Guillermina is Finding Balance

Guillermina is going through the natural process of finding out what life will be like without her mother. At the moment that means lots of explorations – both of the space around her and of her relationships with the others. She may be searching for a deeper connection with herself emotionally and a sense of what each new day will bring.

Part of those explorations can bring up old habits, like sharing food with others who may not welcome that interaction. Guille is navigating boundaries with Mara and Rana at times, but all moments can be teachable within a herd setting. It’s normal for some of her days to be tougher than others, but there are plenty of opportunities for Guille’s sweet side to shine through. For instance, today she was eating along the fence line with Maia and Bambi, and the three were side-by-side-by-side. The interaction was very soft, gentle, and sweet. In this moment it seemed that Guille was not searching for anything, and completely grounded in a caring and calm moment with two elephants who were there to simply be with her. These are the types of subtle, quiet communications that are helping her define what life can be like in the future. Even when Guille may be more introspective, she is reaching out to experience moments of sincere peacefulness, seeking the balance between what is and what will be.

Photo of Guillermina

Comments(23)

Pam says
October 31, 2022 at 2:11 pm
One of my favorite things about ESB and these posts is that you share not only the facts, but also what you observe on more subtle levels. Thank you for sharing your perceptions of what’s going on internally for Guille and for all the girls.
Melinda says
October 31, 2022 at 2:39 pm
I love reading that Guille is adjusting to life without mom. I’m sure there are emotionally tough days, but the girls are pulling her through. Thanks for sharing this very hopeful news.
Barb says
October 31, 2022 at 2:39 pm
Incredibly thoughtful comments and dare I say, poetic.
Debbie Sides says
October 31, 2022 at 2:40 pm
Bless her and so thankful for the other girls to help her through this process.
Sandy says
October 31, 2022 at 3:17 pm
So sad, but Guille is so lucky to be at Sanctuary with her caregivers and elephant family. Any news yet on what caused Pocha’s death?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 31, 2022 at 3:26 pm
  We are still waiting to hear from the independent organization that is doing the testing. As soon as we know more, we will report.
Julie says
October 31, 2022 at 3:25 pm
Awesome description of Ellie-zen! I also love this pic of Guille. From this pic it looks like she’s very close to sanctuary weight. Does the pic represent what’s really going on with her weight?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 31, 2022 at 3:26 pm
  She’s getting slimmer, but isn’t quite there yet.
Carmen Dalziel says
October 31, 2022 at 3:26 pm
I usually appreciate your updates but come on – Guille is GRIEVING, and you’re seeing moments of that in various ways. Let’s not sugar coat things. It’s obvious she’s acting out in her sorrow and maybe even abandonment longing for her Mother by resorting back to old habits she did with Pocha . It’s not sunshine and rainbows these days for her
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 31, 2022 at 3:35 pm
  It certainly is not sunshine and rainbows. But Guille is not a “bad” elephant and we need to make sure people know that. She’s not acting out in harmful ways. She’s taking her grief a day at a time, as should be expected and the other elephants are helping her adapt in the best ways they know how.
María Elizabeth Alvarez says
October 31, 2022 at 3:31 pm
Thank you so much.
Julie says
October 31, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Last day to buy a t-shirt. I see the goal has not been reached. It’s a great looking shirt!
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 31, 2022 at 3:36 pm
  We met our goal and extended it! We love the shirt and hope others do, too.
Wen says
October 31, 2022 at 3:37 pm
It was a blessing that both Poocha and Guillermina were moved to the sanctuary when they were so Guillermina was not left alone, which would have been devastating for her with no support around her.
Susy says
October 31, 2022 at 5:22 pm
Gracias Sara por contarnos el estado de Guille. Es obvio que habrán días buenos y otro no tanto. Lo importante es que está con otros, en un lugar verde, al aire libre y eso ayuda. La ausencia de mamá Pocha no será fácil de sobrellevar, pasara un tiempo y tal vez el resto de su vida, porque vivieron muy juntas por muchos años. Agradezco que lean y escuchen nuestros pedidos, cómo así también respondan a las dudas. Continuamos esperando necropsia. Un abrazo enorme. Los quiero
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 31, 2022 at 5:33 pm
  Thank you. All of us here are waiting with you and hoping to hear something soon.
Wim says
October 31, 2022 at 6:11 pm
Beautiful picture. May you find peace and balance within the gracious herd.
Susy says
October 31, 2022 at 8:20 pm
Gracias Sara..que bonitas palabras. Gracias porque nos hacen sentir parte de ustedes parte del lugar que albergó a dos seres que amamos muchísimo acá en Mendoza. Un abrazo Sara
Bonnie says
October 31, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Guille will be ok she has to deal with things in her own way Elephants are smarter than people may think would she have survived were she was before know buddy knows for sure maybe just maybe she is having a hard time she has her Auntie’s they will help her and let’s try to reply to answering about an update in a friendly manner
Carey says
October 31, 2022 at 11:12 pm
I wonder what she’d make of her Dad being there now, it is said he was sweet with her. Are people working with Tamy and keeping him in half way reasonable spirits after his loss?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 31, 2022 at 11:16 pm
  We don’t know if Tamy can sense that anything has happened or not. It’s possible that he does, but impossible to be sure of.
LIliana says
November 1, 2022 at 1:02 am
Gracias, Sara, por comentar en forma tan clara y completa la evolución del duelo de la dulce Guille.
Desde que me enteré de la muerte de Pocha tuve la secreta convicción de que ella esperó a ver a su hija libre en un habitat hermoso y rodeada de sus congéneres para pasar a otro plano. Una MADRAZA que sintió que su misión maternal había terminado.
Tammy says
November 1, 2022 at 6:20 pm
Bless her heart🙏 losing a loved one isn’t easy for humans to understand and cope with but being an elephant going through all these drastic changes in such a short amount of time is unbelievable for her but she’s got the best of both worlds to help navigate through these rough waters and so far from what I see she’s doing better than expected of course being young helps too. Thank you for being there for our girls we love them we love you all too and Ingo this includes you too! Big hugs to all 💞🐘💞

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog