Two years ago today… That’s when Miss Mara arrived at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil and embraced her new home with seeming relief, resting her tired body for an immediate dirt-pile nap.
After creating a strong bond with Rana in those early days, she settled into sanctuary life and her spunky personality began to emerge. By the time Bambi arrived and started to understand what her own new life could be, the three friends became close – particularly Mara and Bambi. These days, Mara can call Bambi to her side with just a single squeak.
Mara’s life has not been without challenges, and she faced some tough days dealing with gastrointestinal issues during her first year at sanctuary. Over the many months since then, she has rebounded and begun to enjoy eating food enthusiastically. For quite a while, Mara preferred to take her meals in the treatment chute at the barn so she could prevent her friends, Bambi and Rana, from “sharing” her dinner. These days, the girls have an understanding: nobody gets near Mara’s food during mealtimes. She’s gained a significant amount of weight and looks healthier in every way.
Once seemingly cautious around Maia, lately Mara has begun to let Maia into her circle of friends; though Maia doesn’t often get too close to Mara, Mara has shown no issues with sharing space. This shows how much she’s grown emotionally in the last two years. Of course, she is still our cheeky girl who loves to party; Rana and Bambi are always happy to oblige and respond with trumpets and rumbles whenever they hear Mara’s distinctive squeak.
Each elephant we’ve known has taught us something about what it means to be caregivers, and how to listen and respond to their needs. Mara is sometimes a sneaky girl who has kept us on our toes – but she’s helped us learn more about emotional bonds, 24-hour nurturing, and the importance of being open with elephants each day. We look forward to each new day with her. Happy Re-Birthday, Mara!
Comments(23) 
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Melinda says
May 13, 2022 at 11:45 amHappy Re-Birthday Sweet Mara! Looking forward to reading about your antics for many years to come!
JamesMichael says
May 13, 2022 at 11:49 amHappy 2nd Re-Birthday, Sweet Girl…and many, many more xoxox
Angela L Kirk-Ashby says
May 13, 2022 at 11:49 amWell done Mara. Ive watched you grow for the 2 years. Happy freedom birthday
Allison says
May 13, 2022 at 11:53 amHappy Birthday sweetheart 😘
Linda says
May 13, 2022 at 11:57 amHappy 2nd Re-Birthday Mara!!! Many more to come! The healing powers of Sanctuary, freedom, and Ele companionship is so evident in this beautiful girl as she continues to grow and thrive along with all the lovely Ele ladies. Thanks to everyone there and elsewhere who make this happen… but it’s the day-to-day care, dedication and love that is so amazing.
Tammy says
May 13, 2022 at 12:09 pmHappy Happy Re-Birthday sweet Mara! Enjoy your day with the girls have tons of fun eat lots of goodies take a nice mud bath then a long nap you definitely deserve it! Lots of love and big ele hugs 🥳💞🤗
Elizabeth says
May 13, 2022 at 12:42 pmHappy re-birthday Mara!! Her dirt pile nap, upon arrival, was perfect. So fun to see her enjoying her new life.
Rachel says
May 13, 2022 at 12:47 pmWow, time sure does fly by. Two years already!! Happy, Happy Birthday Sweet Mara – may you enjoy many more with friends by your side, experiencing more healing and a happy spirit. Love you sweetheart. 💝
Alana says
May 13, 2022 at 12:51 pmHappy Birthday Mara, guess what you get for your birthday, 2 new friends to join the herd & my guess is lots of birthday treats.
Cintia Abney says
May 13, 2022 at 12:58 pmMara linda MARAvilhosa.. feliz aniversario de chegada 😘
Susana Tejedor says
May 13, 2022 at 1:11 pmCumplimos el mismo día Mara.
Estoy feliz viendo como encontraste tu lugar en el mundo
Audrey says
May 13, 2022 at 1:17 pmHappy 2nd Re-birthday Mara. You’re looking as awesome as ever. Living there has made a world of difference.
Love you,
Audrey
Charlotte Hansen says
May 13, 2022 at 1:33 pmIt’s hard to believe it’s been 2 years already! Mara was my second time to watch a new arrival happen. And now we have another squeaker–I’m guessing her new sisters will be able to tell the difference between Mara’s squeaks and Guille’s? I hope Mara gets some special treats for her big day!
Sara says
May 13, 2022 at 1:45 pmThey definitely will be able to tell the difference. Guille makes loud trumpets, too. We can’t wait to find out what all of their noises will be.
Jacquelinr Leighton says
May 13, 2022 at 2:41 pmHappy birthday Mara
JamesMichael says
May 13, 2022 at 5:58 pmHappy 2nd ReBirthday, Miss Mara. Lots Of love – and treats – on your Special Day.
Have many great adventures as you continue to thrive & heal in your lovely, special home.
Jillyp says
May 13, 2022 at 7:17 pmHappy re-birthday beautiful Mara🧡🐘 what an amazing birthday pressie, two new friends Pocha & Guillermina 🎊
Janine Proctor says
May 14, 2022 at 4:35 amHappy birthday beautiful girl. I love seeing their personalities and she is a big beautiful character❤️❤️❤️💋💋💋🐘🐘
John says
May 15, 2022 at 10:47 amPoor Mara, has to share her re-birthday with the arrival of P & G. They have gotten all the glory lately. We won’t forget you Mara!
Sara says
May 15, 2022 at 11:09 amWe could never forget Mara. She has our love and attention every day.
Carey says
May 15, 2022 at 6:39 pmA very happy day to Mara, how far she has come
Patricia says
May 16, 2022 at 7:01 amHappy Belated Re-birthday to you, Mara my darling! 🍉🍎🍑 We are thrilled by new arrivals, but we never forget the angel trailblazers. I love you madly, Mara, and I wish and pray for your continued good health and joyful friendships at ESB! 😘😘😘
Sunny says
May 16, 2022 at 10:16 pmYou did something beautiful for Mara and for the world ☺ I am thankful for that 😊
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