Happy 2 Year Anniversary, Maia & Guida!

51 hours, 8 minutes and 21 seconds. That’s how long it took to change their lives forever. Well that’s how long the physical journey was for Maia, Guida had an extra hour and a half in her container since she was less anxious and she was unloaded second.

Though the physical journey was just over two days, the emotional journey has been ongoing. From the moment they stepped off the trailer they began to shift. They seemed to sort something out through their touching and vocalizations overnight that gave Guida the confidence to trust Maia enough to give her a chance. While Guida’s physical healing was immediately visible, the changes they both went through on the inside were a testament to the transformative abilities of sanctuary.

Over the past two years we watched a friendship slowly blossom, Maia learning with each step, gaining the understanding of what it means to put someone else’s needs first. Even after their relationship was solid, the evolution continued. With Guida fully trusting in Maia, her vulnerability allowed her to accept that she too could need someone. This has resulted in a much more balanced relationship where both seek out the other’s companionship, attention and affection. Maia shared her silly with Guida and Guida gave Maia her strength. They have provided each other with a gift no other being ever could have.

While we take this opportunity to look back at the past two years, their breakthroughs and rejuvenated spirit, we look forward to an anniversary celebration next year that honors how they have helped others along their healing journey at sanctuary. Guida and Maia have always been extraordinary, but the past two years have prepared them to be supportive herd mates and giving sisters. Their growth and discovery of self will build the foundation that all elephants who follow will stand upon.

Today we celebrate their journey, their willingness to be vulnerable, their patience to teach, their desire to learn and their support of each other. Sanctuary heals, but the elephants have to be willing to put in the work to make it all happen. We are blessed that they have allowed us to be part of that journey and are overjoyed to be able to share it with all of you. Thank you for creating this life for them and building a future for elephants throughout Latin America.

October 11, 2018

Happy Anniversary, Maia & Guida!

Guida

Maia

Comments(13)

Vicky says
October 11, 2018 at 4:06 pm
Happy 2 year anniversary girls! I just did the “smile through tears” thing–tears for the years that you had and a smile for these last 2 years. Your journey is a reminder for us to never give up, to always have hope that there is something better for us. And how to forgive…you both have done such a good job of just being your lovely selves. Thank you for being the wonderful creatures that you are and thank you to GSE and the entire herd of humans that care so much. We love you, Maia & Guida–here’s to many more years of happiness!
- REPLY
  Candy jennings says
  October 12, 2018 at 10:38 am
  ❤️
Sara Dollins says
October 11, 2018 at 4:19 pm
How wonderful to see their journey !!!
It make my heart sing ?❤️
All captive elephants should have this chance ,
Thank you thank you thank you ??
Nadine says
October 11, 2018 at 4:35 pm
Happy Re-birthday to the two BEAUTIFUL girls who’ve come a LONG way to their furever futures! May each day be that much better than the day before for the both of you and may you always have one another to share it with as well as make great friends with each new fur friend that comes your way to stay! Kudos to you both embracing your new lives with such grace, determination, love and trust of humans that have your best interests and well being front and center daily!
Eve Brattland says
October 11, 2018 at 4:58 pm
May they have many happy years together
Marian Hussenbux says
October 12, 2018 at 1:49 am
The Animal Interfaith Alliance in Britain sends our love and good wishes to Maia and Guida – and thank you to everyone who cares for these beautiful creatures.
Maria Lucia says
October 12, 2018 at 10:04 am
Happy Re-Birthday, Girls! You rock!
Special thanks to such a dedicated team that cares for these two beautiful animals.
Joanne Bellamy says
October 12, 2018 at 5:02 pm
Sooooo happy. Thank you for video. Made my day. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY ELEPHANT ANNIVERSARY
Tom DiCarrado says
October 13, 2018 at 5:09 pm
One’s empathy brings great sadness when it’s applied to viewing elephants enduring such pain and suffering.
That same empathy brings such joy when seeing the happiness that Sanctuary brings them. Thank you Scott and Kat.
Julie sinnott says
October 17, 2018 at 7:22 am
Ahh made me cry. Happy 2nd anniversary and I wish you many many more. Let’s hope we can do this for all captive beautys like you. All my love to you both and to the truly amazing people that make this happen.
Julie Dyer says
November 8, 2018 at 9:00 pm
I love these girls…so strong !
Happy 2 year anniversary !
We have been blessed to watch their FREEDOM journey !
Claire Legrand says
December 14, 2018 at 7:10 pm
How old are they now?
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  December 14, 2018 at 7:28 pm
  Guida is 44, Maia is 46.

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