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Checking In on Lady With Wall-E (our drone)

Today, we did our first live feed with our drone, Wall-E. Wall-E has recently been repaired and is back to flying high. Having a drone is very helpful in such a large space – including for keeping tabs on the elephants.

Today, Lady had access to Yard 4 for the first time (she has now spent time in all the yards!). We like to give our new elephants space to encourage them to explore and learn to be themselves; but, on days like today, when Lady has access to a new area for the first time, we also need to keep an eye on her, to make sure she seems content and doesn’t seem stressed out by the new space. The drone is a great way to “check-in” with her from above without interrupting her. We keep it high enough and far enough away that the elephants don’t seem to notice to respond. The drone lets us check-in for other reasons as well, but that was today’s reason for checking in.

You can follow along with this video and watch Lady play with a stick in Hidden Pasture – which was one of Maia & Guida’s favorite spots. We also provide a brief ariel tour (that includes both ponds, as well as some fencing).

Pardon the small interruptions from goofy dogs and a rooster, they are just a little bit spoiled and can’t help themselves.

January 3, 2020

 

Check out these blog posts on Wall-E!

 

Comments(6)

  1. REPLY
    Barb Wilson says

    Thank you for letting us share part of your wonderful day at ESB. Wall-E was a bonus. One of the reasons I love ESB is the personal interactions with your supporters. It makes us feel part of the ele family. Scott and Kat, you make our days happy by sharing moments with Lady, Maia, and Rana. ❤️??

  2. REPLY
    Kelejan says

    We as supporters are so spoilt by all the information you relay to us. It is wonderful to be educated and makes us appreciate you all the more. You really make us feel like part of the team, even though we may be thousands of miles away. I love it when I meet someone who shows an interest in elephants and I can tell them what elephants need and how they are family oriented if given the chance. I try to make people see that they are just like owr own families and need each other.

  3. REPLY
    Bobi StaySee says

    Playing with a stick in Hidden Pasture, just the sound of that is soothing. Thanks to Wally, easy to see why it was Guida and Maia’s favorite place. And blue and gold macaws overhead take flight in perfect timing. So beautiful!

  4. REPLY
    Sherry says

    It is wonderful to watch, read, and hear all that you do at GSE. Thank you! It is a great learning experience.

  5. REPLY
    Elke Riesterer says

    Hi Scott and Kat,
    the drone seems very noisy and I wonder if that does not disturb the elephants. Would be nice if this flying objects are quiet to blend into the beautiful natural sound filled environment this eles are now living. Blessings – Elke

    • REPLY
      EleComposer says

      While the elephants might notice the drone overhead, they haven’t been bothered by it. If there is any indication they are, then we will go higher with the drone. Their comfort always comes first.

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