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Bambi’s Nightly Calls

Bambi, Mara, and Rana are typically active at night and often have conversations with one another. For months now, we have been hearing them frequently around 10pm, having little trumpet fests. Whenever we hear the noise, we look into the camera to make sure all is well, but they seem to have settled into a nightly routine and we’re not exactly sure why. 

The pattern always begins with what we’ve learned is Bambi’s “I’ve lost my friend,” call. It sounds like a low bellow and seems to be her way of saying: Where is everyone? Sometimes she continues to do this and Rana will add a little trumpet. Rana and Bambi talk back and forth, but Bambi’s volume and pitch remain the same until she hears Mara’s signature squeak indicating that she’s near. Then the loud noises go away and the three begin to rumble and make low, communicative noises. 

We have a couple of theories as to what is causing the vocalizations but, obviously, we can’t be sure. It’s possible that Bambi falls asleep (we don’t know what Rana does during this time) and Mara walks away to graze elsewhere; when Bambi wakes up, Mara isn’t there. So Bambi calls her, concerned that her friend isn’t nearby as she expected. Mara isn’t always prompt with answering her friends’ calls, so it might take her time before she decides to call back and reassure Bambi. 

Bambi may also lie down and, shortly after, Mara also lies down to rest. When Bambi gets up and can’t find Mara, she makes this ruckus until she wakes Mara up. (It seems that Bambi wants Mara’s sleep pattern to match her own schedule.) Still, it’s cute and, as long as things appear to be following their same funny little routine, we know all three elephants are fine.

Left to right: Bambi and Mara (looking like they could be chatting) and Rana enjoying some hay

Comments(11)

  1. REPLY
    CAROL OCONNELL says
    March 28, 2022 at 2:37 pm

    Cuteness overload with the Trumpeting Trio!!!

  2. REPLY
    Julie says
    March 28, 2022 at 2:51 pm

    Ha! How adorable. And I love the pic….great big smiles from all the ladies!

  3. REPLY
    Susan Flewelling says
    March 28, 2022 at 2:53 pm

    Little old ladies looking out for each other. 🤗

  4. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    March 28, 2022 at 3:30 pm

    This relationship has obviously bloomed into this wonderful, fun friendship. It is great to read about and witness GSE videos. Thank you again GE for your care and attention to every detail of these girls lives.

  5. REPLY
    Wim says
    March 28, 2022 at 5:40 pm

    Intriguing stuff these night patrols.
    Wonderful they keep finding patterns.

  6. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says
    March 28, 2022 at 7:25 pm

    What a happy photo and story!!! Thank you!

  7. REPLY
    Sherry says
    March 28, 2022 at 8:41 pm

    I love to learn what is going on with the girls! The photos and stories are informative and entertaining!
    Thank you very much GSE!

  8. REPLY
    Pam Knaggs says
    March 28, 2022 at 11:26 pm

    I love them!

  9. REPLY
    Katie Howard says
    March 29, 2022 at 3:40 am

    “Trumpeting Trio” is indeed a great name for these three! Are you sure nothing is fermenting on the ground that these girls are injecting nightly?! (Just kidding, of course. Sad that I have to clarify that!).
    Thanks for sharing this vignette. We almost feel we are there.

  10. REPLY
    Katie Howard says
    March 29, 2022 at 3:40 am

    “Trumpeting Trio” is indeed a great name for these three! Are you sure nothing is fermenting on the ground that these girls are injesting nightly?! (Just kidding, of course. Sad that I have to clarify that!).
    Thanks for sharing this vignette. We almost feel we are there.

  11. REPLY
    John says
    March 29, 2022 at 8:44 am

    Wouldn’t you just love to know what they are “saying” to each other…….

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