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It’s Bambi’s 3rd Re-Birthday!

As of today, Bambi has officially been a resident of Elephant Sanctuary Brazil for three years. That’s three years of learning, growth, relationship building, deciding to make her own choices, and becoming part of a herd that’s perhaps helped her find her way to a beautiful sanctuary life. 

There’s no denying that Bambi started out a little bit over-excited after meeting the other residents. With some help from Rana and Mara, she has become more grounded, centered and has learned more about what it means to be a good herd member and friend. Luckily for Guillermina, Bambi has taken these lessons and put them into practice by guiding Guille – in gentle ways – as she maneuvers through a new life, building unique relationships. 

Over the last year, Bambi’s energy has evened out and we see more and more that her relationships with Rana and Mara (aka “The Powerpuff Girls”) are steadfast. But Bambi has had periods of reaching out both to Maia and Guillermina that show a maturity and a leadership quality that she might not have initially realized she had inside. Last year, Bambi saw Guille as a potential playmate and has now taken on more of an auntie role and helped to gently guide her into the fold, with a few lessons along the way. 

Bambi’s journey inevitably changes herd dynamics, but it also changes how we approach her care – and her as an individual. Bambi seems to know herself more now and has a comfortability that surrounds her, no matter who she’s with. Her playful side remains strong and she remains the primary instigator of late night rumble and trumpet parties. 

We are all delighted that Bambi is part of our sanctuary family. Three years ago, as with every new arrival, we weren’t sure what her journey would look like, especially, coming from a stark enclosure being fearful in past relationships. As is typical with elephants, she impressed us by embracing her new life with gusto and grace. The frightened and frail elephant we met hiding in the corner no longer exists; sanctuary has allowed her to find her true self. Happy Re-Birthday, Bambi. You’re a true superstar.

Comments(19)

  1. REPLY
    Carol says

    Wow! Three years already. Oh how I remember how heartbreaking her behavior was in that “zoo”…hiding way in the back of the enclosure and staying away from the male in the adjoining pen. That was lifetimes ago and she has blossomed in those 3 years. I know she will continue evolving in her journey. Love her so much.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Hers is a fantastic transformation. And Maison, the elephant in the adjoining area, was a female.

  2. REPLY
    JamesMichael says

    Happy Happy Happy Re-Birthday beautiful Bambi

  3. REPLY
    Carey says

    Happy re-birthday Bambi! It’s astonishing to see the mental and physical changes that this sanctuary life has enabled in her, so happy for her, and for you all there…your system – all your thoughtfulness and care and the generous support of thousands around the world is giving these elephants their lives back.

  4. REPLY
    Linda says

    Happy Re-Birthday beautiful girl!!! What a growing star you have become…. which you always were and just needed to be let out of the box 🙂

  5. REPLY
    Sheila says

    HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY. DEAR 🐘BAMBI💝 OH BAMBI. when Scott brought u to The beautiful sanctuary. Ur personality. Blossomed from a depressed, sad, fearful lady to a happy happy exuberant playful girl, U sought Mara and Rana easily, and since Mara was ill u stayed very close to her for a year. Rana didn’t mind, but occasionally she checked u ever so gently. Bambi u entertained us with ur antics as u found ur sense of *big happy puppy* u likely lost for so many years prior to this beautiful sanctuary!! Yes u wanted to be Maias best pal too however,she was in Grief of loosing Guida, but now over time since Guillie arrived u have shown Guillie Gentleness. BAMBI UR A BIG SWEET. PPG LADY DEFINATELY ONE OF THE TRIO PPG GROUP BUT ALSO A SWEET LIVING FRIEND TO GUILLIE AND MIA. I LOVE 😍U BIG SWEET BAMBINO💖🐘💗

  6. REPLY
    Tammy says

    Happy Happy 3rd re-Birthday 🥳Bambi you have blossomed into a beautiful sweet girl willing to help others who’ve been where you once were but not anymore just look at you go girl you’ve come a very long way! Much love and super big hugs on this your special day enjoy! 😘🐘 💞

  7. REPLY
    Patricia says

    Happy Re-Birthday, you precious Bambi! Many joyful returns! 💖💖💖

  8. REPLY
    Zoi says

    Happy rescueversary, my pretty girl! I’ve just bought A Spoonful of Sugar Basket for you. Enjoy! 🎈🎊

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Thank you!

  9. REPLY
    Wim says

    Happy Re-Birthday, Bambi. How wonderful to follow your sanctuary life. Every step you take brings some kind of magic.

  10. REPLY
    Melinda says

    I can’t believe it’s been 3 years! I remember the videos Scott took of that poor baby cowering in the rundown barn at that horrible zoo, then her traveling to sanctuary and bursting out of the trailer right after arriving! After that she had the zoomies for the longest time! Eventually her herd pals showed her how to behave. Now she’s helping Guille find her way. The miracle of sanctuary!

  11. REPLY
    Terry says

    Bambi is a trumpeting ROCK STAR!!!! She gets a Golden Global award!!!
    Love this girl so…

  12. REPLY
    Bonnie says

    Happy birthday Bambi she’s come a long way Sara how many Elephants were left were Bambi was and how many more Elephants will be coming to the Sanctuary

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      There was one other elephant where Bambi lived, Maison. Right now, we are working to bring three African females – Pupy, Kuky, and Kenya – and one Asian male, Tamy.

  13. REPLY
    June Ross says

    HAPPY/HAPPY REBIRTHDAY BAMBI! I remember all of the pictures we saw of you prior to your arrival. I remember your journey to sanctuary and your exit from the crate. AND…now…here you are. A sweetheart of sweethearts!

  14. REPLY
    Beji says

    Happy birthday, Bambi!! I would give just about anything to hear the late night rumbles and the trumpeting parties. I’m sure they are recorded …should put out a CD…sweet girl

  15. REPLY
    Carmen Dalziel says

    I will NEVER forget Bambi’s horrible life in that horrible place. Bambi is my favourite and I am so happy for her and her tremendous transformation. She is where she thrives now!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOU SWEET GIRL.I LOVE YOU BAMBI!

  16. REPLY
    Elizabeth says

    I don’t just love these elephants. I love all of you who made this possible! What a difference it makes for an animal to have autonomy!

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