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Guillermina’s Gradual Learning Process

While she still has an abundance of enthusiasm, Guillermina seems to be taking notes about how to manage her high energy behavior from the older ladies. As we know, Guille can be somewhat demonstrative, expressing her emotions in physical ways, which Pocha allowed her to believe was acceptable. Of course, the other elephants disagree with that sentiment; Guille’s more assertive behaviors are not okay in general elephant society and certainly wouldn’t be allowed in the wild. 

We are beginning to see Guille pondering what she’s doing before she acts now. Where she once acted out without thinking, because she assumed that was okay, Guille is gradually evolving and learning lessons. 

The other elephants, while trying to adapt to Guillermina’s youthful behaviors, have been largely physically reserved with corrections when Guille comes near to crossing the line. Instead, they seem to be leading with positive actions. A few days ago, Guille was walking over to Rana as though she was going to take some of Rana’s food. Where Rana might have once walked away with her hay in tow, this time she let out a little squeak and stood her ground. That small action was enough to cause Guille to slow down and think about what she was doing – and the fact that it might not be appropriate. We are seeing more of these small moments where Guille analyzes the situation more than she has in the past. She’s being more pensive and less reactionary. This is just another step in her evolution and in the dynamic shifts that are happening among all of the girls here at sanctuary.

Comments(14)

  1. REPLY
    Melinda says
    August 29, 2022 at 2:06 pm

    Elephants are such amazing beings! I doubt many 20 something humans could figure out proper behavior so quickly!

  2. REPLY
    Kayle says
    August 29, 2022 at 2:06 pm

    Reading this reinforces my belief that elephants are so much wiser than humans.

  3. REPLY
    Pam says
    August 29, 2022 at 2:09 pm

    It’s wonderful to see how quickly Pocha and Guillermina are integrating into the community, learning and growing at each step. Has their arrival brought out new qualities in the other girls, that maybe hadn’t been observed before?

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 29, 2022 at 2:29 pm

      They are learning to be more patient with Guille’s young energy.

  4. REPLY
    Christine J Strickling says
    August 29, 2022 at 3:17 pm

    This is wonderful and Guille appears to be a fast learner.

  5. REPLY
    Alejandra Enquin says
    August 29, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    Rana seguis siendo la Gran Maestra Abuela del Santuario! tranquila pero Firme y Segura pones los limites y calladita Guillerminita ojo al piojo bebota

  6. REPLY
    Wim says
    August 29, 2022 at 4:40 pm

    It’s a wonderful world living between elephants. Oh Guille keep up the learning.

  7. REPLY
    Beji says
    August 29, 2022 at 5:55 pm

    Oh my….look at that big, sweet smile of hers…just fabulous

  8. REPLY
    Viviana Gallo says
    August 29, 2022 at 6:42 pm

    Me gustaría saber más sobre cuáles son los comportamientos inapropiados de Guillermina, además de intentar comer el heno que no es suyo… ¿En qué manera molesta al resto del grupo? Las invita a jugar o las molesta físicamente…

  9. REPLY
    Carey says
    August 29, 2022 at 6:59 pm

    Great news and learning for all certainly for me! Love that photo of her, such a face full of happy! The patience is marvellous also !

  10. REPLY
    Carol durham says
    August 29, 2022 at 7:16 pm

    Thank you for daily updates a especially for the insightful details you share with us.

  11. REPLY
    Terry says
    August 29, 2022 at 11:38 pm

    Guille is learning boundaries! Pocha did not have the physical space to teach her or even the emotional strength given the setting they both were subject to. I’m so grateful they now have sanctuary!

  12. REPLY
    Liliana says
    August 30, 2022 at 11:56 pm

    Es hermosa la adaptación de Pocha y Guillermina a una vida digna, desconocida para ambas. Un agradecimiento inmenso para todos los artífices de este cambio, desde la gente linda de mi querida Mendoza, los adiestradores amorosos que no escatimaron esfuerzos para hacer posible el largo viaje y para los responsables del Santuario que las recibió con los brazos abiertos y les permite insertarse a esa comunidad de seres tan grandotes como amorosos y de los que los humanos tenemos tanto que aprender.

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