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Guille Expresses Herself

Guillermina’s path to processing Pocha’s loss is her own, and she’s handling it in the way that she knows best. Being so young, she naturally has higher and more playful energy, which hasn’t gone away. But it is balanced with more thoughtful moments, as well. It’s natural for a young elephant to experience a whole range of emotions when learning to navigate life without her mother.

There is a beauty in being able to find one’s way through grief at sanctuary, because there is space for Guille to take time to herself when she’s processing emotions that might be intense. Sometimes, if Guillermina is trying to work through strong feelings she might need to walk away to burn off that energy. Sanctuary offers plenty of room and time to do that, whenever she chooses. But the other elephants also allow her to channel that energy through casual interaction or play, if that’s what is needed. 

There have been some light moments where she gets cheeky and starts to vocalize, which we believe is a good sign. She doesn’t seem to be in denial about what has happened and she definitely shows moments of sorrow, but she hasn’t lost herself in her grief and still finds ways to express a playful emotion if that’s what she’s feeling. We can’t predict how her emotions might deepen or evolve over time but, at the moment, she continues to receive support from the other elephants and is building upon those relationships in a positive way, as they continue to support her through this time. None of us know what Guillermina is going through – not even the other elephants can fully understand. But they are giving her grace to decide what she needs to feel and when, which is lovely to see and perfectly elephant.

P.S.: The independent necropsy team has informed us that preliminary results on the cause of Pocha’s death will not be available until next week at the earliest. As soon as we have more information, we will share it with you.

Photo of Guillermina

Comments(31)

  1. REPLY
    Pam says
    October 13, 2022 at 2:16 pm

    Thank you so much for this update on Guillermina. Sending love to her and to all who are grieving dear Pocha’s passing.

  2. REPLY
    Jan Russell says
    October 13, 2022 at 2:21 pm

    Thank you so much for these updates…
    Love to read them ,and wonderful to keep up to date on these beautiful elephants journey ❤️

  3. REPLY
    Carey says
    October 13, 2022 at 2:28 pm

    Thank you very much for your update on Guille, appreciate it. Best wishes to all

  4. REPLY
    Deanna says
    October 13, 2022 at 2:35 pm

    May light shine on you sweet Guille , Mama is watching over you ❤️🙁🕊. I love you Guillermina 🐘🙏🏻

  5. REPLY
    Katherine says
    October 13, 2022 at 2:44 pm

    Strong girl

  6. REPLY
    Maureen Graven says
    October 13, 2022 at 3:06 pm

    I can not begin to imagine what Guille would be going thru now if she was isolated in that pit. I am so grateful she has the Sanctuary, the support of her aunts, and all of you to help her navigate this monumental (for her) event. She has grown so incredibly much in such a short amount of time. I know this part is my emotions showing thru but if I could, I would love to give her a hug ❤️. Each of our girls brings a different dynamic to this growing herd and I feel honored to be able to watch it grow. Guilty is in my thoughts right now, wishing her peace and love. ❤️

  7. REPLY
    Patricia says
    October 13, 2022 at 4:33 pm

    My darling baby girl Guille, my heart is with you all the time.

  8. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says
    October 13, 2022 at 4:53 pm

    The way they take care of each other is admirable! Too much ch to learn from them. 💖

  9. REPLY
    Wim says
    October 13, 2022 at 4:58 pm

    May she find balance in her new situation.
    Being the biggest souls on earth loss will never be a homerun for elephants. I believe its their special kind of magic that helps them survive.
    Brightest Blessings Guillermina.

  10. REPLY
    Viviana Gallo says
    October 13, 2022 at 5:29 pm

    Gracias por compartir el estado de Guillermina. Todos estamos muy pendientes de la pequeña en este tiempo tan especial.

  11. REPLY
    Alana says
    October 13, 2022 at 5:46 pm

    I know it’s been said a thousand times, I’m just so glad they made it to GSB!

  12. REPLY
    Alice says
    October 13, 2022 at 6:00 pm

    Thank you so much for keeping us updated on Guillermina. I have been worried about her, but I know she is in the best of care and therefore will get through this.

