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Guillermina Discovers the Itchy Scratchy Tree

Discovering the “Itchy Scratchy Tree” is somewhat of a rite of passage for elephants who are new to the sanctuary in Brazil. After being so well loved by 7 elephants at this point (and falling victim to a storm), we are amazed that it’s still around to welcome the 8th and 9th: Pocha and Guillermina. This video – with no sound, since it was taken from our observation camera – shows Guillermina’s first encounter with the tree that we know of. 

The two elephants are taking part in their favorite activity – dusting themselves in a dirt pile. Guille seems to get a little silly, giving herself a satisfying trunk scratch on the tree. Then she gets extra playful by lying down in the dirt and rolling around. You can see exactly how round her belly is in the video; it’s hilariously adorable. Just another moment of two elephants enjoying some of the many things that sanctuary provides on a daily basis.

Comments(19)

  1. REPLY
    June Ross says
    May 31, 2022 at 2:06 pm

    They both look so gleeful! I wish I could crawl into their brains to see what they are thinking with all of this new found freedom. Amazing!

  2. REPLY
    Kayle says
    May 31, 2022 at 2:11 pm

    As always, so heartwarming they are quickly discovering the “rite of passage”

  3. REPLY
    Claudia says
    May 31, 2022 at 2:13 pm

    Adorable!

  4. REPLY
    Deb says
    May 31, 2022 at 2:39 pm

    I am sooo happy for them!
    💝🐘💝🐘

  5. REPLY
    Pam says
    May 31, 2022 at 2:39 pm

    What joy to watch this video! They are both so relaxed and at ease with their new world. Thank you, GSE, for giving them a new life!

  6. REPLY
    Sherry says
    May 31, 2022 at 3:29 pm

    Finally, loving life!!!! Thank you, ESB!!!😎🌺❤️

  7. REPLY
    Susan says
    May 31, 2022 at 3:39 pm

    OMG, this is so fantastic!! I have been waiting for an Itchy Scratchy Tree encounter with one or both of these girls!! Like you said, it seems somewhat a rite of passage to experience the enjoyment of this beloved tree!!! And when our cutie pie sat down, I just about burst with joy, could she be any more adorable?? Thank you for sharing, I love these moments!! Love and hugs! ❤️🐘❤️

  8. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says
    May 31, 2022 at 3:44 pm

    Happiness beyond their wildest dreams! I’m so happy for them!!

  9. REPLY
    Nancy says
    May 31, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    This is truly a momentous occasion. To think that after so many years of doing without such natural things they take to it like they’ve always known how

  10. REPLY
    Barb says
    May 31, 2022 at 4:01 pm

    The tree is a bit magical and so are the moments you share with us!

  11. REPLY
    katherine says
    May 31, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    wonderful to watch this. thank you for all that you do.

  12. REPLY
    Elizabeth says
    May 31, 2022 at 4:45 pm

    So happy they are having fun! I think the itchy scratchy tree trunk needs a bath. I thought the bark was rubbed off, but I think it is dirt caked on there. Hmmmm, not sure.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      May 31, 2022 at 5:17 pm

      I think it’s a little bit of both.

  13. REPLY
    jean says
    May 31, 2022 at 5:15 pm

    Adorable💞💞

  14. REPLY
    John says
    May 31, 2022 at 6:23 pm

    I can’t wait until they discover THE POND! OMG!

  15. REPLY
    Patricia says
    May 31, 2022 at 10:03 pm

    Yes! Hilariously adorable and adorably hilarious! I am so madly in love with them! 💖🌸💖

  16. REPLY
    Sheila says
    June 1, 2022 at 5:34 pm

    BRAVO TO GUILLE. SHE LOOKS VERY HAPPY SCRATCHING. ILL BET SHE WILL USE THIS VERY OFTEN. SHELL FEEL BETTER THAN THE
    CEMENT WALL.SCRATCH. LOVE THE UPDATED ON THESE LADIES. THEY R UNOLDING LIKE A FLOWER BUD🐘🐘🌻

  17. REPLY
    Anita J says
    June 2, 2022 at 8:41 pm

    That was such a sweet, joyful footage! Another milestone achieved! Another very important activity discovered! Their lives are so rich now in this amazing landscape. Forever grateful here for all you work. Thank you

  18. REPLY
    Tracy H says
    June 2, 2022 at 9:57 pm

    So happy these 2 lady 🐘 are now experiencing life as it should be. They look amazingly happy and couldn’t get any cuter. I love them all and can’t thank you enough for what you do for all these majestic beauties. It’s truly a blessing and calling to be able to work with these special girls. Thank you Scott and Kat for loving them as they should be loved🐘🐘🐘

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