Guillermina brings a lot of charm and energy to the sanctuary. Because she never had a “normal” childhood, she is spending much of her time here being a big and boisterous kid. The other elephants find her engaging, but they are also getting used to being around a younger elephant who has a lot of life lessons to learn. Guille’s energy is fun and the others seem intrigued by it. At times, they work to teach her a little bit about what it’s like to live with other elephants; in turn, she’s showing them what life is like with a particularly charismatic and fascinating individual with lots of youthful exuberance, but not always the appropriate level of respect for her elders.
Now that Guillermina has been at sanctuary for a couple of months, she is learning more and more about what is right and what is wrong, as far as living with other elephants is concerned. There are some things she simply never learned. For years, Guille has made her own decisions about how to behave and pushed her mom around at times, often inappropriately. Pocha didn’t necessarily appreciate her daughter’s conduct, but she had nothing else to offer Guillermina – so she gave Guille a lot of leeway when she would act out. Many times, Pocha would sacrifice her comfort to appease her daughter’s demands.
When Guillermina gets assertive with the others, it’s generally when food is involved. She will occasionally try to nudge or push and sometimes hit another elephant if she’s interested in what they are eating; this doesn’t always go over well with the older girls. Depending on their mood, each will respond differently. Currently, Rana and Mara aren’t engaging during these moments; they’re often intimidated by her outbursts and choose to be more passive in their responses to Guille. Maia generally opts not to feed into any over-the-top energy; she doesn’t let Guille get the best of her, while influencing Guille to slow down. Bambi tends to stand her ground more than the others, with varying degrees of success. Regardless of their individual responses, each elephant has something they are teaching Guillermina. She just may not be catching on to every nuance just yet. Time will also be a great teacher for Guille when it comes to reining in her energy.
Even though Guille can have aggressive energy at times, the others don’t go out of their way to avoid her. In fact, they are often fascinated. There are many times when they will choose to spend time with her, or at least not walk away when she comes near. This is all part of an ever-evolving dynamic of Guillermina learning what it means to be an elephant that is respectful, acknowledging that there are lessons to be learned in the world. The established girls also have some things to learn and manage – specifically what it is like to be around childlike energy and that patience can be involved when dealing with a young elephant. As one might expect, sometimes they are more patient than others. When Guillermina seems more relaxed, they are comfortable being close to her; when she has a harder edge, they are more resistant to her behavior. Respect is a big concept to understand. Our growing group of elephants are all on a journey toward mutual respect and a life together.
When stepping back, it is actually quite remarkable to see how well each individual adapts, teaches and learns, given that all, with the exception of Guille, were taken from their families at infancy – many living a solitary life for decades before coming to the sanctuary. Yet their wisdom shines through, as they tap into their ancestral nature and let instinct lead the way through their ever-evolving recovery and reconnection to who they are and what it means to be an elephant.
Photo of Guillermina and Maia walking together
Comments(18) 



















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







- Ways to Support
- GSE Merchandise
- Privacy Policy
Title USD
Melinda says
July 27, 2022 at 2:11 pmGiGi will learn, but it’s going to be difficult. She was completely spoiled and indulged for 20+ years, out of necessity. But eles are completely amazing and I think they will get her to the place she needs to be!
Alejandra Enquin says
July 27, 2022 at 2:26 pmGuille alumna y maestra.Una nena revolucionaria que llego a la manada para movilizar roles y mover estructuras.Tias y abuelas descubriendose y poniendo limites a su manera.Y una Madraza querida Pocha que ahora puede relajarse un poco 🙌😘🐘
Bill says
July 27, 2022 at 2:45 pmSince all of the girls have never been part of a herd, then they all are creating their own herd behavior. I am always amazed at all of their growth.
Pam says
July 27, 2022 at 2:58 pmThank you for these insights into Guillermina’s personality, and into the dynamics of the relationships as they develop. I love how the authors both pick up on the subtleties of the elephants’ interactions, and describe them so clearly.
Hayatun Nessa says
July 27, 2022 at 3:13 pmIt would be nice if you could provide the link so that we will see her in action. thanks for the information abut Guille
Kat Blais says
July 27, 2022 at 10:34 pmi’m not sure what link you are referring to.
Carol Anderson says
July 27, 2022 at 3:43 pmWhat would happen if one of the older Elephants got more aggressive with Guille? Would Mom step in to protect her daughter, or would she step back? Have you seen this kind of behavior yet?
Kat Blais says
July 27, 2022 at 10:32 pmfrom what we have seen, it is doubtful that pocha would step in. guille would most likely step back.
June Ross says
July 27, 2022 at 6:37 pmWhat joy for these two new arrivals! Love every minutes of knowledgebase as to what is occurring at Sancturay.
Thank you so much for all you do!
Bonnie says
July 27, 2022 at 9:05 pmI think the little youngster will learn from the elders but it will take time kids are something
Terry says
July 27, 2022 at 10:57 pmSo respectfully written and stated!
Charlotte Hansen says
July 28, 2022 at 12:26 amWow! Thank you for these fascinating insights into elephant behaviors! I feel like we’re learning a lot since P and G came to sanctuary–it’s the next best thing to being there ourselves.
Wim says
July 28, 2022 at 6:19 amThe long and winding road Guille!
Are humans smart enough to understand elephants.
Sara says
July 28, 2022 at 10:23 amWe can only try…
Denise Spinharney says
July 28, 2022 at 9:43 pmDo the older girls know or understand that Guille is younger? Do they understand age?
Sara says
July 28, 2022 at 10:41 pmBased on Guille’s behavior and personality, it’s almost certain that they know she’s a youngster.
Debbie Coulsey says
July 31, 2022 at 1:01 amI was surprised that Gigi sometimes hits, and sad that she did it with her mother. I know she is big, is there any chance her size intimidates others? You never see eles hit, they may push or do a side kick, use their trunks to move a child. I would think with the background many had with humans hitting it could be very hard for the other eles. Lets really hope she learns quickly that she can’t continue!!
Sara says
August 1, 2022 at 10:26 amThere’s always a chance that it intimidates others. But they have a natural way of responding that is excellent for teaching.
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’s Lessons To Learn
Guillermina’s Lessons To Learn