Companions Rana and Bambi

Rana has been enjoying spending her days with Bambi in Yards 1 and 5, and in the evening she rejoins Mara and Maia in Yard 4. Rana and Bambi are very sweet with each other, and it’s nice to see the two bonding and spending more time together.

When sharing space, Rana and Bambi aren’t always together. Still, when they reunite after wandering apart, they seem happy to see each other again. We frequently see them side-by-side, leaning on each other and sharing food.

Sometimes at night, the three will meet up near the barn. During those times, Scott will occasionally see a fourth elephant, Lady, nearby. When the four elephants converge, it’s usually with Bambi in Yard 1 or 5, Lady in Yard 3, and Mara and Rana in Yard 2 or 4.

Lady is becoming more comfortable with the three and their antics. She will head toward them and observe from a distance. After the celebration quiets down, Lady will frequently approach. She won’t go all the way to the fence, but she will get relatively close.

Photo of Rana (left) and Bambi (right) during one of their frequent hangouts.

Comments(14)

elaine richard says
January 6, 2021 at 4:13 pm
Such good timing of this lovely post from you. A necessary break from the disaster unfolding in D.C. So a double thank you for the decency and sanity that is, always, the GSE.
John says
January 6, 2021 at 4:25 pm
Wow! This is wonderful to read about the developing relationships between the elephants. The sanctuary staff is to be thanked for all their hard work to provide an environment for this to happen!
Camilla Carter says
January 6, 2021 at 5:35 pm
So lovely that Bambi is getting to share space again with another ele. I take it then she has curbed her enthusiasm a bit then?.
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  January 6, 2021 at 7:48 pm
  Rana has always been ok with Bambi, and has always shared space at times with her. It’s Mara who no longer is good with sharing space with her.
Sue says
January 6, 2021 at 5:58 pm
Thank you for sharing these interaction stories ? Love to hear how all the friendships/relationships are evolving. I was thinking about where Miss Bambi was before Sanctuary, as well as all the Girls, and it is so heartwarming to see them home. Be safe! Sending love and hugs to all ❤️?❤️
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
January 6, 2021 at 6:12 pm
The freedom these girl have to choose their friendships, where they want to walk and when is a wonderful testament to the work and mission of GSE . To just let them be elephants.?♥️
Debbie Sides says
January 6, 2021 at 6:57 pm
I wonder what happened to Lady to keep her guard up with other elephants. I hope one day she gains their trust and becomes part of the herd.
Julie says
January 6, 2021 at 7:38 pm
Yes. Thank you for this much needed post! I’m so happy Bambi and Rana are getting close. It’s always good to have a friend.
SHEILA says
January 6, 2021 at 9:58 pm
I THINK BAMBI IS WONDERFUL? AND SHE DESERVES TO BE LOVED. ❤️BY RANA ! RANA CAN TEACH BAMBI TO CALM HER OVER EXUBERANT SELF DOWN ABIT AS MOST OF BE LADIES LOVE QUIET! I THINK DEAR BAMBI WAS SOLITARY AND SO LONELY FOR YEARS
SHE ‘S JUST SO THANKFUL? SHE HAS SUCH A WONDERFUL HOME AND FRIENDS THAT DONT HURT HER!! DEAR LIL ?LADY IS STILL RESERVED BUT I THINK A FEW MORE MONTHS SHE IS GOING TO JOIN THE LADIES! SHES. WORKING ON THE FACT SHES NOT GOING TO GET BEATEN UP BY A HUMAN OR OTHER LADIES! THESE 5 R AMAZING SWEET LADIES ❤️PLEASE BRING MORE ?LADIES?
Sallie says
January 6, 2021 at 11:22 pm
WE HAVE TO BE PATIENT WITH THESE GIRLS! I BELIEVE THERE HAS BEEN GREAT PROGRESS. SUBTLE PROGRESS, BUT POSITIVE PROGRESS . . . FRIENDSHIP IS BUILT ON TIME . . .
Rosie P says
January 7, 2021 at 3:13 am
This is such a lovely, gentle post, a real break away from all the horrors going on in the world right now. It’s great to know that Rana hangs out with Bambi so that Bambi has a close and comfortable ellie contact at last. She has waited so long for this. Mara seems to wander off on her own much more now and not stay within sight of Rana. Is this due to her health issues?
Brave Lady is interested in her sisters and watches with social distancing. Maybe she feels happier to know they are around but feels safer with no interaction. Her poor feet might be holding her back from wanting the comfort of her own kind. We must all wonder what lady is thinking but she seems happy in her world.
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  January 7, 2021 at 5:05 pm
  Before Mara got sick, she had become less dependant on Rana and didn’t stay as close. When she got sick they were attached at the hip. Now she is more comfortable again walking away. It seems like she is just more comfortable doing what she wants whether someone comes with her or not.
Kelejan says
January 7, 2021 at 3:39 am
Your Sanctuary is also Sanctuary for us as well as the elephants. If only the whole world would take note. Thank you all so much for what you do for these precious creatures.
Kenneth Newman says
January 7, 2021 at 7:52 am
How about an update on the fence construction…….and other repairs, as well as the latest on the African elephants and the
plans for their NEW life…….
I am still waiting for a BETTER map of the property, ( hopefully a separate webpage), with either feet or yards shown to have a better idea of the length and width of the entire sanctuary……

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