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Happy 6th Re-birthday, Bambi!

September 26, 2026

It’s been six years since Bambi, who was tentative and shy at the zoo, bounded out of her transport crate and onto sanctuary ground. For an elephant who seemed to need significant encouragement to step outside the familiar, it seemed that once she opened herself up to new things, those things may not have seemed so intimidating. 

In order to celebrate Bambi (who is 61 and considered geriatric) and all that she’s embraced over the years, we are sharing a “throwback” video of Bambi and Maia’s first touches across the gate between their neighboring yards. This is a similar event to what you’ve seen with Baby as she met Guillermina for the first time. Having a gate or a fence line between the elephants when they have their first physical encounter allows everyone to feel safe and like they can walk away if they’re uncomfortable. 

While Bambi and Maia are now the closest of companions, they were once strangers trying to figure each other out. Here, Bambi is being very brave for an individual who had a somewhat contentious relationship with another elephant in the past at the zoo. Maia is incredibly gentle and approaches the fence first, with Bambi soon joining her. There are some sweet trunk touches and Maia even positions the side of her body right against the fence so Bambi has better access to Maia’s belly. 

Bambi and Maia are now virtually inseparable and each has opened up and become vulnerable with each other. After six years, Bambi has embraced her steadfast friends and is displaying a new kind of determination; it’s impressive how she’s approaching her ongoing vision loss with a sense of fortitude. She still turns to Maia and Guillermina when she needs a boost of confidence, but her life at sanctuary has allowed her to blossom both physically and emotionally. We are grateful for all that Bambi has taught us and all that she still has to show the world.

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Comments(13)

  1. REPLY
    Wim says
    September 26, 2026 at 2:09 pm

    Happy Re-Birthday Miss Bambi, every step in the Sanctuary has been a golden one. Thank you for sharing your path of freedom with us. 👏👏👏

  2. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    September 26, 2026 at 2:22 pm

    Happy 6th anniversary, Bambi. May you have many more, with your sisters.❤️🌹

  3. REPLY
    Johnny says
    September 26, 2026 at 3:03 pm

    I first learned about GSE as you were working with her at the zoo and was amazed at the patience, sensitivity and consideration you had with Bambi. I’ve been a big fan ever since. So great to see Bambi still thriving!

  4. REPLY
    Joey Lamphier says
    September 26, 2026 at 4:46 pm

    She won’t become totally blind at some point, will she? I really hope she retains at least some of her vision, even if it is fuzzy. Of all of our senses, the one I would not want to do without is vision. Animals learn to adapt but my heart breaks when I think of all they are missing by not being able to see their world. She’s a wonderful lady, such a beautiful soul. I’m so happy that she has the other ladies to help her navigate the world with her handicap. And I’m so glad that she was rescued to live her best life at Sanctuary Brazil. Happy 6th re-birthday, Bambi. Enjoy your day, beautiful girl!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      September 26, 2026 at 7:47 pm

      She’s almost completely blind now. We know of other elephants who lost their vision and their other senses got much stronger.

  5. REPLY
    Doe says
    September 26, 2026 at 5:04 pm

    Happy Re-Birthday, Bambi! You are super cute. Hope you get some special treats on your special day! 💖🎉🍉🍌🍇

  6. REPLY
    Jeanine says
    September 26, 2026 at 5:20 pm

    Happy re birthday Bambi. Hugs and kisses from 🇨🇦.

  7. REPLY
    Suzanne Eaton says
    September 26, 2026 at 5:29 pm

    Happy 6th re-birthday at sanctuary sweet Bambi! You are a very brave girl. Six years have flown by. Wishing you many many more with your new elephant family.

  8. REPLY
    Beci says
    September 26, 2026 at 7:31 pm

    Thank you for sharing that. I love seeing that and to see how far they’ve come. It’s very special and for those people that haven’t been following you guys long. They can see what’s to come with baby And with Sandro. I’m hoping for another male to come soon so that Sandro we’ll be able to have a friend too. Thank you guys for all you do.

  9. REPLY
    JamesMichael says
    September 26, 2026 at 10:23 pm

    Bambi,
    Hi, Sweet Girl Happy Happy 6th re-Birthday. You’ve come so far in your journey to Freedom , Happiness and
    Wellness.. May you continue your journey in merriment and self discovery..
    Again , have a spectacular, healthy and happy 6th reBirthday.

    Love You , Sweetheart.

  10. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    September 26, 2026 at 11:27 pm

    Way to go Bambi and Happy Re birthday

  11. REPLY
    Irene Olson says
    September 27, 2026 at 8:04 am

    Happy birthday precious soul! You are amazing and beautiful! 🤩❤️

  12. REPLY
    Beji says
    September 28, 2026 at 10:48 am

    Happy happy birthday, sweet Bambi

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