Happy “Ranaversary”!

Happy “Ranaversary,” Rana! Today is Rana’s second anniversary at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.

Rana has come amazingly far in two years. In many ways, she is not the same elephant. Sanctuary changes everyone—human, dog, or elephant, but Rana’s emotional growth has been remarkable, even by sanctuary standards.

She arrived as the awkward newcomer who wasn’t well-socialized and was on a mission to be best friends with Maia and Guida, whether or not they wanted her friendship. Maia and Guida believed this was their personal paradise and weren’t overly excited about the newcomer, especially one that tried to insert herself into Maia and Guida’s every moment.

After a few difficult moments of rejection, Rana listened, she learned, and she grew. Now she is the unofficial welcoming committee. She is the one who reaches out to each newcomer and accepts them precisely as they are. More importantly, she puts her own desires aside and is whatever each individual elephant needs her to be. She helps them learn what it means to be a true herd member. Every elephant who has come since—Ramba, Lady, Mara, and Bambi—is better for having known Rana.

Rana is so much more than a friend to others. She is sweet and affectionate with those she loves and trusts but quick to put up firm boundaries with those who don’t show her the respect every elephant deserves. Rana loves hay, cabbage, and papaya. She frequently trumpets her joy and is always quick to join an elephant party with her happy vocalizations and silliness. She loves being around the other elephants, and you can see how much happiness it brings her to have so many friends.

It’s hard to believe it has been two years since Rana walked off that transport crate and became the third resident of Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.

Happy Re-Birthday, Rana! May you continue to spread your happiness and joy everywhere you go and receive double that in return!

Comments(19)

