Lady Explores Yard 5!

While Lady hasn’t shown tremendous confidence with other elephants yet, she has become more comfortable wandering and exploring her natural environment. We took this as a sign that she was ready for more space.

The sanctuary is built with flexibility in mind. It was designed to meet the needs of every elephant. The elephants of our past have shown us that healing journeys are very different, which makes for various requirements. Fences were constructed in such a way that elephants can be shifted through and spend time in the yards without them having to share a common space. This allows us to let Lady explore vast parts of the sanctuary on her own, so she can feel safe while doing so.

With the other lovely ladies in Yards 2,3, and 4, Lady was given access to Yard 5 for the first time yesterday afternoon. She still had access to Yard 1 and the barn, in case she needed to return to a ‘safe’ and familiar space.

Just like with everything else, Lady needs to do things at her own pace, as she is comfortable. She wasn’t pushed to explore; but, once the gate was opened, she almost immediately went into the Yard 5. She stayed close to Yard 1 initially, but her explorations led her across the creek and to the backside of Yard 5. This area is one of Maia’s favorite spots, where she has been spending a lot of time recently. For context, Rana has only crossed the creek in Yard 5 a few times, and, to our knowledge, Ramba has not crossed it there at all yet.

While there is no denying Lady’s feet are in bad shape, her wandering demonstrates that her pain and discomfort isn’t limiting her desire or interest in venturing out into the world. She is mindful of her steps when she goes up and down hills, but she isn’t letting the condition of her feet dictate how far she walks, or where she goes.

When we checked on her at 10 pm last night, Lady was still peacefully grazing out in Yard 5. This morning, still in Yard 5, she ate in the shade of one of Maia’s favorite trees next to the stream and collection pond that Maia and Guida used to enjoy.

Lady’s comfort level shows a courage that we hope helps her build up her overall confidence with other elephants. But, even if it doesn’t translate that way, right now, she is one smiley elephant.

December 16, 2019

Comments(10)

Rachel O'Connor says
December 16, 2019 at 4:49 pm
How wonderful! Sooo happy for her. Thanks for the updates and lovely descriptive posts.
- REPLY
  Kelejan says
  December 16, 2019 at 7:17 pm
  You first words Rachel, were the two words that I was going to start my comment. Yes, how wonderful that she is spreading her wings at her own pace, and every step she takes is building up[ her muscles and sending the blood though her body and it will get better and better.
Barb Wilson says
December 16, 2019 at 5:36 pm
I am so happy that Lady felt comfortable and safe enough to venture into yard 5. She crossed a creek! That seems like a milestone. I am still holding on to the idea that Maia and Lady will become good friends someday. One never knows ?❤️?
catherine says
December 16, 2019 at 6:51 pm
so glad she is out of the roadside zoo and out of the crate and off the flatbed truck!
Jean Tryon says
December 16, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Lady isn’t just a Lady; she is a Princess. I’m so happy she has become bold enough to go exploring. This is another sign that she is ‘finding’ her true self. Can you imagine what she’s thinking? “Oh dear, what’s this? This place is so much different than where I had been. Why are these humans so concerned about me? Up til now, I’ve been a nothing, and now I’m a •something• to them. Well, maybe here I can figure out what and who I am to them… and to myself too. Then there are my ‘neighbors’—so what’s with them? Guess I’ll explore this place first and then check them out. I’m having so much fun here!”
Sheila says
December 16, 2019 at 10:55 pm
OH MY WONDERFUL NEWS? JUST LOOKING AT HIS PICTURE THAT SWEET COOL?? SMILING LIL MZ LADY IS THINKING “ OH WOW SUCH A BEAUTIFUL PLACE! I STOOD 5 DAYS IN THAT TRUCK CRATE AND THEY SURE GAVE ME A GREAT LIFE?❤️? NOW IM GOING TO LOOK AROUND AND ADVENTURE ‼️, I THINK THEY WANT ME TOO, WELL I LL JUST TAKE MY TIME AND HIDE OUT FROM THOSE OTHER??? ELEPHANTS UNTIL I THINK ANOUT WHO I WANT TO HANG WITH? PERHAPS LADY CAN SMELL MAIA ?IN YARD 5 STILL AND I PRAY ?MAIA WILL WELCOME HER WHEN TIME IS RIGHT?❤️?
Debbie Sides says
December 16, 2019 at 11:51 pm
Such a happy little girl! She may let the others in once she realizes they have something in common -their past lives in captivity and the healing power of sanctuary.
Patricia Hunt says
December 17, 2019 at 3:09 am
Every time I hear a new story and see a new picture, I am filled with amazement and love. Lady is just wondrous to me. Elephants are so unique, so smart, so astonishing. To think that there are people in the world who would deny the earth the presence of these angels. Thank you as always, Scott, Kay, and everyone there for loving elephants so much.
Sherry says
December 17, 2019 at 9:38 am
Lady is feeling more comfortable and confident with each new day and I am glad to see this happening. Thank you sanctuary!
Carey says
December 17, 2019 at 1:20 pm
her health must be improving all the time, all that exercise and stimulation are doing a great deal for her I’m sure. Please send us another update/photo of her feet in a couple of months – many thanks and have a great day!

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