  13. REPLY
    Nancy says
    October 13, 2022 at 6:02 pm

    I feel pride for Guill

  14. REPLY
    María Elizabeth Alvarez says
    October 13, 2022 at 6:06 pm

    I really thank you for the update!!! God bless you, Guille and the rest of the girls.

  15. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says
    October 13, 2022 at 6:08 pm

    I’m so grateful she has the others to support her. And it’s good to know she can be playful if she feels spunky and also to go through all the emotions she’s feeling. Bless her💚

  16. REPLY
    Beji says
    October 13, 2022 at 6:13 pm

    My beloved husband of 25 years died and I’m still processing the emotions and grief…My heart goes out to you, sweet girl

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 13, 2022 at 6:15 pm

      Our thoughts are with you. Thanks for all of your support.

  17. REPLY
    Susy says
    October 13, 2022 at 7:16 pm

    Gracias por compartir el proceso de Guille o lo que imaginan que está sintiendo y como lo puede estar viviendo. Leer es llorar, imagino tanta angustia, desorientación. Vivieron tan juntas las dos, que se parte mí corazón de presentir lo que puede estar pasando, más allá de los juegos y de la vida diaria. Estamos esperando ese informe. Mañana una semana de que Pocha se fue, a la dimensión de los elefantes libres y amados en la tierra, pero nunca respetados y valorados. Un abrazo gente.

  18. REPLY
    Tammy says
    October 13, 2022 at 7:23 pm

    💞Beautiful💞

  19. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    October 13, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    Thank you for sharing she looks tired in the picture but you are wright not you all or any of us know how she is griefing but I believe with all my heart and with her Auntie’s help she will be fine and who knows maybe even stronger in mind and soul

  20. REPLY
    Terry says
    October 13, 2022 at 9:08 pm

    Feel our love baby girl!!! Our energy of Love and Light surrounds you in every breath you take!!!

  21. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    October 13, 2022 at 10:15 pm

    So very thankful this did not happen while she was in the pit with her mama, and very thankful she has her herd mates for distraction and support. Guillermina is still a baby on a new journey without her constant companion and mama. She will find her own path to healing with the loving care of the entire staff at ESB, and her herd sisters. R.I.P. dear sweet mama Pocha.

  22. REPLY
    Monica Crespo says
    October 13, 2022 at 10:42 pm

    Thanks for the update. I am glad she is processing her loss in what appears to be a healthy way. I am glad she has your support and the support of the other girls as well!

  23. REPLY
    Pierrette Walraevens says
    October 14, 2022 at 3:30 am

    Thank you so much for the update of Sweet Guille ❤️ I think te way Guille’s reaction is normal grieving sadness but also anger but to now she has all of you and the girl will help her to going true this sad lost of her Beautiful mum Pocha 💔🥰🐘🥰❤️😥😥 and we all Love that Sweet girl so much ❤️ Love you darling Guille be strong lovely girl ❤️🐘🐘😘🥰❤️

  24. REPLY
    John says
    October 14, 2022 at 8:29 am

    I WISH I could convey how much GSE has meant to me since I discovered you a couple of years ago with Bambi’s move. If I’m having trouble falling asleep I think about a recent post and how good it made me feel – maybe how it made me laugh, or made me cry. It’s added so much to my life. You people are incredible, as are the ellies!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 14, 2022 at 10:00 am

      Thank you so much for that – and especially for your support. We couldn’t do what we do without dedicated supporters like you. Here’s to more in the future!

  25. REPLY
    Victor Proulx says
    October 14, 2022 at 12:11 pm

    Who was Pocha? Stick with elephants, don’t go into communication.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 14, 2022 at 2:15 pm

      Pocha was one of our most recent elephant arrivals. She passed away last week.

  26. REPLY
    Jillyp says
    October 14, 2022 at 3:17 pm

    Thank God they were settled (relatively) at sanctuary when this happened! Sweet Guille, keep the memories of your dear mama Pocha and lean on your new herd 💞❤️‍🩹🐘💝

  27. REPLY
    Mama says
    October 28, 2022 at 9:46 am

    Bless you ALL. : )

  28. REPLY
    Tammy says
    November 12, 2022 at 2:31 pm

    Well said Terry 💞

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