran after it. That time, sweet Rana provided backup for Bambi, in case it was necessary. So, needless to say, we are fully protected should any terrifying, strange tapirs arrive.

Comments(14)

  1. REPLY
    Katie Howard says
    April 29, 2021 at 3:21 pm

    Hysterical! Such vivid imagery ?
    Also, stellar photo of Bambi!!! (Has it really already been six months?)

  2. REPLY
    Julie says
    April 29, 2021 at 3:35 pm

    Funny Bambi! You are so entertaining and a very nice addition to ESB! Love you!!!

  3. REPLY
    SHEILA says
    April 29, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    OH MY DEAR SWEET ❤️?BIG BAMBI!! SHES HILARIOUS, I CAN JUST SEE HER CHASING FRIGHTENING TAIPERS‼️I WOULD BET OTHER THAN DOGS! CHICKENS! MAYBE SHEEP. THAT ARE QUITE SMALL BAMBI THINKS NO CREATURE NEEDS TO BE IN HER SPACE❗️ ALMOST SEEMS SHES THE NEW “ SECURITY GUARD” FOR THE SANCTUARY‼️PRIMAIRLY PROTECTING RANA? AND MARA ?AND HERSELF? BAMBI CERTAINLY CAUSES ENTERTAINMENT, THIS FUNNY BIG PUPPY GAL❤️??

  4. REPLY
    Suzanne M Eaton says
    April 29, 2021 at 4:36 pm

    Oh, sweet Bambi, you are so cute. I’m so happy you are at GSE living the good life. You didn’t know what fun
    beauty awaited you when you got on that big truck in your crate. Love you to pieces.

  5. REPLY
    Cintia Abney says
    April 29, 2021 at 4:41 pm

    It was her first scary encounter when she arrived. Maybe some payback lol

  6. REPLY
    Melinda says
    April 29, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    Tapirs have long noses. Maybe Bambi thinks they are tiny ellies!

  7. REPLY
    Andrea says
    April 29, 2021 at 5:27 pm

    Brave Bambi protecting everyone!

  8. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says
    April 29, 2021 at 6:14 pm

    So precious!!

  9. REPLY
    John says
    April 29, 2021 at 6:40 pm

    Thanks Bambi. I’ve been worried about the staff, especially Scott, due to those terrible tapirs.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      April 29, 2021 at 8:59 pm

      Ha ha! Yes they are verrrry scary. Our hero.

  10. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says
    April 29, 2021 at 7:36 pm

    Awe bless her heart Bambi is just too cute!

  11. REPLY
    Ellen says
    April 29, 2021 at 9:09 pm

    Come on surely Rana providing Back up is the funniest thing ever….our dearest best friend to everybody……Give em hell Bambi….you got this.

  12. REPLY
    Carey says
    April 29, 2021 at 9:53 pm

    ? such characters, each one of them!

  13. REPLY
    bo says
    April 30, 2021 at 12:40 am

    reminds me of the behaviour you so often see with dogs and cats.
    not all dogs are so cat-chasing interested but i’ve witnessed it often and so yes, Bambi reminds me, sort of, of a dog who is chasing a cat, or any other animal, or mmhh sometimes cats chase dogs too.

    of course yes, it is all new to an elephant such as Bambi and i am sure it is not the only elephant who reacts this way, or any other animal that has been locked up, not able to learn about everything, nature and all the animals who they might meet, it is all new, like a new born.
    very very curious how it will be for Pocha and Guillermina,
    as we all are.

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