Day 6: Opening Both Sides of the Transport Container

Today has been similar to yesterday. Bambi continues to visit and step in the transport container frequently, but she won’t fully step inside. She isn’t ready to take that next step with her comfort.

She continues to be distrustful and lack confidence. We are trying many different techniques to see what she needs without putting more pressure or expectations on her.

Bambi is spending less time in her stall today than yesterday, which is excellent. We have opened up both doors of the transport container for her. Opening it means she can go outside if she wants, or she can walk through it. She hasn’t done either yet.

There may not be a specific cause for her distrust; it may just be a cumulation of all the different traumas in her life of captivity. She withdraws inside herself. She’s not looking for affection. She needs to work through her emotions, but it’s tough for her to do that in this environment. We are continually observing, analyzing, and adjusting our approach to discover what works best for her. She loves food, but treats aren’t going to give her the ability to trust. We want her to feel safe enough to enter and spend time in the crate on her own, without a human asking or telling her to go inside.

We’ve been using lots of flower essences and essential oils to support her in this process. We used a specific calming paste yesterday. It worked so well that she retreated into her corner, where she feels safe, and fell asleep. Our veterinarian Trish seems to resonate with Bambi – she is very responsive to Trish’s voice.

In general, we are just here for Bambi today, and every day, for as long as it takes her. We know this is very scary for her, but we believe in her.

Please continue sending good vibes, positive energy, happy thoughts, and encouragement her way.

Visit her Rescue Page for additional information, photos, videos, and more.

September 23, 2020

Comments(37)

