Lady is one curious elephant when it comes to Pocha and Guillermina. A few days ago, she returned to the barn for a third chance to meet the new girls. The first time, Lady walked all the way up to the barn, but the girls didn’t notice her; the second time, she didn’t come as close, hanging out by the mud wallow. Again, the girls didn’t appear to notice Lady, since they are not always in the habit of looking up to see a few feet beyond where they’re standing.
On this third occasion, Lady came back into Yard 1 to graze. Pocha made it clear that she saw Lady this time. Initially Pocha walked away a little, but then turned and walked toward Lady and their dividing fence (keeping about 20-yards between them) and threw her trunk up. It’s a motion that some elephants do to shoo away things. (They do it to the birds right now.) It seems that Pocha didn’t know if she should be protective or defensive. She just didn’t know what to make of Lady.
This seemed to be a sign to Lady that Pocha wasn’t in the mood to chat, so Lady calmly walked away. As we’ve said, even the smallest things at sanctuary are new to Pocha and Guille. They might be sending out confusing signals as well; Lady may have assumed that the two of them saw her on her first two trips to the barn, and were very passive – when they actually didn’t see her at all. Both new girls are learning about this different world in their own time, so their bonds with the other elephants will take time to form and evolve. Time will tell what those relationships will look like.
Photo of Lady, enjoying the sunshine
Comments(31) 
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Pam says
May 23, 2022 at 2:05 pmThanks for the update! Is it common for new arrivals to take time to get used to the residents, and vice versa?
Sara says
May 23, 2022 at 7:11 pmIt’s not uncommon to take a little bit of time. Pocha and Guillermina are unique in that they are coming from a very sheltered place, both mentally and physically. It all takes time and they’ve progressed quite a bit in a week.
Melinda says
May 23, 2022 at 2:06 pmI think the three will be besties in no time!
katherine says
May 23, 2022 at 2:07 pmEverything is new to P & G – even smallest things, such as lifting their heads to see beyond a few feet away. So lovely of Lady to come and visit… it sounds like she is really interested in them. Perhaps their talking, squeaks and all resonate with her? Thanks for the privilege of letting us witness incredible scenes such as this.
Merry says
May 23, 2022 at 2:12 pmFascinating developments. Thank you so much.
Sue says
May 23, 2022 at 2:15 pmOh Lovely Lady, you make me smile 😄. I love how brave you are and how far you have come since arriving at Sanctuary. I feel if anyone will understand P&G’s hesitancy and learning curve, it will be her! Thank you for sharing, as always! ❤️🐘❤️
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
May 23, 2022 at 2:17 pmBless your sweet heart Lady. Usually so shy and timid, and now curious about this new duo! We shall see what happens, maybe Lady will return and the reception will be more welcoming. Thank you GSE for allowing these girls to grow and develop friendships on their own time.
Barb says
May 23, 2022 at 2:30 pmLady is so brave to make “contact” even though yards away from Pocha and Guillermina. Who knows what may develop between the girls. Fingers crossed 🥰
Sara says
May 23, 2022 at 7:12 pmShe’s been quite close to them. And we think it’s a wonderful step, isn’t it?
Julie says
May 23, 2022 at 2:33 pmAwww. I’m so proud of all of the ladies. Lady is being so brave, and P & G are just doing the best they can under these new circumstances. Love these ladies!
Tammy says
May 23, 2022 at 2:33 pmOh bless her lil heart Lady you sure are a very sweet special elephant you Go Girl Pocha and Guille have a great friend in you that’s for sure 💞🐘
Beci says
May 23, 2022 at 2:44 pmI thought an Elephant senses and smells other elephants (or whatever) are pretty aware without having to look up and see? To go from never being around other elephants to now having them in the area has to be exciting yet scary. Thank you again for giving these two a new life. Beci
Sara says
May 23, 2022 at 7:16 pmElephants have a unique way of communicating, both vocally and through vibrations. Everyone knows new elephants are around. Pocha and Guillermina are just learning to see the world outside their immediate view.
Zoi Flores says
May 23, 2022 at 2:57 pmI saw a beautiful picture from one of the cameras where my Bugalicious looks to close to P&G. To see Lady Bug curious about the new girls melts my heart as she has been so alone for more than two years.
