Bambi is continuing to have daily adventures as she adjusts to her new life here. We have a few porcupines that call the sanctuary home. We see them near Alma (the blind tapir) frequently, and they are pretty used to ignoring us – and her. They also are very comfortable around the roosters. We will go out to feed Alma at 10 and regularly see a porcupine, searching for food, about six inches (15 cm) from a sleeping rooster.
It’s been our experience in general that porcupines are laid-back, friendly, and not easily startled. We like having them around, and they generally make us smile. During a recent night feed, Bambi managed to scare a porcupine. We think she scared it just by being so fast and dramatic in her movements. The porcupine took off in terror, running past her, past the water trough, and outside the habitat. It was nighttime, but it was still running as it faded into darkness in the distance.
An elephant’s sense of sight isn’t the strongest, and, of course, Bambi has vision issues, limiting her sight more than most. We don’t believe Bambi saw it before it became frightened because as it ran past her, she made a Big Noise as if she was startled. We hung out with her for a little bit to make sure she felt safe (yes, we know she is larger than a porcupine).
While we were there, Bambi decided she wanted a drink from the water trough, which is the direction the porcupine disappeared. She must have known the porcupine went that way because of how she approached it.
She backed toward the water trough in a submissive gesture, complete with the appropriate submissive vocalizations. We ended up giving her the hose and letting her have a drink further down the fence to make life easier – besides, you can’t drink from a water trough when you approach it with your backside.
She settled down with the hose, and all was good in her world again. It was just charming to see a tiny little porcupine and a not-so-tiny elephant be so dramatic about each other. After she had her drink of water, she made it to her final pile of hay and enjoyed eating all her late-night goodies.
Comments(19) 
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Deb Moore says
November 16, 2020 at 4:12 pmNow THAT made me laugh. I can see her backing up in the dark to the trough. SO SWEET.
Nancy Shaw says
November 16, 2020 at 4:14 pmThat made me laugh with relief !
luque azcoaga says
November 16, 2020 at 4:24 pmque susto BAMBI aunque creo que el puercoespin se asusto mas jejeje
Wim says
November 16, 2020 at 4:33 pmWell there already was a distinctive Lady at the sanctuary now she has the honourable company of a giant DRAMA Queen. What a wonderful twosome. Be brave miss Bambi.
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Sue says
November 16, 2020 at 4:35 pmIt’s OK Bambi, I often have the same reaction to spiders!!! Bambi is so cute! I keep thinking of her back in her corner room before sanctuary and how brave she continues to be. Just like Lovely Lady, she is making great strides, even if some of the strides are from walking backwards occasionally!!! ❤️?❤️
Tammy says
November 16, 2020 at 4:35 pmOh how precious is that…..bless their lil hearts ?
Kelejan says
November 16, 2020 at 4:53 pmI really laughed out loud. Even my cat Pal was startled. Spread the joy and the laughter. Love all you do for all the creatures in your Sanctuary.
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
November 16, 2020 at 5:17 pmHahahhaha Bambi! You continue to make my heart swell up with happiness for you.
Debbie Sides says
November 16, 2020 at 6:01 pmAwe Bambi, gets cuter every day!
Rachel says
November 16, 2020 at 6:57 pmFabulous, heartwarming post. As the others have said, I could imagine the scenario very well. Thanks for the huge smile in my spirit!
Jillyp says
November 16, 2020 at 7:28 pmSweet Bambi ??
Shirley Taylor says
November 16, 2020 at 7:50 pmBambi is looking so good what a difference to her skin especially on her forehead. all their funny little ways how wonderful it must be to be around them all the time. xx
Heidi says
November 16, 2020 at 8:08 pmDelightful story! Bambi is so young at heart, I often forget her age!
NISHANT BHAJARIA says
November 16, 2020 at 9:40 pmThese magnificent creatures are so innocent.
Bo says
November 17, 2020 at 12:13 am🙂 Hope no one will continue to have a fear of each other.
Beji says
November 17, 2020 at 12:35 amBambi is so cute! Her legs are SO loooong!!!
SHEILA says
November 17, 2020 at 4:56 amYES! BAMBI ??! U R QUITE A FUNNY GAL? U R LIVING A FULL ENERGETIC LIFE IN ALL WAYS EVEN IN FEAR OF THE SCARED PORKYPINE? WHO HAD ALREADY RUN AWAY FROM U??. IM SO HAPPY BAMBI U DIDNT GET QUILLS IN U ! PORKY WAS SO STARTED BY SUCH A HUGE ELEPHANT AND FLED FOR HIS LIFE? YES BAMBI U CANNOT DRINK FROM THE TROUGH WITH UR BUTT‼️I GUESS IN UR FRIGHT U GOT CONFUSED! NO WORRIES DEAR. THIS IS ALL A LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR YOU! KEEP UR ANTICS COMING BAMBI! U DESERVE TO HAVE NEW EXPERIENCES! MAKES LIFE IN YOUR BEAUTIFUL NEW HOME EXCITING?
Sue says
November 18, 2020 at 3:58 pmSo happy to see pics and video of Bambi in her new gorgeous environment!
Carey says
November 19, 2020 at 6:35 amThis made me giggle, esp backing up to the trough though of course she acted perfectly! All your wildlife and residents are magnificent!
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