Cintia Abney says
December 21, 2020 at 3:16 pm
I still laugh watching her choo-ing the rooster when she first arrived 🙂 and her loud welcoming party to Mara with lots of squeaks, trumpeting and a pee party 🙂 we all love you very much Rana and are very happy for you ❤️
Andrew Pearson says
December 21, 2020 at 4:26 pm
It is good the way Rana can build up Friendships with new Elephants and have good relationships with others and make them feel special.
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
December 21, 2020 at 4:43 pm
HAPPY RANAVERSARY RANA!!!! I hope you know how the world loves you. All of your wonderful traits…sweetness, affectionate, your welcoming personality to new girls, and being a great friend.
FRANCINE FORD says
December 21, 2020 at 4:51 pm
What a BEAUTIFUL, LOVING tribute to Rana on her special Ranaversary!
You words here brought tears to my eyes. Tears of happiness, but also pride.
You’ve come so far, Ranabug! SANCTUARY agrees with you. Which, in turn agrees with all of us who LOVE you so.
❤?❤?❤?❤?❤?
Linda says
December 21, 2020 at 5:08 pm
Happy Re-Birthday Rana! May there be many, many more and lots of new friends for you to show the ropes to! <3
bo says
December 21, 2020 at 5:14 pm
Miss Rana and your matriarch vibes, you are amazing, as are all elephants of course, wherever!
Sherry says
December 21, 2020 at 5:16 pm
FREEDOM!!♥️
Sue says
December 21, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Love you so much Ranabug! Happy Ranaversary – I can’t believe it has been two years. I love watching you, learning about you, and having a chance to see your amazing growth. I especially enjoy seeing how you build your relationships and offer your friendship and kindness to the others. You are a gem. ❤️?❤️
Alana says
December 21, 2020 at 5:56 pm
She’s perfect!
Patricia Richardson says
December 21, 2020 at 8:21 pm
Happy birthday arrival to Rana!!!?????
You bless my heart with your love and patience for your budding herd, especially now with sweet Bambi as she finds her way through the shoals of new friendships. Love to you, Rana, for being strong, gentle and loving to all those around you! You even make your human followers better creatures on this beautiful earth!
Debbie Sides says
December 21, 2020 at 8:35 pm
Can’t believe it’s been 2 years! I had forgotten she used to hang out with Ramba too until I rewatched a YT video. So glad she’s been enjoying a beautiful life at ESB❤
SHEILA says
December 21, 2020 at 10:33 pm
HAPPY REBIRTHDAY ????? DEAREST SWEET ❤️?RANA‼️ I REMEMBER UR DAY VERY WELL WHEN SCOTT WENT TO FETCH U! U THOUGHT U WERE GOING BACK TO A CIRCUS I THINK BUT SCOTT TOLD U RANA U R GOING TO A NEW HOME!! RANS WAS BERY NERVOUS AT FIRST! SHE TRUMPETED ALOT THREW A FEW STONES! RANA WAS VERY LONELY AT THAT ZOO HOTEL! SHE SOON ADAPTED TO THE CRATE AND WHEN SHE GOT TO SANCTUARY! SHE WAS EXCITED TO SMELL OTHER ELEPHANTS! THE NEXT DAY SHE WE WALKED TO THE POND TO LOOK FOR GUIDA AND MAIA! OH THEY WERE SO AMAZED TO SEE HER! THEY BOTH GOT OUT OF THE POND TO MEET HER AND IMMEDIATELY MAIA PLACED HERSELF BETWEEN GUIDA AND RANA! THIS SHOWED RANA SHE WAS NO 3 AND SHE WAS NOT TO GET TOO CLOSE TO GUIDA AS A BFF!! OVER TIME GUIDA AND RANA DID GET TO HANG OUT TOGETHER WHEN MAIA WAS T TOO NEAR GUIDA!
RANA ?HAS BEEN EVER SO LOVING AND WELCOMING TO ALL THE LADIES! SHES GENTLE! AND LOVING AND SHES JUST A VERY SOCIAL WORKING ELEPHANT MAKING SURE ALL THE LADIES ARE RESPECTFUL WITH EACH OTHER!! ALL THE LADIES LOVE❤️?RANA! ID HAVE TO SAY RANA IS VERY SPECIAL TO ME ALSO?❤️MAY U GET TO AT LEAST 75 YEARS SWEET RANA‼️
Sallie says
December 21, 2020 at 11:58 pm
HAPPY HAPPY RE-BIRTH DAY, FABULOUS & ADORABLE MISS RANA! YOU HAVE PROVEN YOUR ADAPTABILITY AND TO ALWAYS WISH SHARING YOUR LOVE WITH NEW FRIENDS IN THE SANCTUARY. BRAVA! YOUR SENSE OF JOY IS PHENOMENAL AND CATCHING. I HOPE SOME DAY TO MEET YOU AND WALK HAND IN TRUNK TO YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS IN GSE. LIVE LONG AND LIVE WELL!
Irene says
December 22, 2020 at 7:12 am
Ahh Rana is the social worker for sure and beautiful one at that! So compassionate and patient. Love you Rana! Happy Rebirthday ?♥️?
Rosie P says
December 22, 2020 at 10:16 am
Happy re-birthday, beautiful girl. May there be many many more for you to share with those you love and who love you. May you continue to help to show the way to those who come to sanctuary. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sharon Cohen says
December 22, 2020 at 10:51 am
I’m sobbing tears of pure joy for Rana! I thank you from the bottom of my heart.I’m so thrilled for her new loving and caring life with you and all her elephant friends. And then I cry for those still being horrifically abused. Being an animal activist must be one of the saddest and most difficult activism work you can choose. Your heart is always broken and mine will never heal. Thank you for everything you’re doing to give them the wonderful life they always deserved.
Lori Hoover says
December 22, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Oh Rana, there is so much I’d like to say, but it all boils down to: I am so glad you made it there to GSE Sanctuary. You are a continuing revelation, but always the sweetest soul I think I’ve ever encountered (if only from a distance.) May all you’re anniversaries reveal a girl enjoying her life and those with which you share it.
Lori Hoover says
December 22, 2020 at 12:33 pm
LOL Dear Heavens, my above comment could use some editing out of errors. Ughhhhh
Beji says
December 23, 2020 at 10:55 am
I think you said it perfectly

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