Day 1: Bambi at the Zoo

Scott joins us with Bambi at her zoo in Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil this morning for this Live. Maison is the elephant outside, and Bambi is inside the barn. In general, she doesn’t like going outside frequently due to previous encounters with Maison.

Bambi has been full of rumbles and trumpets this morning. She is blind in her left eye and generally seems curious. She is a little demanding with food – she bangs on her gate for food, and her keepers usually feed her when she does it. You can hear her banging for food in the video.
Overall, things are good this morning. The crane company (who puts the transport container in position and will load it on the truck when it’s time for Bambi to leave) offered to donate their services this morning. It is an incredible gesture and much appreciated.

This stage is just the beginning of the rescue. For now, we are just giving Bambi access to her transport container with no expectations. We are just letting her take it slow and easy.

According to the team at the zoo, Bambi has not been outside for several days – this is her fourth day indoors. Bambi is nervous about going outside as Maison has been aggressive toward her in the past. The fruit near the transport container is to encourage her to approach it. We are hoping she finds more comfort, but everything is at her speed now.

The enclosure is divided in half with electric wire, separating her from Maison. Maison will remain at the zoo. A judge ordered Bambi to be removed from the zoo and sent to the Sanctuary. Maison was not included in that decision, which is why she is remaining at the zoo.
Maison has access to half the enclosure, so once Bambi leaves, she will have more space, although she won’t have another elephant to rumble and talk to.

Unfortunately, the Live feed suddenly cuts out due to a connection issue. Still, Scott will continue to join us for Lives throughout this rescue, so please stay tuned!

September 18, 2020

•••••

YOU CAN TRACK HER JOURNEY HOME BY:

following along on her Rescue Page (includes her travel map)
keeping tabs on Facebook for Live Feeds in real time,
You can also sign up for text updates. If you received updates for past relocations, you will automatically be signed up. Updates may be a little limited, but we will try to do what we always do on relocations, and keep you posted as much as internet will allow.

Comments(23)

