Guillermina has been continuing to display her childlike silliness, and the others are remaining mostly patient with her. The older girls seem to understand that this new, somewhat large kid, has a lot to learn. Part of that learning curve means finding out what the limits are for some of her playful behavior.
During a recent dinner, Guille walked over and took some of Bambi’s hay, which Bambi wasn’t particularly thrilled about. Bambi stepped forward into Guillermina for just a minute, setting a boundary in a calm, but definitive way. While Guille sees the behavior and gets the message behind it, she doesn’t always choose to listen, and the other girls seem to understand this as well.
Guille’s current favorite play friend is Maia, though Maia may not necessarily be playing along with her all of the time. Guillermina will back up toward Maia, sticking her tail straight out, and even swiping Maia’s face with it. It seems that Guillermina just wants a response of some kind – like a little kid pushing someone’s buttons to see just how far they can take things before getting in trouble. This is something we have seen between other elephants in our past and often develops into a big and little sister dynamic, with the “older sister” somewhat enjoying the playful corrections they give. She definitely could be “correcting” Guille more, so for the time being Maia may be intrigued. (Maia did give Guille a gentle smack on the bottom a couple of times, which only dissuaded Guillermina for a little while. It seemed like a playful game between the two of them.)
The two elephants have such similar personalities that they could end up being best friends or, perhaps, start to irritate one another. For now, their interactions seem harmless and charming – and we’ll be interested to see how things continue to unfold between our two youngest elephants.
Photo of Pocha and Guillermina
Comments(10) 











- PO Box 2426
- Brentwood, TN 37024
- (615) 435-9523
-

-

-

-

-

-

-

- Ways to Support
- GSE Merchandise
- Privacy Policy
Title USD
Kayle says
July 13, 2022 at 2:05 pmSara, your insight is so descriptive I feel like I’m there. Thank you so very much.
Sara says
July 13, 2022 at 2:09 pmThank you!
katherine says
July 13, 2022 at 3:09 pmsounds like lovely playful behaviour
Pam says
July 13, 2022 at 3:11 pmI love these posts that provide insights into elephant behavior! So relatable. Thank you for another great article!
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
July 13, 2022 at 4:10 pmGuille you just keep on being you. You will find your place in the herd family. So funny….. “the older girls and this somewhat large kid”!!!!!! hahahahha
John says
July 13, 2022 at 5:30 pmI agree with what’s been commented, these posts are a fascinating insight into getting to know each elephant in such a personal way. Thank you!
Leslie says
July 13, 2022 at 6:30 pmLoving learning about how the current residents are helping both Guille and Pocha uncover their true ele-selves. So blessed! Thank you Sara❤️🐘🐘❤️
Barb says
July 13, 2022 at 7:14 pmSara, we love your tales of tails! Never stop sharing these wonderful interactions!
Lynne Russert says
July 14, 2022 at 8:47 amAw, she’s young & wants/needs to play as part of growing up. Maybe you can find a younger needy elephant to take in to give her that? 😁
Nancy Shaw says
July 14, 2022 at 11:14 amMy thought was “OH!”
Better watch out. lol
Subscribe to our Blog
Shop & Support Elephants
Visit our online store and and help spread the word about the need for sanctuary for captive elephants.
Give Through Our Wishlist
Shop and choose a treat or much-needed item for one of the elephants.
Categories
Archives
Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Stay connected with our herd
MISSION: Protecting, rescuing, and providing sanctuary for elephants worldwide.
Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, public charity status (EIN 46-3564818) and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
© Global Sanctuary for Elephants. All Rights Reserved
Your ticket for the: Guillermina Wants To Play
Guillermina Wants To Play