Happy 4th Re-Birthday, Bambi!

Bambi’s journey to where she is today has been full of significant changes. This video, a throwback to the first day of her relocation, shows how fearful and caked with dead skin Bambi was when we reached her at Ribeirão Preto Zoo. The clip serves as a reminder of how far she’s come physically and, considering her challenging relationship with her fellow zoo elephant Maison, in her connections with others.

These days, Bambi is forging her own unique path forward. She’s learning to lean on her friendships with Maia and Guillermina for help when she’s feeling vulnerable about her loss of vision. The three of them are deepening their relationships and bolstering Bambi’s confidence in the meantime.

The road ahead of Bambi might be challenging at times, but she’s overcome so much in the past four years. We are her cheerleaders and we do our best to communicate that she can conquer anything that’s put before her. Bambi is a joy and a sweet spirit. We’re honored to have her as part of the sanctuary herd. Happy 4th re-birthday, Bambi. Here’s to many more.

P.S.: Do you remember these early days of Bambi’s relocation? Share your memories with us!

Comments(15)

JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
September 26, 2024 at 2:07 pm

Bambi is ALWAYS one I will remember. She has a secure place in my heart. From the moment I saw her so fearful standing in the darkened shed, to her move, then to witnessing the state her skin was in, she has amazed me. Bless you Bambi. I pray your vision stabilizes. So thankful for your new girlfriends you have for support and companionship. Thank you GSE. HAPPY 4th reversary Bambi! 🐘❤️
- REPLY
  Sheila says
  September 27, 2024 at 3:37 am
  
  Bambi. Has always been a delight to watch. SHE WAS A VERY FEARFUL LADY. BUT SHE SOON FOUND OUT WHEN SHE ARRIVED AT GESB SANCTUARY. SHE FOUND FRIENDS. RANA. MARA. MAIA AND 💝LADY. BAMBI BECAME BRAVE AND UNFEARFUL. VERY SOON UPON ARRIVAL.. HAPPINESS AND SILLYNESS CAME FROM BAMBI LIKE A CHILD. SCOTT USED TO CALL HER A *BIG PUPPY TYPE LADY* I RECALL WHEN SHE LOST RANA AND MARA BEFORE DINNER ONE EVENING! BAMBI GOT FRANTIC. RUNNING DOWN THE PATH CREATING DUST. TRUMPETING LOUD AND LISTENING FOR CALL BACK. NOT LONG AFTER THE 2 LADIES CAME ALONG OUT OF THE JUNGLE AND ALL 3 HAD A HUGE *LOVE FEST ROARING IN HAPPINESS* BAMBI STUCK VERY CLOSE TO MARA FOR A YEAR WHOLE MARA WAS UNWELL, AS HER LOVE FOR MARA WAS SO STRONG. 6 MO AGO. SADLY THINGS CHANGED AND MARA IS OUT OF BAMBIES LIFE SINCE BAMBI STARTED TO LOOSE HER VISION! THANK GOD MAIA AND GUILLERMINA R LOOKING AFTER BAMBI AND RANA COMES TO SEE BAMBI OFTEN. BAMBI WILL NOT GET CLOSE TO MARA.. INFACT BAMBI SEEMS FEARFUL. BUT ALL IN ALL.BAMBI IS STILL ENJOYING HER LIFE AT *PARADISE*
Lucinda says
September 26, 2024 at 2:40 pm

Happy 4th Re-Birthday Bambi!!!!You are so sweet!!!! I’m sending birthday Love and Hugs! Have a wonderful and special day, every day!!!!
Wim says
September 26, 2024 at 3:05 pm

Dear Miss Bambi, congratulations with your 4th Re-Birthday. Wishing you many more beautiful days in freedom.
I followed the complete preparation for her most important voyage going to Brasil.
Worrying what if this doesn’t work!
Beji says
September 26, 2024 at 3:34 pm

I actually gasped at Bambi before pics
I’d forgotten how sad she looked. Seeing her now is like night and day. What a journey it’s been for this not so little lady.
Zoi says
September 26, 2024 at 3:44 pm

Thank you! Each rescue is memorable. Happy 4th re-birthday 🎉🎊🎈
Cintia says
September 26, 2024 at 3:51 pm

Bambi, my adorable gauche girl 🩷🩷 I wish you the love and friendship you found in Maia and Guille continue to be part of your life… Be happy, pretty Girl 😘
JamesMichael says
September 26, 2024 at 3:56 pm

Happy Happy Happy 4th re-Birthday , Sweet Angel. You’re so very special to everyone
at Sanctuary and all of us who support your freedom.
Love, Peace & Happiness to you always , Sweet Girl.
Maureen says
September 26, 2024 at 6:51 pm

Happy 4th re-birthday Bambi! A recent post asked if something in particular stuck with us from any moves and for me it was Bambi. I remember so vividly her being inside and back in the corner of the barn in fear. She wouldn’t come out, you couldn’t approach her, she wasn’t eating, she wouldn’t or couldn’t even turn around, her fear was so deep. I think I cried more at that time than for anything else. I think all anyone wanted to do was reassure her and somehow convey that she was going to a wonderful place. Watching her transformation was so uplifting. Now, as she ages and struggles with more physical limitations, she has her friends to stay by hear. She is never alone nor frozen in fear. We love you our little Bambilicious!!!
Charlotte Hansen says
September 26, 2024 at 10:03 pm

I remember marveling at Scott’s incredible patience and understanding about what was going on with Bambi! It seemed like it was going to take forever! I’m so glad she didn’t begin to lose her sight while she was still there without a friend like Maia to help her. I hope some day Mason (is that her name?) will be able to come to sanctuary, too.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  September 26, 2024 at 10:04 pm
  
  Yes, her name is Maison.
Diane Kastel says
September 27, 2024 at 8:49 pm

I would like to ask whether you could have rescue her, fellow, zoo, elephant “Maison”?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  September 27, 2024 at 8:51 pm
  
  We’re definitely open to it and try to keep track of her. There’s a different zoo staff now and we don’t have the same relationship with them.
Sunny says
September 30, 2024 at 4:43 pm

Before the morning Bambi decided to go to the sanctuary, I remember concentrating strongly on the spaces that would wait for her if she decided to trust. In one of the posts where you confirmed that you had finally convinced her, there were other people who said they had done the same thing.
Tammy says
October 1, 2024 at 4:36 pm

Bambi, Happy Happy 4th re-Birthday 🥳 pretty girl so happy you’ve been able to find your amazing family here at Sanctuary and what an awesome one you’ve got! Here’s to many many more sweetie lots of love 😘🐘💞🦋

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog