Gentle Interactions Between Elephants

Pocha and Guillermina are moving forward in their relationships with the other girls at their own paces. Each day, we keep the gates to Yard 4 – where Bambi, Mara, Maia, and Rana spend their time – open to them, in case they feel up to visiting their new friends or the others want to join them closer to the barn.

The girls are intermingling, but it is important that Pocha and Guillermina have the opportunity to choose when, where, and how long they want to spend time with others. They are building relationships organically, and at a natural pace. There are moments when Guille may get overwhelmed, and she can manage her emotions in the moment – but afterwards she may have trouble processing an encounter or an event, which causes her to walk in circles (which is an example of stereotyping – something she often did in Mendoza). Both ladies have already come so far in such a short period of time that there’s no reason for us to push them to go farther than they choose to on their own.

This video highlights some of the interactions Pocha and Guillermina have had with other elephants: Mara being lovely and gentle with her touches, some soft and light snacking with Maia, and an exuberant Bambi doing her best to contain her excitement.

Comments(20)

Pam says
June 23, 2022 at 2:11 pm
This is so wonderful to see. Thank you for taking and sharing the video, and for the name tags for us newbies! Mara really does have such golden eyes … Just watching these sweet interactions between the girls is salve for the soul, always brings me into a place of peace and hope.
Patricia Richardson says
June 23, 2022 at 2:19 pm
So wonderful, as the world moves on, that you all are so focused on the intricate sensibilities of these beautiful ladies — in their own time — with each breath is breathtaking itself! Thank you!
Susan Flewelling says
June 23, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Perhaps because they’ve travelled down the same road Pocha and Guillermina are now on, the others just seem to know when it’s time to gently interact and when it’s time to move on. Since finding this sanctuary with Ramba”s journey, I am constantly amazed at how knowing and caring elephants are! 💝💝💝💝
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  Sara says
  June 23, 2022 at 2:53 pm
  Thank you for being a loyal follower for so many years!
Beci says
June 23, 2022 at 2:50 pm
It looked like Mara wanted time on camera at first. 😉 is is normal for them to kind of sniff the butt like dogs do? When she did that it seemed Pocha wasn’t happy about it.
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  Sara says
  June 23, 2022 at 2:54 pm
  Yes, it’s very normal for them to do that. Pocha was likely expecting some sort of gentle touching, and she didn’t walk away.
Zoi Flores says
June 23, 2022 at 2:52 pm
The girls has gone so far, in such a short period of time, and it’s amazing to see dear Bambi Bee containing her excitement. 💖
Tracy H says
June 23, 2022 at 2:59 pm
The is so beautiful to watch. Love how all the girls are so calm and gentle. I love them all
Katherine says
June 23, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Lovely, taking it easy, slowly in their own time
Sherry says
June 23, 2022 at 3:45 pm
It takes time and time is on their side!!!😀🐘❤️
Barb says
June 23, 2022 at 3:48 pm
It literally leaves me speechless! So wonderful for all the girls!
Wim says
June 23, 2022 at 3:55 pm
Like gentle whispering souls. They still carry a heavy load. Hopefully they’ll explore their freedom together.
Patricia says
June 23, 2022 at 10:24 pm
How damaging are previous living circumstances? I know all the girls have experienced them, but it’s all Guille has ever known, until now. Does that make a difference? They are always on my mind and in my prayers. xoxoxo
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  Sara says
  June 24, 2022 at 5:12 am
  There’s no doubt that there is trauma from each elephant’s past that impacts their healing. They’re all impactful to different degrees. Because Guillermina is so young, there’s no way to know what impact her sterile past will have on her healing. She still has quite a bit of growing and learning to do.
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
June 23, 2022 at 11:03 pm
Such gentle interaction. It is a wonderful, magical thing to watch them grow in sisterhood. It is all thanks to GSE, and letting them adjust on their own time, and each in their own way. ♥️🐘
Carmen Dalziel says
June 24, 2022 at 9:07 am
It’s so encouraging to see them mingling with the other eles. I’m pleasantly surprised that Mara has been wanting to be around them so quickly. What a learning curve for all. Can you get us video of Guille’s circling stereotyping? Sounds like hers is a different version of stress management. I know she will work it out once she’s gotten over the new stimulations of ele’s and surroundings. She’s not use to all this but she’s come a long way. Mamma Pocha probably has a faint memory of the outside world but they seem to be picking up their natural habits and pleasures quite well so far. I am so very proud of you all!
Of course, my favourite gal Bambi is in the thick of things. She’s just itching to get them girls to notice and like her. I love our puppy ele soooo much!
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  Sara says
  June 24, 2022 at 11:18 am
  She has stereotyped in some past videos – though some might not notice it. She can make large circles around the yard or smaller circles in a pattern. Sometimes the opportunity presents itself to videotape these things and other times it’s best not to draw more attention to them in the moment.
Bertica Valdes Suarez says
June 28, 2022 at 2:58 am
It was hard to watch them stereotype in a circle at the beginning. I am loving these footages you are gifting us with now. Their meetups are healing for humans too, for me very much, even though we don’t matter, but it’s a treat! Thanks so much.
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  Sara says
  June 28, 2022 at 10:04 am
  People matter, too! It’s a wonderful circle of healing created by sanctuary.
Carey says
August 3, 2022 at 4:30 am
Bambi looks so impressive standing tall with her ears forward, and a good looking weight now too.

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