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Guillermina’s Vocalization

Guillermina and Maia spent the afternoon in the mud wallow together recently. Scott was there for a few minutes, so he went over to take a photo; he was quiet and just walked over to the fence without speaking. After taking the photos, Guille saw him and started moving toward him. He didn’t want to just turn around and walk away, so he stayed to greet her. 

Immediately, she started “talking” the way she used to when her mother Pocha was around. Guille trumpeted really loudly and put her head down to tap it against the gate. She and Pocha both did that, because they seemed to like the noise that the gates make. Guille vocalized some more and then trumpeted again before squishing her face against the fence. It was very sweet and charming. And it was the first time that she has been this kind of vocal and silly on her own, the way she once was only with Pocha. 

Guillermina will vocalize with the other elephants at times, but it’s normally just a little chirp and mostly her “raspberry” noise. At breakfast and dinner, she will occasionally chirp some when she’s ready to eat. But this is the first time we’ve seen some of what we once saw her do with Pocha since her mother passed away. She seemed to have closed that part of herself off in some ways, so it was encouraging to see it emerge. We’ll be curious to find out if it will continue as Guille becomes more confident in herself and realizes it is ok to show happiness this way, even after such a significant loss.

Photo of Guille

Comments(14)

  1. REPLY
    Melinda says
    September 14, 2023 at 2:23 pm

    What a wonderful story! I’m so happy Guille is coming out of her grief and connecting with others, elephants and humans!

  2. REPLY
    Carol says
    September 14, 2023 at 2:37 pm

    Awwwww. Poor Guille girl. Losing moms is one of the worst heartaches a being can suffer. So happy she’s beginning to shine again. 💖💖💖

  3. REPLY
    Sheila says
    September 14, 2023 at 2:43 pm

    Aaah Guillie❤️🐘. Nice to see u chat with Scott. Where u showing Scott how happy and grateful u are in ur beautiful home? So nice u r becoming such a nice young lady without ur dear muma Pocha. We all Loved 💝Pocha 🐘and miss her very much as I’m sure u do also dear Guillie

  4. REPLY
    Julie says
    September 14, 2023 at 5:48 pm

    So touching….and but for Scott staying put I wonder if there would have been a witness to this showing of emotional growth!

  5. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    September 14, 2023 at 6:52 pm

    Guillermina seems to be coming along little by little it’s never easy losing your mom and maybe it was harder for her because not only being in a strange place but alone at that time she still has so much to learn from her Auntie’s and still be a youngster

  6. REPLY
    Patricia says
    September 14, 2023 at 7:22 pm

    Guille, we all love you and relate to the pain of Moms going to the Rainbow Bridge. I’ve always thought you were quite the exceptional girl–your dear mommy may have spoiled you, but she also encouraged your irrepressible and adorable (IMHO) personality. Grateful for you all at ESB! xoxoxo

  7. REPLY
    Nancy says
    September 14, 2023 at 7:45 pm

    Such a touching, wonderful moment! Dear, sweet Guille. Hope this is sign that she’s healing from the sorrow she must be feeling.

  8. REPLY
    Terry says
    September 14, 2023 at 9:35 pm

    She is such a brave girl! Scott brings out the best in them! He is such a safe presence/ present, a gift to her. Everyone at sanctuary is! Maia has been Guiĺles torch to Light her way through.

  9. REPLY
    Tammy says
    September 14, 2023 at 10:04 pm

    So heartwarming to hear that Guille is spreading her wings and learning to fly again. It won’t be long now before you hear a symphony of joy coming from all the girls in unison wont that be a treat! The sounds the girls make are just incredible could listen to them all day long! Peace 💜

  10. REPLY
    Carey says
    September 15, 2023 at 6:38 am

    She’s coming along so well isn’t she, this is good to know, thank you

  11. REPLY
    Lili says
    September 16, 2023 at 12:27 am

    Gracias por compartir esas manifestaciones tan emocionantes de Guille! Ella está aceptando poco a poco la muerte de su mamá gracias a Maia y al amor de los humanos que la cuidan y velan por ella. Bendigo el momento en que Guille y Pocha dejaron el horrible pozo de cemento donde “vivían”. Pocha se fue en paz sabiendo que su hija tendrá una hermosa vida en libertad.

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says
      September 16, 2023 at 9:30 am

      💜💜

  12. REPLY
    Susy says
    September 17, 2023 at 10:21 am

    Mí hermosa Guille. Que paz saber que estás superando terrible ausencia. Eres un ser muy especial, cómo lo era Pocha. Vivieron juntas tantas dificultades, privaciones, tristezas e injusticias. Que puedas hoy demostrar fortaleza y deseos de seguir es más que importante. Te amo y amo a todas las chicas del Santuario

  13. REPLY
    Lori Hoover says
    September 18, 2023 at 7:13 pm

    Why am I not surprised that Guille did this happy, loud behavior with Scott? It great to hear her finding a bit of her younger and maybe more confident self again.

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