Maia Back Across the Creek in Yard 5

Maia crossed the creek and spent some time in the burned portion of Yard 5. It’s the first time any of the elephants have physically entered a burned area after the wildfire. She arrived sometime overnight, as she was there in the morning. Shirlei, who fed breakfast, said Maia was energetic. When Scott stopped by in the afternoon, she was more subdued.

She spent most of the day exploring the changed landscape and likely spent a lot of time smelling everything.

There isn’t much regrowth yet. All the vines and shrubbery burned, and the grass is still sparse. This means there isn’t much to eat out there right now. Like most elephants, Maia prefers to eat the majority of the day. We were on our way to deliver dinner to her across the creek when we realized she was on her way back. Of course, we can’t deliver the unlimited grazing she is accustomed to, which is likely why she was heading to the more lush, unburned sections of habitat.

Photo of Maia from a different day.

October 27, 2020

Comments(12)

JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
October 27, 2020 at 4:44 pm
Such a beautiful, brave girl you are Maia! As always, GSE thank you for keeping us posted.
Julie says
October 27, 2020 at 4:57 pm
Yes. Maia is ready to get back to normal. By the way, I love it when your pics show off the Ellies beautiful fuzzy heads ?❤️
Sherry says
October 27, 2020 at 5:18 pm
I know Maia must be wondering about her food? ?????????????????
Wim says
October 27, 2020 at 5:41 pm
Well that’s great inspection by the Marvelous Maia. Just a question of time before the girls examine every patch of green. Wonderful developments all together ???
Kelejan says
October 27, 2020 at 6:14 pm
It will take time for the vegetation to come back so I expect it will cost a lot more to keep them well fed.
Such a shame that the rain was a day or two late so as to avoid the fires, but it could have been lot. worse. Thank you so much for keeping us in the loop.
Patricia says
October 27, 2020 at 6:43 pm
I love her fuzzy head too. As a native Californian, I feel Maia regarding burned stuff. ???
Sunny says
October 27, 2020 at 6:56 pm
Curious Maia! I love when animals check out things 🙂
elaine richard says
October 27, 2020 at 7:12 pm
Good for Maia, bless her. How crazy that on top of dealing with the recent arrival of Bambi and the usual intense care of all the other elephants you’re having to deal with the aftermath of the fires. So hoping the land will heal quickly (you guys, too) and you can get back to some kind of normal.
Sallie says
October 27, 2020 at 9:21 pm
Well, I owe you a BIG apology, Dear Miss Maia! You were the FIRST to cross onto the burned ground, NOT Miss Lady Bug! Bravo, you curious and adorable little pachyderm! I know you have a very fine sense of smell when the dinner bell rings its arrival, but I love your adventurous spirit of curiosity to visit and inspect the black change of your extended “garden” space with interesting aromas. Go for it!
arie says
October 28, 2020 at 2:24 am
With a little patience and rain, fauna and flora will soon raise from the ashes, just like Phoenix ?❤️
Rosie P says
October 28, 2020 at 4:59 am
Maia must have wondered where all the lush grass and shrubs had gone. She was brave to stay in the area and explore but knew when it was time to get her dinner. I hope the area across the creek will recover soon so that the girls can once again enjoy it. Bless her heart.
- REPLY
  FRANCINE FORD says
  October 28, 2020 at 10:27 am
  Bless your fuzzy little head Ms Maia. I wonder if she came back not only to eat, but to tell all the other Golden Girls what she spotted on the other side of the creek. Thank you so much for keeping us posted!
  ?❤?❤?❤?❤?❤

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