Most of you know that we use protected contact when working with the elephants here at sanctuary. That is done for their protection and for ours – but we want the elephants to feel as free from human expectations as possible; that can mean physical separation. We enjoy sharing videos of the girls that show their faces, expressions, and individualities. Sometimes that means that fencing is in the frame during those videos.
But fencing doesn’t stop relationships from growing. When individuals connect and have an honest bond, a fence or a gate isn’t a barrier for exchange of communication. Relationships can grow in a protected contact environment, as you have seen and can see here.
P.S.: Here, the girls were eating along the fence line where the training walls are, which means the horizontal bars are closer than they would be with normal fencing. The video starts with Guillermina, who walks behind Mara, then Maia (who is watching to make sure Guille doesn’t take any of her hay). Guille positions herself between those ladies and Rana and Pocha. When the camera pans to the right, you can see Bambi standing on the end.
Comments(11) 












- PO Box 2426
- Brentwood, TN 37024
- (615) 435-9523







- Ways to Support
- GSE Merchandise
- Privacy Policy
Title USD
Pam says
July 26, 2022 at 2:27 pmWhat an incredible video — not only to see all six of these girls together, but to be able to see their eyes and faces and skin close-up, plus being able to hear their breathing, their ears flapping, their vocalizations, their chewing … ALMOST as good as being there. It’s also a great exercise in identifying each one (thank you for the help!).
Rand says
July 26, 2022 at 2:41 pmFun to watch them get along
Julie says
July 26, 2022 at 3:18 pmThis video is priceless. I can imagine I see a little mischievous spark in Guille’s eyes, then Maia’s bulging eye making sure she’s not a victim of hay-theft. Lol….so good! I also imagine if these girls let themselves they can feel so squishy and happy and natural to be in a great big herd!
Christen says
July 26, 2022 at 3:38 pmI look forward to these emails, they are the highlight of every single day. Thank you for making us part of the family.
Kat Blais says
July 26, 2022 at 4:26 pmthank you ❤️
Wim says
July 26, 2022 at 5:04 pmWonderful moments with the jewel Ladies.
Beji says
July 27, 2022 at 9:18 amI just want to smoosh their pretty faces!!!
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
July 27, 2022 at 1:26 pmThank you for identifying each girl. I absolutely love these close ups, seeing the girls so peaceful standing and eating together. They have become a family, and it makes my heart sing with happiness for them. They deserve this autonomy from humans. Afterall it was humans that took decades of freedom and their youth from them. Once again, thank you GSE. I’m happy to support you.
Beci says
July 27, 2022 at 2:12 pmI am wondering what the big lump behind the left ear of the elephant on the left 2nd to last. She is facing the side of the last elephant on the left? I haven’t seen that lump on any of the others. From my ioad it looks a little bigger the a baseball.
Kat Blais says
July 27, 2022 at 10:31 pmyou can see it on several of the elephants in different videos. but it has to be when their ear is forward, and they are chewing. it isn’t often seen in captive elephants, unless they are at sanctuary, due to their natural diet. it’s believed to be a muscle that is related to their salivary gland. it is not a bad things. 🙂
Carey says
August 3, 2022 at 3:41 amWow!
Subscribe to our Blog
Shop & Support Elephants
Visit our online store and and help spread the word about the need for sanctuary for captive elephants.
Give Through Our Wishlist
Shop and choose a treat or much-needed item for one of the elephants.
Categories
Archives
Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Stay connected with our herd
MISSION: Protecting, rescuing, and providing sanctuary for elephants worldwide.
Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, public charity status (EIN 46-3564818) and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
© Global Sanctuary for Elephants. All Rights Reserved
Your ticket for the: Building Relationships Through Protected Contact
Building Relationships Through Protected Contact