Great Progress in a Short Amount of Time

Each day, we are seeing Guillermina and Pocha take more steps forward – literally and figuratively. They spend most of their days in Yard 4 with the others, sometimes in the deepest parts of the yard. Depending on the day or on everyone’s mood, they will take time with different elephants: some moments Maia is in between the two ladies, and other times they might ease toward Rana or Bambi. The other elephants don’t seem to have any clear affinity for either Pocha or Guillermina most of the time. Everyone just seems to go where the day takes them, and that’s a positive.

This progress is considerable when you think about how deeply entrenched Pocha and Guillermina were in learned behaviors when they first got to sanctuary. Thinking of their lives in their old enclosure is such a disconnect from what we see now. We can honestly say that we had no idea exactly what their journeys would look like when they got to sanctuary. It hasn’t been what some would see as a “perfect” road, but both elephants have taken significant strides forward on their paths toward healing and are doing exactly what they need. After seeing them at sanctuary for just over two months now, it’s hard to believe that their lives were so different than they are today. The amount of progress made by both Pocha and Guille in a short period of time shows how resilient they are and how naturally captive elephants, even those from deprived conditions, settle into a life of sanctuary.

Photo of Pocha and Guillermina on a walk through the habitat

Comments(19)

Charlotte Hansen says
August 6, 2022 at 2:14 pm
Nothing short of miraculous, it seems to me!
Karen says
August 6, 2022 at 2:18 pm
They are amazing. We were talking about this recently, Pocha and Guilla’s quick embrace of all that surrounds them in their lives now.
Nancy Shaw says
August 6, 2022 at 2:36 pm
HOW WONDERFUL!!
Patricia says
August 6, 2022 at 2:47 pm
It’s so wonderful! I am so grateful! I remember that it seemed so long, waiting for them to get to ESB, and now here we are! To all at ESB—thank you for being such a source of light and good in our benighted world. 💖🌟💖
Katherine says
August 6, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Wonderful progress
Carey says
August 6, 2022 at 3:36 pm
It is truly astounding how resilient they are and how much they have changed. To get used to such a huge difference in their lives from their sterile deprived zoo environment, to learn so much in such a short time. Of course it must be delightful for them in so many ways. It’s such a pleasure to be able to share their journey through your wonderful blog and updates. Thank you, I am also like them, learning so much, have been from day 1 9 years ago.
John says
August 6, 2022 at 4:46 pm
I think Pocha and Guille are teaching all of us a thing or two about life, and making the best of it.
Juan Esteban Suraci says
August 6, 2022 at 5:04 pm
Emocionante en todos los aspectos
Pam says
August 6, 2022 at 5:40 pm
It’s great to see and hear about this ongoing progress! Because I came on board with GSE when Pocha and Guillermina were rescued, I don’t have a frame of reference to compare their progress with that of the other elephants when they arrived … I’m just thrilled at how they are doing, and it sounds like even long-timers feel the same. Thanks for the update, always look forward to these.
Juan Esteban Suraci says
August 6, 2022 at 6:41 pm
Emocionante por donde se lo mire
liza says
August 6, 2022 at 7:01 pm
They just look so happy, their countenance has changed considerably I think.
Viviana Gallo says
August 6, 2022 at 7:20 pm
Realmente es maravilloso ver como estas amadas elefantas han recuperado su alegría de vivir. Dios bendiga a todos en el santuario por devolverles su dignidad.
Tracy H says
August 6, 2022 at 7:40 pm
A beautiful sight! 🐘🐘
Mark Skipsey says
August 7, 2022 at 3:36 am
Absolutely delighted for these two ladies!
I often wonder if Pocha and Guillermina take time out to reflect upon their beautiful new surroundings and contrast them against where they used to live!
I’m sure they do….After all elephants are supposed to have incredible memories!
Debbie Sides says
August 7, 2022 at 5:26 am
True sanctuary heals. That breathtaking view, the space, the natural setting, the other eles – truly paradise on earth. So happy they are home.
Susy says
August 7, 2022 at 10:06 am
Hermoso resumen de las vivencias y progresos de Pocha y Guillermina. Cómo siempre logro imaginar las emociones de ellas al leer los detalles de sus días en el santuario. Un abrazo fuerte.
Nora says
August 7, 2022 at 11:24 am
Simplemente son maravillosas. Creo que hacen lo que les encanta y les hace bien. Es muy gratificante ver lo que Pocha y Guillermina han logrado, las amo ❤️
Carol Anderson says
August 7, 2022 at 1:03 pm
They are making great progress and it is wonderful to see. I am so happy for them and for everyone that works with them.
Sheila says
August 13, 2022 at 11:17 pm
Very awesome to see they r learning to trust the other ladies plus their wonderful exploration of the sanctuary. I think they r feeling very blessed now and the other ladies have likely told them ITS HEAVEN HERE!!
Plus I’m sure they can see, feel. And hear there is NO CHAOS. NO RESTRICTIONS. PICHA A GUILLE R SETTLING IN AMAZINGLY WELL IN THIS SHORT TIME!! BLESS🙏 U GESB TEAM!

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