Sunny says
May 23, 2022 at 3:21 pmI have the feeling that Lady and Pocha will understand each other ☺
Susan Flewelling says
May 23, 2022 at 3:41 pmFrom our perspective, it would be nice if Lady finally made a couple friends – Lady may not feel the same.
Sara says
May 23, 2022 at 7:16 pmAs you say, Lady is the one who gets to make the choice. It’s interesting that she’s so curious, though.
Nancy Shaw says
May 23, 2022 at 5:00 pmLady is an Angel !!
Suzanne Eaton says
May 23, 2022 at 5:01 pmLady Bug you are very curious about these new girls and potential best friends. You are so brave and just amaze me at your willingness to greet them. Love you to pieces. ❤️🐘
Beji says
May 23, 2022 at 5:03 pmWhat a privilege to witness these girls transformation. All of them. I really get a good vibe about the future!
Wim says
May 23, 2022 at 5:07 pmLady can’t hide her sentient heart inside.
🤗🐘💚
Jinjer says
May 23, 2022 at 5:07 pmOh dear…well, thank you for trying to be sociable, Miss Lady. Maybe next time!
Sara says
May 23, 2022 at 7:13 pmIt’s a big step for everyone. Just think of what Pocha and Guillermina were like a week ago! Progress all around.
Jillyp says
May 23, 2022 at 6:41 pmPoor Lady being shooed when it’s wonderful she has come to see them. When Pocha settles more and gets used to seeing Lady, however long it takes, I really hope these two will be close friends. Lady is so beautiful. It’s wonderful she has been coming to investigate… I hope she keeps coming into the yard to see them ❤️❤️
Sara says
May 23, 2022 at 7:18 pmIt’s understandable that Pocha and Guillermina don’t know how to communicate with other elephants. Think of how far they’ve come in a week! And Lady is being so brave. It will be interesting to see how things evolve.
Elisa Timoteo says
May 23, 2022 at 7:42 pmHoping lady makes some friends and get a swad of her own….a new trio maybe? We’ll see!
Maria Monello says
May 23, 2022 at 7:50 pmAwwwe my sweet suggas, Lady don’t get discouraged pretty princess..she hasn’t seen another elephant in almost all her life..that’s her baby girl next to her..yeah that adorable chubby bubby is momma Ps baby princess..she might have just got startled when she saw you..maybe she didn’t want baby girl to leave her and become best friends with you..maybe tonight or tmrw you can try again and tell her you just wanna be best girl friends and show her where all the yummy branches are..you are such g old girl pretty princess..you are so so brave an ya know what she’s gonna be a little scared at first so just keep being brave and let her know you have no intentions on harming them or stealing her baby away you just want to be friends with the both of them..you are such a brave pretty princess..DONT give up, ok prettiness?! They both need you and your strong brave mood..just keep talking an maybe bring her a yummy branch to snack on little princess 😍🌺🐘🐘🌺🌸🐘🌺🌸
Charlotte Hansen says
May 24, 2022 at 12:09 amOh Lady! What a sweetheart! This is fascinating–she somehow found the courage to approach the newcomers! Thank you for this post, we have a soft spot for little Lady!
Maria Tereza says
May 24, 2022 at 8:18 amTomara que as três meninas conectem-se .E andem em grupo.Te amo Lady, gordinha gulosa do coração ❤❤❤❤.
Lynne Russert says
May 24, 2022 at 9:04 amI’d love to see Lady, Pocha & Gillie eventually become a little group like the Powder Puff gals!!!
Anita J says
May 24, 2022 at 6:38 pmFrom all the girls I would never ever thought that Lady will be the first to make a move to greet our new arrivals. Lady, the loner, approaching new arrivals! I am still trying to understand that behaviour. I think all girls can hear and sense all those feelings of joy, wonder, bewilderment AND confusion, Pocha and Guille been sending since getting out of the crates. And I think there are quite powerful feelings, so much so that even Lady all the way from yard 5 came to investigate closer. Even though she is our Loner who can’t be bothered as yet with company of her own kind. This was truly fascinating to witness. Awaiting more developments with great anticipation..:-)
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Lady Visits Pocha and Guillermina a Third Time