Blog

Lady recently decided that she wanted to spend time in the male Asian yard, and soon Rana let us know she was also interested in the area. Rana had received her treatment in the morning and, after it was complete, she went right over to the alleyway where the gate to that yard opens up. Rana moved through the corridor slowly, stopping to eat a palm right away, then moved on, eating yet another palm, seeming very relaxed and content. 

That same morning, Shirlei had been doing Lady’s treatment and Lady had been a bit rumbly – something she will do at times when she’s feeling light and connected to her caregiver. Scott let Shirlei know that Rana had finally made her way into the male yard and Shirlei replied that she assumed that was the case, because Lady’s rumbles had changed in tone. She was no longer making her little rumbles; she’d shifted to making a much deeper rumble – the kind an elephant might make if calling to another elephant. 

It can be easy to assume that because Lady doesn’t show interest in physical contact with other elephants that she doesn’t appreciate them being close. She communicates with them when they’re nearby and will talk to them even when they’re not. We believe that it’s really impactful for her emotionally to know that she’s not truly alone, though she might choose to spend time by herself most of the time. Lady is social in her own way – a way that makes her comfortable. 

P.S.: This week’s podcast is a minisode that talks about our upcoming Trunks and Treasures online auction and online event. Listen here for more information: https://globalelephants.org/podcast/

Photo of Rana