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Alejandra(Sandy)Enquin says
September 23, 2020 at 12:45 pm
Bambi te envio mi amor maternal ,me parece que confia mas en una mujer,( Trish)quizas sus recuerdos dolorosos estan asociados a abusos masculinos,de hostigamiento y sometimiento.Te deseo amorosa Bambi superacion y valor??❤?energia maravillosa de confianza y seguridad,DATE ESTA OPORTUNIDAD???❤‼️
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:47 pm
  Thank you for sending positive good energy, Sandy! ❤️
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Allison says
September 23, 2020 at 12:58 pm
You are doing beautifully! All of you. Sending you good vibes and love. Bambi will all of a sudden find her peace, her confidence to get her through this big step. Such a wonderful learning experience for everyone. Thank you for sharing Bambi’s journey with us.
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:40 pm
  Thank you, Allison, exactly what Bambi and the team need and requested: good vibes and love. ❤️
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Lori Hoover says
September 23, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Hi to Everyone,
Thank you for the updates. I did watch the video on FB a little while ago with Scott answering questions. I just wanted to say that I am glad that Scott mentioned not succumbing to the heartbreak some are feeling, we are all feeling. He can’t, the team can’t succumb to that feeling, it doesn’t help Bambi at all. Elephants are strong, Bambi is trying, but Scott and team are showing strength as well. Being the strong ones for Bambi now will help her tap into her own strengths as well. Thank you for knowing that and for showing and sharing that. I’ll be thinking good thoughts for Bambi, for everyone, as well as our girls already there, and all the ones to come.
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:44 pm
  Thank you for the good positive thoughts, Lori. ❤️
  - Lori Hoover says
    September 24, 2020 at 1:03 pm
    I’m sending more positive thoughts and vibes for Bambi and all. It’s a new day, no pressure, just hope that she will feel the confidence in herself, in Scott and those around her, and in what is happening and will happen. Sending all my love for Bambi and all the strength I can spare, may it add to her own.
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bo says
September 23, 2020 at 1:41 pm
The confidence and trust will hopefully grow stronger each day, sweet Bambi!
With the history of many of these elephants, it is even more difficult to know what exactly might help in the good direction or what might be more upsetting for them.
So glad everyone is trying to find the perfect piece to solve Bambi’s personal puzzle.
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:40 pm
  Thank you, Bo. ❤️
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arie says
September 23, 2020 at 1:55 pm
Everything in her own Bambitime ?❤️
As a human being, I can’t help feeling co-guilty for the terrible life Bambi must have had, that made her so scared of everything and locked in. ?
Every new update I admire you, Scott and the crew, more and more for your approach and endless patience!
That is why I trust Bambi will trust you soon enough to overcome her fear.
I said it before, I think, but you deserve a Nobel prize ?❤️
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:45 pm
  Yes, Bambitime! Thank you, Arie! ❤️
  - arie says
    September 23, 2020 at 4:03 pm
    ?❤️
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Lila Nieto says
September 23, 2020 at 1:58 pm
Sweet Bambi. I learn a lot from the elephants, and from you guys!!! Love from Mexico!!!
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:45 pm
  And love to Mexico! Thanks, Lila! ❤️
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Nishant Bhajaria says
September 23, 2020 at 2:02 pm
Sending lots of love for Bambi
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:41 pm
  Thank you, Nishant! ❤️
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Margaret says
September 23, 2020 at 2:14 pm
This is a purely practical question, but… is it very hard to organize and maybe very expensive to be on elephant time for a re-location? I totally get why it is so important, but…how are are you able to coordinate crane companies, truck rental and truck drivers, police escorts, and all the non-sanctuary support people when you can’t really tell them when you are headed back? Or to explain to them, “we go when the elephant is ready?” How are they able to be so flexible? And generally speaking, are the zoos ok with not having a “we’ll be out of your hair by ____” date?
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 4:13 pm
  Hi Margaret, contingencies are always planned for with every rescue.
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jenny wiegand says
September 23, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Thank you for all your amazing work and certainly patience, care and love that you are giving Bambi. What if you tried playing some soft music, something that would work to raise the vibrational energy of the environment? The space definitely has a lower vibration and that is potentially something that Bambi is acutely aware of and reacts to. Also what about trying visualizations with her describing where she is going etc. so that she has a sense of what is going to happen next. Continuing to send loving, healing thoughts to all of you and especially to Bambi. Thank you again for the beautiful work you do in support of an Elephants autonomy and right to dignity and self-determination.
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 4:16 pm
  Hi Jenny, thanks for your thoughts. Scott is a leading world expert on relocating captive elephants – having been involved in 50+ transfers. Trish (on-site with Scott) and Kat (a phone call away) both come from trained veterinary medical backgrounds and have worked extensively with elephants in a variety of scenarios. They know what resonates with elephants under stress. They have an extraordinary amount of knowledge on different soothing natural therapies and techniques that might offer comfort. But sometimes it just boils down to the elephant needing a little more time.
  Thank you so much for the love and healing thoughts you are sending to Bambi and the whole team, Jenny. They are deeply appreciated. ❤️
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Sheila says
September 23, 2020 at 2:35 pm
Oh my! It seems dear? bambi ❤️has gone backwards in her trust as she was in crate many times! Gate closed even! I would have to agree something reverted back in her memory over some abuse or trauma! Myself I think sweet ?bambi thinks shes going back to a ? circus. Or shes not feeling well ! I pray? she will go into container? comfortably and the team will get on the journey without any issue! No doubt she will be fearful but im sure the calming herbals will help her! ? pinapples! ? mangoes! And many treats!
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 4:12 pm
  Scott is a leading world expert on relocating captive elephants – having been involved in 50+ transfers. Trish (on-site with Scott) and Kat (a phone call away) both come from trained veterinary medical backgrounds and have worked extensively with elephants in a variety of scenarios. They know what resonates with elephants under stress, they have an extraordinary amount of knowledge on different soothing natural therapies and techniques that might offer comfort. But sometimes it just boils down to the elephant needing a little more time.
  Scott, Trish, and Kat are hopeful that all of our supporters around the world will continue to try to focus on the positive and supportive thoughts for Bambi, versus heavy emotions put on her or the team.
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JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
September 23, 2020 at 3:05 pm
If I could. I would wrap my arms around this traumatized girl to let her know the best is yet to come, don’t be fearful, no one will ever hurt you again. Trust Scott and his team, we send love. ?♥️
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:42 pm
  Thank you, JoAnn for sending love. ❤️
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Bertica Valdes Greenberg says
September 23, 2020 at 3:37 pm
Scott’s patience and love for Bambi is winning her over. Bambi is putting in a lot of effort that will pay off when it’s time.
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 3:56 pm
  ❤️
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Wim says
September 23, 2020 at 5:24 pm
Wonderful how you deal with this extremely difficult situation. All you can do is wait until Bambi feels it’s the right moment. She must feel dazed and confused about everything .
Hopefully she’ll rebalance at some time.
???
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 9:45 pm
  Thank you, Wim. ❤️
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Paula says
September 23, 2020 at 5:55 pm
?Querida Bambi?
Por favor, te pido que confíes en estas buenas personas que solo quieren tu felicidad y bienestar.
Debe ser difícil para ti tantos movimientos y cambios, eres una chica inteligente, y lo percibes… vemos tu temor y tus inseguridades pero confía adorable dama, queremos llevarte a tu verdadero hogar, con una familia y personas que honrarán cada día de tu vida?
Fuerza valiente y fabulosa Bambi!?
A Scott, Trish, Kat y a todos los que están participando de este acto de profundo amor hacia Bambi,les envió todo mi amor y los acompaño con mis pensamientos día y noche!❤
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  EleComposer says
  September 23, 2020 at 9:44 pm
  Thank you, Paula, for the strong positive support and thoughts. ❤️
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Terry says
September 23, 2020 at 9:16 pm
Is there a way to move Maison completely to another area of the zoo?.., Out of sight/smell of Maison during this delicate time might allow Bambi the courage to move forward…
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  EleComposer says
  September 24, 2020 at 8:53 am
  There is nowhere to move Maison to. We have tried it with Maison closed in her stall, but it doesn’t seem to affect Bambi.
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Rosie P says
September 24, 2020 at 2:59 am
You are all so fantastic with Bambi. This is the right approach, waiting for Bambi to feel confident and secure enough to be able to tolerate a long journey in the crate. The last thing you need is an elephant becoming very stressed during the journey. No force here, just gentleness, patience and an understanding of her needs. Bless you all for this. I am sending loving thoughts and you are constantly in my thoughts. Well done everyone for all you have done so far.
Lots of love
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
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  EleComposer says
  September 24, 2020 at 6:12 am
  Thank you for sending loving thoughts, Rosie. ❤️
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Bridget Long says
September 24, 2020 at 3:42 pm
Sending love, healing and positive energy to Bambi and the whole GSE family! What does it look like when Bambi is responsive to Trish’s voice? Is it body language, facial expression, vocalizations or her whole energy? I learn so much from you videos and posts. Thanks for always being responsive and educating us!
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  Kat Blais says
  October 1, 2020 at 5:00 pm
  It’s just her being relaxed overall, coming further into the crate to see her.
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Deb Moore says
September 24, 2020 at 5:31 pm
She may be an elephant who never likes humans. I knew one like that and she never changed EVER. She can still have a great and happy life and I do not see her as being aggressive, but she may always be more standoffish. One day at a time. Thanks Scott

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