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It’s Guille’s 4th Re-birthday!

May 12, 2026

Today we are wishing Guillermina a happy 4th re-birthday, aka sanctuary anniversary! Each year, we see her grow even more, and each year we think of how proud her mother Pocha would be to witness her daughter mature into her true elephant self. Of course, Guille hasn’t lost her youthful spirit, and she keeps everyone on their toes with her spunkiness. As we look back on the journey mother and daughter began together, we truly believe that Guille thinks of Pocha often and that the gift of deep love Pocha gave her likely impacts her approach to the world around her. 

This year, as we celebrate everyone’s re-birthdays, we want to focus on some of the relationships that have been built between the elephants at sanctuary; in this case, we thought it would be meaningful to share some of the first moments when Guillermina and Pocha interacted with Bambi, Mara, and Rana. This was, in fact, the first time that Bambi actually made physical contact with the new elephants, reaching out to Pocha first, since she was closest; a moment later, Bambi also touched Guillermina gently. 

In this throwback video taken just after those initial moments, you can see Guille reach out first to Rana and then, when Bambi approached, she and Guille wrapped their trunks around each other with curiosity. Everyone was relaxed and, in fact, Rana stood at the fence for quite some time eating her hay. (Mara seemed a little intimidated by Guille’s vocalizations and took a little break under the trees.) All three elephants walked alongside the fence and Pocha pressed herself against the spot where Bambi was standing. Bambi smelled each of their bellies and stayed near where they were positioned for several minutes. 

It was a positive interaction that helped Guille and Pocha, who weren’t necessarily fluent in talking to other elephants during those first days. This introduction took real bravery for the new girls, but it was the making of something strong and beautiful. 

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Comments(11)

  1. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    May 12, 2026 at 2:22 pm

    Happy Re-Birthday Guille. Pocha will always be with you, watching you develop into a delightful lady.🌹

  2. REPLY
    Sue says
    May 12, 2026 at 2:30 pm

    I can’t believe it has been 4 years already for Guilla at Sanctuary. What a great video you shared with us as well, thank you for that. I think of Pocha so often as well as the other Ladies who have moved on to their next journeys. But whenever you share milestones or other stories about Guille, I often think about how proud Pocha would be of her daughter and what an amazing Mom she was with all they went through together. I miss them all so much, as I know all of you do, but seems more so this Mothers Day. So proud of our wonderful Guille! Love and hugs! ❤️🐘❤️

  3. REPLY
    Tammy says
    May 12, 2026 at 2:58 pm

    Happy Happy 4th rebirthday young lady your momma is looking down from Heaven beaming with joy and pride at how far you’ve come with your new family! God bless each and every one of you 🙏🕊💞 🦋 all the way from Minnesota 💜

  4. REPLY
    Ada says
    May 12, 2026 at 2:58 pm

    Happy re-Birthday sweetheart😘I’m so happy that you are able to celebrate your birthday free, in a beautiful home, among your fellow eles, and with the humans who love you🥰

  5. REPLY
    Benita A. says
    May 12, 2026 at 4:18 pm

    Priceless

  6. REPLY
    Wim says
    May 12, 2026 at 4:27 pm

    Happy Re-Birthday Guillermina, you’re a blessing to watch. I sincerely hope your mother’s spirit walks with you, enjoying the Sanctuary. 🤗🐘💚

  7. REPLY
    Elizabeth says
    May 12, 2026 at 7:15 pm

    Happy, happy birthday beautiful girl!

    Thank you GSE for making this possible!!!

  8. REPLY
    Johnny says
    May 12, 2026 at 8:02 pm

    Wow, four years already? What a success story!

  9. REPLY
    JamesMichael says
    May 12, 2026 at 8:24 pm

    Happy 4th reBirthday, beautiful Guillermina. So very happy for you. Keep growing, and keep your special
    kind of spunkness. Love You dearly..

  10. REPLY
    Terry says
    May 13, 2026 at 9:32 am

    Happy 4 Guille! 4 already…wow! Your Mom IS so, so proud! We are too. You are magic ❤️❤️❤️

  11. REPLY
    Beji says
    May 14, 2026 at 12:21 pm

    Just precious

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