Guillermina is Expanding Her Environment

Guille’s role in the herd at sanctuary has often been determined by the way she approaches the other elephants. Because of what her mother allowed, she indirectly taught her that being up front and sometimes barging in to claim what she wanted was okay, when in reality it’s not a cohesive way to manage healthy relationships. Most elephants, within a healthy social group, tend to interact in a manner that is more respectful. Gradually, Guillermina is learning to manage her behaviors more effectively these days; she is learning how to understand herself, and the comforts of the other elephants. There are times when she will still come into a situation quickly and perhaps displace the others, but she seems to be attempting to make more conscious choices now.

At scheduled meal times she appears to be trying to be more passive. She’s finding out how to be more controlled and restrained, as opposed to barging right in and “sharing” food that’s not hers. In observing her, we’re seeing what appears to be a mindset where she will come in for a few minutes, hang out with the others, and then step aside. Sometimes after a meal, she’ll return to her original spot and pick up scraps rather than stealing what others have in their dinner piles. When everyone is finished with their grain and produce, she’ll meet up with the others in a much quieter and softer mood. She appears to be starting to understand her environment and her responses to the other elephants in a healthier way.

Having a notably calmer energy than she has had in the past, she’s able to stand side-by-side with them in a way she once had trouble managing without trying to control the scenario at hand. She’ll graze or explore without displacing the others and is just much more passive in general. Her ability to wait and see and respond to what’s happening, learning to temper her responses to the other elephants shows growth and a desire to understand her role in the group environment at a deeper and healthier level. It’s a gradual process, but Guille is showing measured growth and new levels of restraint, all while letting her personality shine through

Photo of Guillermina

Comments(14)

Melinda says
March 14, 2023 at 2:24 pm
Love you Guille! You’re quickly becoming a Power Puff Girl!
Charlotte Hansen says
March 14, 2023 at 4:11 pm
The elephants are such great teachers!
Heather Parsons says
March 14, 2023 at 4:19 pm
Amazing how ‘herd’ behaviour can be learnt at this age. As all these mature individuals have created a wonderful herd, and are now teaching Guille what is polite and acceptable behaviour.
Viviana Gallo says
March 14, 2023 at 5:19 pm
Qué bella es Guillermina!!
Wim says
March 14, 2023 at 6:16 pm
She must be learning from all the girls. The herd rules will make her more complete than ever before in her restricted life. Much appreciation for picking herself up in her new life.
Maria Tereza says
March 14, 2023 at 7:10 pm
Adorável Guille. Você não poderia estar em melhor lugar.Em um Santuário maravilhoso, com parentes e humanos sem igual.Pocha está tranquila.Te amo.
Beth says
March 14, 2023 at 7:17 pm
Good girl Guille! We all must learn boundaries even when our heart if full and open 😊❤️
Johnny says
March 14, 2023 at 7:19 pm
Good on you Guille girl. Amazing creatures, so intelligent.
Bonnie says
March 14, 2023 at 7:51 pm
She’s still young but she’s learning she’s cute you gotta love her
Carey says
March 14, 2023 at 8:36 pm
Yes Guille is learning to understand group living always hard – and it has even more to learn because she doesn’t have her own age group or younger to socialise with and I imagine she may always be the youngest in group.It’s taken years for Bambi to calm dow but she has very sweetly, I’m glad they indulge her a bit!
Carey says
March 14, 2023 at 8:40 pm
Have I missed the result of the necropsy?
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  March 14, 2023 at 10:01 pm
  yes, we released the results once we received them, back in November. this is the link to the original post
Lynne Russert says
March 15, 2023 at 7:01 am
She’s growing up. 🥰
Tammy says
March 15, 2023 at 9:50 am
That’s wonderful to hear how
Guille is understanding the dynamics of herd protocol. She’s just so darn cute and is a refreshing addition to the Sanctuary for both herself and the girls. I just giggle watching her and how she operates 💞🐘😊

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