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EleFact Friday: Respectful Interactions Among Sanctuary Residents

For this EleFact Friday, we thought we’d address some of the questions we often get about the elephants’ relationships (or lack thereof) with other animals around the sanctuary. From wildlife to furry friends, we have no shortage of critters running around, in and out of the habitats. While the elephants do share space with many animals, it’s not often that there’s any direct interaction. Some of you may remember Bambi’s run-in with George, and we do try to share about similar interactions we get to witness. 

Because elephants are herbivores, they do not prey on smaller animals and, due to their size, they don’t seem to be a target of any predatory species that may be around the sanctuary. We also know that elephants are extremely compassionate animals, with the mental and emotional ability to experience empathy and self-awareness. Studies have also shown that Asian elephants in particular have the ability to recognize when others are in distress and occasionally offer comforting gestures or vocalizations to both animals and humans.  

As far as sanctuary goes, we enjoy getting to watch how the girls interact with each other and the other animals they encounter. This video shows Molly sharing some space with Mara and Rana, and everyone seems to be enjoying their time and respecting each other. This is what sanctuary is all about: harmonious relationships between everyone.

Comments(7)

  1. REPLY
    Andrea Kerin says

    Beautiful creatures. Humanity has so much to learn…..

  2. REPLY
    Beji says

    For just a moment, all is right in the universe….thank you

  3. REPLY
    Susan Flewelling says

    They all have much to teach us.

  4. REPLY
    Wim says

    Respect and compassion lives within many species.
    They’ve shared earth for such a long time.

  5. REPLY
    bo says

    ==>This is what sanctuary is all about: harmonious relationships between everyone.

    if only this could be world wide for everyone on it, animal, human,…
    elephants truly are such gentle giants.
    probably why so many people adore them so so much.

  6. REPLY
    John says

    I wonder if Molly thinks she’s playing hide and seek with the elephants?

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      nah, she’s just resting after the run out to the elephants. while the dogs are very respectful of the elephants, they’re not really interested in them. they are just there because they like to be near their humans and they love running and playing in the habitat.

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