The elephants have an excellent sense of time, particularly when it comes to food. Recently, we were a bit tardy getting their late night snack put out in the habitat, so Mara, Bambi, and Rana made their way down toward the barn to see what the holdup was. The three were not actually at the barn, but were around a little bend nearby. As Kat went to put out the evening produce and hay, she could see Maia also coming toward the barn from another direction – all smiles and thrilled to see Kat putting out food. Maia clearly thought she was going to enjoy Mara’s late night snack all by herself – but Kat let her know that the others were standing right around the corner.
Knowing Maia was still coming her way, Kat again lightly warned her that Mara, Bambi, and Rana were very close by. Maia kept happily taking big steps toward the produce being laid out, but stopped immediately when she saw the others. She looked at them, eyes wide, and she didn’t move. Of course, the other three didn’t make much of an acknowledgement of her; they were busy focusing on their own food.
Maia hung out in that spot for a minute. Kat wanted to wait and see what Maia was going to do now that she was in this unexpected situation. There is no reason to be particularly protective of Maia, because she can handle herself around the other elephants and the others have never displayed any aggressive behaviors toward her. It wouldn’t help with socialization and emotional growth if caregivers were to rush an elephant’s way because she seemed uncomfortable. Rather, that elephant has to figure out what she wants to do on her own.
At that point, Maia was only about 10 yards away from the others and could have walked right up to them if she wanted to. She ultimately didn’t join them, but she also didn’t leave. After she relaxed a bit, Kat went back into the habitat on the 4-wheeler and Maia followed. After leaving food for the others, Kat also left a bit of food for Maia, so that she wouldn’t eat the treats that had been placed out for the rest of the elephants. So Maia still got some after-dinner extras and she also spent a few moments around Mara, Bambi, and Rana. It was a small step and showed that Maia continues to grow in her comfort in sharing spaces with other elephants.
Photo of Maia
Comments(9) 










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Sallie says
August 14, 2021 at 2:47 pmWe Girls, do love our snacks! Such precious elephants who love their sisters, but meal time even with those we adore, is SACRED! A Very Sweet ending, that could have been a cat fight!
John says
August 14, 2021 at 2:50 pmI never cared for soap operas, but I love “As The Sanctuary World Turns”!
Susan Flewelling says
August 14, 2021 at 2:57 pmI have a raccoon who comes on my deck ebery night around 9 for a snack. His “watch” works better than mine!
Katie Howard says
August 14, 2021 at 3:44 pmMaybe this is why i love elephants so much! Our shared love of snacks! 😁
Debbie Sides says
August 14, 2021 at 4:04 pmI just love Maia her cheeky grin and fuzzy head she’s just so cute! Maybe in time she’ll be more comfortable and hang out with the other girls. The ever changing dynamics is interesting to see. I can’t wait to see who befriends who when more join the herd.
Patricia says
August 14, 2021 at 4:49 pmI would love to know how Kat let Maia know the other girls were nearby! 💗💗💗
Kat Blais says
August 14, 2021 at 4:55 pmI just talked to her and told her that the other girls were around the corner. 😉 We just talk to them as you would a person. The tone changed a little bit the second time and I probably giggled since I knew she wouldn’t be quite as happy when she saw the food came with a side of elephants.
Patricia says
August 14, 2021 at 4:59 pmWonderful! 💗🦣💗
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
August 16, 2021 at 4:55 pmMaia is making progress, and that is what matters most. The description of her stopping short was like…..busted!!!
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Maia is Distracted By Her Love of Snacks