Happy Re-Birthday to Mara!

Happy Re-Birthday, Mara! We can hardly believe it’s been one year since this incredible, spunky, vocal squeaker made herself at home at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.

One year ago today, she walked out of her crate, dusted herself, and promptly laid down on a pile of dirt to nap. She had a loyal group cheering her on before she arrived, but that sweet dusty nap captured a few thousand more hearts that day. The broadcast of her homecoming was also our first video ever to reach a million views.

She started to settle in, but it quickly became apparent how special she was. Within a few days, she crossed paths with Rana, and the two erupted into some of the most expressive elephant greetings we have ever witnessed. Mara and Rana quickly became inseparable. Months later, when Bambi arrived, the duo became a trio. While the new addition took some time to find her place, the three are now deeply bonded.

After decades of loneliness and being able to see, smell, hear, but not physically touch other elephants, Mara has come into her own in the past year. She loves being surrounded by and touching her close friends. To her, every day, every friendship, and every moment is an opportunity for a party that involves trumpets, squeaks, and rumbles. Her friends – especially Bambi – agree. If her friends wander too far away, she doesn’t search for them but just emits her signature squeak, and they come running.

The past year hasn’t been without challenges. Mara spent six months battling a gastrointestinal issue, which resulted in a few worrisome moments, including a significant loss of weight. She is now eating normally again (well, normal for her; she is still one of the pickiest elephants we have ever known). Despite her challenges, she hasn’t lost her spark, her squeaks, or her love of her friends.

We are delighted that she’s been a part of our sanctuary family for a year. Watching her grow and heal has been fulfilling to witness.

For those who missed our announcement earlier this week, we have partnered with FLOAT to offer a limited-edition design of Mara shirts, tanks, and hoodies to celebrate her incredible first year at sanctuary. They are only available through Sunday, May 16. Click here to learn more or order – (and yes, they ship internationally!). We feel like this shirt – and design – really captures who Mara is.

We can’t wait to see how she continues to evolve and grow in the years to come.

Photo of Mara, surrounded by a beautiful sky and the wilderness of Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, and – of course, with Bambi nearby

Comments(15)

Cintia Abney says
May 13, 2021 at 3:23 pm
You deserve many more, Mara!! Happy 1st year of the rest of your ife ?
Suzanne M Eaton says
May 13, 2021 at 3:27 pm
My heart sings with joy seeing Mara so happy with friends, good food, beautiful nature all around and caregivers that love and cherish her and, of course, the millions of elephant loving followers.
Rachel says
May 13, 2021 at 3:39 pm
Wonderful reminder! I was glued to every post and video when she first arrived. How satisfying it is to see her blossom at the sanctuary surrounded by loving friends and staff. Cheers to your new life Mara! ?
Ellen Bollinger says
May 13, 2021 at 3:49 pm
Lovely Mara..gets her own T Shirt
Susana Tejedor says
May 13, 2021 at 4:51 pm
Preciosa Mara. Hoy también es mi cumpleaños y celebro con alegría ver que has encontrado el lugar ideal
- REPLY
  Sara says
  May 13, 2021 at 5:46 pm
  ¡Feliz cumpleaños a ti! Buenos deseos de todos nosotros y de Mara.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  May 13, 2021 at 5:46 pm
  Espero haberlo dicho correctamente.
SHEILA says
May 13, 2021 at 5:31 pm
HAPPY ???BIRTHDAY? MARA! ?????? U BIG SWEET ❤️GAL WHO IS FRIENDLY AND LOVING! PLUS VERY VOCAL AND NEEDS CLOSE SISTERS GENERALLY AT ALL TIMES! U R HAPPY! AND SURE OF YOURSELF! AND LOVE HAVING COMPANY CARING SO MUCH ABOUT RANA ?AND ?BAMBI!! MARA YOU NEED TO STAY WELL AND FULLY ENJOY YOUR LIFE TO THE UTMOST?
Beji says
May 13, 2021 at 7:34 pm
Happy Birthday , darling. I wish I could make it right for all elephants, but I can’t. What I can do, is send you good vibes and continue to buy you girls fruit loops . And I have way too many elephant t-shirts. Is that possible??
- REPLY
  Sara says
  May 13, 2021 at 8:06 pm
  Thank you for doing all of that! And it’s possible to have too many t-shirts, but you can never have too much Mara.
Sunny says
May 13, 2021 at 11:33 pm
To Mara
“(…)
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do –
determined to save
the only life you could save”.
From ‘The journey’ by Mary Oliver.
❤
- REPLY
  Sara says
  May 14, 2021 at 11:11 am
  Lovely
Katie Howard says
May 14, 2021 at 1:10 am
So very happy that Mara is doing better AND that she keeps Bambi running! ?
Jillyp says
May 14, 2021 at 3:14 pm
Happy Birthday Mara
???????
a whole year at sanctuary, it seems only a few weeks ago we were watching you travel to Brazil and your wonderful arrival – you knew you were going to a better place and it’s everything you dreamed it would be, with freedom to roam through the meadow and trees with friends and understanding and respect. We love you Mara beautiful girl ♥️????⭐️?
cyrann says
May 20, 2021 at 5:53 pm
Happy first birthday at Sanctuary precious Mara!!!!!!!!!!!

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