Happy 6th Re-Birthday, Rana!

When we first met Rana, she was slightly withdrawn. She would eat, stand around, and occasionally go into the dilapidated shack that stood on the patch of land where she lived. At first she seemed uncomfortable with much contact, whether it was vocal or physical. Of course, we all know that her communication skills were there all along, and they emerged once she arrived at sanctuary. These days, Rana has become a friend to all of the other elephants. While she spends almost all of her time with Mara, she was integral to the introduction of every other elephant who came to sanctuary after her.

You may remember that Rana arrived with an overwhelming degree of enthusiasm, to the point where Maia and Guida–the other sanctuary residents at the time–had to let her know that they needed a little bit of space from her. She seemed to take the lesson to heart, learning how to manage relationships with the other elephants as a result of being on her own.

This video, taken not long after Rana’s arrival at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, gives a peek into her life back in her early days at sanctuary. Ponds must have been a novelty to her, since she had no source of open water at her former enclosure. There were likely memories of times in the past when she was able to submerge, but she hadn’t experienced such a thing in years. Rana took to the water almost fearlessly, soaking up the sun and soaking herself at the same time.

Rana has become something of a sister to all of the elephants here. Her patience and clear way of communicating make her a strong companion and capable friend. She also knows how to let caregivers know what she needs, and oftentimes that just means she wants you to be in the moment with her. She expects a lot from you, which means that we respect her all the more for letting us know. We’re thrilled to have this grandma around, since she knows what it takes to create strong bonds with others. Happy 6th re-birthday, Rana! Thank you for the gifts that you continue to give us all.

P.S.: You can tell that this is a “throwback” video because we were able to get a close up like this. That could only be done because Rana was on her own and we didn’t have to watch for other elephants. This kind of clip could not be filmed today, since it’s rare for Rana to be away from Mara. Today, we need to film all of the elephants who are in the pond from a much greater distance.

Comments(13)

Raven Black says
December 21, 2024 at 2:06 pm

Happy re-birthday my beautiful Rana!!
My life has been all the better with you in it. Here’s to many many more! xxx
alana says
December 21, 2024 at 2:23 pm

Happy Happy Re-Birthday special one. Love you to the moon and back.
Jeanine says
December 21, 2024 at 2:47 pm

That bath must have felt so good. Happy 6 rebirth day Rana.❤️
Lori Hoover says
December 21, 2024 at 2:48 pm

I love that girl so much although I only found the site within days before Guida’s death, so I do remember reading of and knowing of Rana’s previous and early days. I followed along in the wake of Guida’s loss with Maia’s bit of solitude, Rana’s exuberance as things settled down again a bit, and new elephants coming along. I watched her reaching out for Ramba and sadly losing her so quick. I saw the hope she had with Lady, then tempered by her respect, and her ability to just BE with Lady at a distance over the years. Then Mara arrived, and once Rana really saw her………..she made it clear how important this could be. Somewhere along the way, with Bambi’s arrival, it was obvious how much Rana had matured and grown into a terrific, guiding herd mate and sister. All the while, she still had room for Maia, too, and I imagine she was as happy as the rest of us for Maia’s newfound camaraderie with Bambi and Guille, especially after Pocha’s death. As everything moves in flux, Rana not only seems to know what is needed and what to do, she seems happy, too. I am happy to see Mara stick it out with Rana now, especially after their first meeting.
The funny thing is, I have gone back and read the blog back to the time before I followed everything ‘live’ as they say. I read of Maia and Guida’s rescue and rehab at the Sanctuary, shared in their strength returning and the fun they could have with each other, but……….I never could quite complete it up to Rana’s rescue. It was almost subconscious, almost, as if I would make me too sad to think of Rana not in her improving phases at the Sanctuary. I read her page and KNOW, but I didn’t read the day to day journey to Sanctuary, arrival, and first this and that. I think I know more now why, as just reading your description of how Rana was when you met her really does break my heart. I’m all teared up now thinking of it. And it makes me so happy that she is there with you. I am also grateful that I have been able to witness the blossoming of this beautiful soul. I do love that Rana Girl and wish her a Happy Anniversary and Re-Birthday!! She may be one of the sweetest, wisest souls I have ever seen, if even from a distance.
Beji says
December 21, 2024 at 3:58 pm

Oh my, what a joy to watch….
Cathe says
December 21, 2024 at 4:39 pm

Happy re_birthday! ♥️♥️
- REPLY
  Maria José Agostinho says
  May 11, 2025 at 3:44 pm
  
  OMG
  This may be natural for a biologist/ Vet, I really don’t know
  But for me this is extra gorgeous. The vídeo, Rana ( who I admire so much) the text.
  Muito, muito obrigada!
Suzanne Eaton says
December 21, 2024 at 4:59 pm

Happy 6 re-birthday at sanctuary beautiful Rana.
❤️🐘
JamesMichael Kolida says
December 21, 2024 at 5:48 pm

Happy-Happy-Happy 6th ReBirthday Sweet Rana.
All the best for you in the many more years to come at Sanctuary.
Love Love Love to our beautiful Birthday Girl .

JamesMichael
Wim says
December 21, 2024 at 6:40 pm

Very happy Re-Birthday Rana. It looks like heaven and l hope it feels like paradise.
Thank you for being here. 🙏🐘💫
Janine says
December 21, 2024 at 7:37 pm

I love this video, it makes me smile seeing her so happy, happy birthday Rana ❤️
Sheila says
December 21, 2024 at 8:18 pm

RANA. FROM DAY 1. WAS SO LONELY. WHEN SCOTT ARRIVED AT HER. SHACK. RANA. WAS ABIT STANIFFISH AND THREW HER PAIL TOWARD HIM. I THINK IT WAS A HINT THAT SHE WANTED DRINKING WATER. SHE WAS A PRETTY EASY LADY. FROM TOME SHE ARRIVED SHE WAS EXHAUSTED. AND SLEPT ON HER SANDPILE. SCITT OPENED THE BARN GATE AND RANA SOON FOUND. MAIA AND RANA AT THE POND!! SHE WAS SO HAPPY🐘😍 MAIA AND GUIDA WERE STANDING AT THE EDGE OF THE POND. IT WAS MONENTS LATE. ALL 3 LADIES STOOD IN A PERFECT LINE AS THEY WOULD IN A *CIRCUS,* LOOKING INTO THE POND. I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS AGAIN . THIS PERFECT LINE CIRCUS LINE UP WAS A WOUND TO MY HEART AS IT MADE ME WONDER IF MAIA GUIDA AND RANA…DECIDED TO FINALLY END THEIR TERRIBLE CIRCUS MEMORY LINEUP FOREVER.! LADIES ARE ALL IN A WONDERFUL PARADISE HOME NOW FOREVER!!!
.
Johnny says
December 22, 2024 at 1:40 pm

It is wonderful that Rana and the others are getting many years with the life they should’ve had all along. I love what the sanctuary does and what they stand for. Thank you all so very much!

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