Caregivers Learning From Rana

Though Rana can be near-angelic at times, introducing her to a new caregiver isn’t always simple. If you’re clear with her and mentally and emotionally present with her during treatment sessions, she will let you do nearly anything for as long as you need. But if you don’t “see” all of her, and what she is capable of as an elephant, she isn’t quite as cooperative.

She’s currently working with a new caregiver who has experience with some of the other elephants. He’s very watchful of her posture and her body movements, which is a quality that can be hard to find – so it’s nice to have someone there who has that level of awareness. The primary thing he’s working on now (which can be more complicated than it seems) is what you might call “casual” communication with elephants. As you may have seen in some of our videos, we just talk to the elephants in a normal, conversational tone. It can take some time to get used to saying things like, “Your trunk is in the wrong place, so I’m backing up,” or “I’m not comfortable with what you’re doing.”

Perhaps because it’s obvious how hard he’s trying to earn her trust, Rana almost seems to want to be extra good in her Rana way – which might mean a cheeky grin or a little squeak. The dynamics are evolving and the two are gradually learning more about each other in a genuine way.

Photo of Rana

P.S.: Episode 11 of the Global Rumblings podcast premieres today. Learn what it was like to prepare the sanctuary for its first residents – Guida and Maia.

Comments(7)

Johnny says
June 13, 2023 at 7:12 pm
Your posts are incredibly detailed and descriptive. I can almost imagine being there alongside Rana and her caregiver. Thank you again!
- REPLY
  Sara says
  June 13, 2023 at 7:36 pm
  That’s a wonderful compliment. Thank you.
Beji says
June 14, 2023 at 8:57 am
Getting to know you, getting to know all about you….wish I could sing this
Tammy says
June 16, 2023 at 7:33 am
Wow! It’s really amazing very indepth figuring out how an elephant thinks it’s not an easy task I’m sure it can be very challenging too! My hats off to you all your patience and love for these gentle giants is amazing and those rewards when you connect are off the charts. You’re so fortunate to be able to have this opportunity enjoy! 😊
Sheila says
June 17, 2023 at 1:53 am
I have always known Rana is a big SWEET💝 🐘😍LADY. SHE LOVES SCOTT ALOT FOR RESCUING HER
RANA HAS AS FAR AS I KNOW BEEN A LOVELY EASY DEAR LADY MATRIARCH. SHES NEVER CAYDED AN ISSUE. SO IM SURE HER NEW MALE CAREGIVER VERY EAGER TO PLEASE HER AND SHE HIM. A FEW SQUEEKS IS GOOD. I THINK SHES TALKING TO HIM. BUT HES NOT SURE WHAT SHES SAYING
I GUESS HE WILL HAVE TO ASK HER QUESTIONS AND SEE IF SHE CHANGES HER POSITION OR MOOD. IM SURE SHE WILL BE JUST 👍AWESOME
Leissa says
August 21, 2023 at 3:27 pm
I am in awe of everything you do and have done for the most brilliant and loving creatures that you care for and provide sanctuary for! There are no words to thank you enough. I am jealous only because they have captured my heart and I will never be able to know the thrill of their trust as you do. Please never stop the detailed descriptions you post with events and diaries. They are precious to me. Your accomplishments humble me and with all my heart I thank each and every one of you……..THANK YOU ALL!!
- REPLY
  Sara says
  August 21, 2023 at 3:28 pm
  Thank you, Leissa.

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