Kathleen Ryan says
September 18, 2020 at 10:42 am
Wonderful News !! Thank you so much for sharing this video with us and for taking such excellent care of the Elephants that you have rescued.
- REPLY
  EleComposer says
  September 18, 2020 at 10:51 am
  You are so welcome, Kathleen! Our thanks to you and everyone who have made this rescue possible – this sanctuary possible. It truly takes a village. ❤️
Debbie Sides says
September 18, 2020 at 10:45 am
Awe Bambi is so cute and I think she’s going to love ESB once she gets settled in and maybe Lady will befriend her eventually.
bo says
September 18, 2020 at 10:54 am
One look at her… And you, of course, how can you not, fall in love instantly!!!!
Have a good safe time/trip all of you, esp Bambi!!!
- REPLY
  Trista vIdovich says
  September 18, 2020 at 12:34 pm
  Sending lots of prayers and well wishes for a safe journey!! She looks like such a sweet girl but also very tentative right now!! Best of luck getting her in the crate. If she only knew she’s headed to a much better place!!
Allison Guy says
September 18, 2020 at 10:59 am
Hope Maison gets to leave the zoo and go to a reputable sanctuary! It is a shame she is aggressive towards Bambi! I hope they treat her well once Bambi is on her way to your sanctuary!
Audrey says
September 18, 2020 at 11:11 am
This is an exceptional video. Poor Bambi uncomfortable with Maison. When Bambi gets to the Sanctuary, hopefully the girls will welcome her, like they’ve done to the others. Too bad Maison has been threatening.
Wim says
September 18, 2020 at 11:26 am
Thanks Scott for sharing another post. Nice to watch a little bit of Bambi. Hope she’ll relax some more before her road trip. Hopefully her health won’t let her down. Once more a marvelous survival operation you’re making happen. ???
Deb Moore says
September 18, 2020 at 11:45 am
Always a trip to imagine them at sanctuary, the first few days, and seeing her sad surroundings I cannot hardly wait. I know they love her there and I thank them for helping her to stay sane! Onward to sanctuary.
Carey says
September 18, 2020 at 12:19 pm
Firstly, HUGE THANKS to the Crane company, that will save so much money that can now be released for Bambi’s ongoing care at GSE. Sooo generous especially in these economic tough times.
Everything looking good here, Take good care of yourselves.
C says
September 18, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Its a huge issue isn’t it that Bambi is not going outside and is so fearful. Its good that we can help her life improve, and hopefully begin to live without fear. Well done again everyone.
arie says
September 18, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Wat moving images of this sweet, shy darling Bambi!
Naturally it is love at first sight over here ?❤️
Lori Hoover says
September 18, 2020 at 1:31 pm
I know Bambi is a bit uncomfortable with the Maison situation, but I have to say, she looks stronger than I thought she would. I was so worried about her strength, between the court case, the pictures, and the complaints on her weight. So, I was blown away and given hope at her bit of spunk, under the fear. She did move much better, seemed livelier, than I thought she might. It has put my mind a bit at ease. A bit, I must temper my optimism with a bit of realism, I know. Still, I can’t help but feel a bit relieved on thoughts of her getting through her road trip.
My mind, and heart, will also stay with Maison. She looks well, strong, but I can’t help but hope something of this experience will help that zoo make a better decision for her. I notice someone mention Scott’s diplomatic skills on Facebook (I don’t have an account there, just Twitter and Instagram, but I do read your FB page, and ONLY your page, and keep up with your videos) concerning the situation, one elephant coming, one staying, and how Scott and company must be feeling. I imagine it’s hard, but I always do notice your diplomacy, and while it may be hard, in the long run, it is best for the elephants. I’m sure it’s that diplomacy that brought Mara home, that has enabled her old friends Pupy and Kuky to be on the list for African Ellies, and that may just be what will bring Maison home one day. You all should be applauded for that diplomacy, not just for the sake of it, but for what it does serve in the long run, the elephants. Thank you for that.
Ok, I babbled more than I intended, I’m just so happy that Bambi seems a bit better than expected. I know she’s scared, but I also now know, she’s stronger than I know. I shouldn’t be surprised, should I?
Paula says
September 18, 2020 at 1:36 pm
Por fin llegó este gran día!?
Dios mío, cuanta emoción, es el segundo rescate que sigo…el primero fue con Mara ❤
Gracias por el video, gracias por todas las explicaciones que tan generosamente comparten con nosotros!
Infinitas gracias a Kat & Scott, al equipo de ESB y a cada una de las personas que de alguna manera hicieron esto posible ???
Comienza una nueva vida para Bambi!
GRACIAS, GRACIAS, GRACIAS???❤
Carol Andersen says
September 18, 2020 at 2:09 pm
One day of freedom in Sanctuary is worth all the expense time etc for this girl. That’s one of the things I’ve learned. The elephants get such a good sweet life at sanctuary. Thank you Scott and Kat and everyone. Bambi is adorable byw.
Nishant Bhajaria says
September 18, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Will Maison get a chance to leave the zoo any time soon?
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  September 18, 2020 at 2:41 pm
  We are talking to people at the zoo, but there is no way to know at this point. We are happy they are open to any discussions. Our goal is to get Bambi settled first, and then go from there.
  - Nishant Bhajaria says
    September 18, 2020 at 4:25 pm
    Thank you!
Viviana Orellana says
September 18, 2020 at 3:00 pm
Que llegues bien y pronto hermosa Bambi! Mara, Rana y muchas mas amigas te esperan! Tu libertad esta cerca y nosotros te acompañamos! Gracias Scott y a todo el santuario por darles esta oportunidad! Ser libres! <3
Tammy says
September 18, 2020 at 6:00 pm
Sweet Bambi hold on once you get to sanctuary your new sisters will make you feel safe, secure and so loved! Can’t wait for her to take that long overdue step to begin the first day of the rest of her life in paradise with her new family, ??? ????
Sherry says
September 18, 2020 at 11:59 pm
I believe Bambi has had long time physical and emotional hurt, at the zoo. I feel bad for her. I know she will have a happy home
GSE. I am so excited for her to go to her new home at sanctuary.
Diana Armbrust says
September 20, 2020 at 9:28 am
I am sorry to ask you to repeat… but what is Bambi’s early history … prior to residency at the current zoo? Thank you.
- REPLY
  EleComposer says
  September 20, 2020 at 10:07 am
  Hi Diana, we do have a page for Bambi that has her history and more. You can find it here.

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