Elephant Diary

Video: A Quick Chat With the Three Ladies

We never know what the elephants might be talking about. Knowing Mara, Bambi, and Rana, it’s possibly dinner – but they seem to be good storytellers, no matter what the topic. Scott recently recorded a short moment of casual conversation. At around 9 seconds, you can hear Rana make an…...

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Bambi and Rana Cause a Nighttime Commotion

Because Lady has been spending more time in Yard 5, the other four elephants have been given access to Yards 2, 3, and 4. We don’t necessarily keep track of them at night, but we really don’t need to because they give us vocal status updates throughout the evening. Mara,…...

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Decades Later, Trauma Lingers

Elephants have demonstrated for hundreds of years how intelligent and emotionally empathic they are. In the wild, they have strong ties to one another and deep relationships that can last a lifetime. Those who are captured from their natural homes for a life in captivity lose those relationships that are…...

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Maia Moves at Her Own Pace

Because Lady has been enjoying time in Yard 5, we have opened up Yards 2, 3, and 4 to Mara, Bambi, Rana, and Maia. Maia’s level of relaxation changes in this scenario, depending on the energy coming from the other three. There are moments when she is settled and watches…...

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Determined Lady Crosses the Creek

As we mentioned, Lady has been exploring more of Yard 5, which seems to have boosted her confidence and improved her mental and physical health. Her feet look a bit better since she’s been walking more, as it has been increasing her circulation and blood flow. Though she moves around…...

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Video: Maia’s Watermelon Technique

All five of the elephants here enjoy a daily allotment of fresh produce. Some have their favorites and others have definite dislikes. But, nobody is going to turn down a fresh watermelon.  In this video, Maia decides to dig right in – or rather, step right in. Her watermelon squashing…...

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