Maia, Mara, and Rana in the pond

With Lady seeming happy to spend time near the barn, we shifted Maia into Yard 4 with Mara and Rana.

Karissa and Shirlei were having a training session with Mara and Rana near the 4B water trough when Maia walked over. They assumed Maia was looking to have a training session of her own – or at least she wanted human attention and treats. As Maia approached, Rana and Mara walked away. Shirlei and Karissa needed more treats for Maia, so they quickly headed to the barn to grab more supplies.

When they returned, they saw all three – Mara, Rana, and Maia – in the pond together. The three were entirely in the pond. Upon realizing this, the humans did not slow down the four-wheeler but immediately left the area. If they stayed, there was a chance that one – or more – elephant would head over to the fence looking for treats. They did not want to disturb the elephants or risk interrupting what was happening.

We have seen Mara and Rana splashing along the edge while Maia naps in the pond, but we’ve never seen all three in the water like that before. We aren’t sure if they were splashing and playing or standing there quietly. No matter what they were doing, we are happy to see their relationships continue to progress and deepen.

Comments(14)

Cintia Abney says
December 29, 2020 at 3:56 pm
Oh awesome!! This is really nice, like in the past Maia, Guida and Rana. Can you watch them through the cameras?
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  December 30, 2020 at 1:08 am
  yes, when we get back to the barn or the office.
Nannette Stone says
December 29, 2020 at 3:58 pm
Girls having a pool party. Lovely they are spending quality time together
John says
December 29, 2020 at 5:09 pm
And where is Miss Little Bambi Bad Ass? Out getting party supplies for New Year’s Eve?
Linda says
December 29, 2020 at 5:35 pm
That is a GREAT picture of Maia’s fuzzy hair-do! <3
Lynne Russert says
December 29, 2020 at 5:52 pm
Great progress!!!!
FRANCINE FORD says
December 29, 2020 at 6:54 pm
ADORABLE pic of Ms Maia. Bless her fuzzy little head! Sounds like they all said “pffft” to waiting for the humans to come back & decided to all go for a dip. The beauty of SANCTUARY…ellies doing ele things on ele time. Ahhhh
❤?❤?❤?❤?❤?❤
SHEILA says
December 29, 2020 at 9:01 pm
AAAHHH. SO AWESOME‼️ I WISH UR GALS WOULD HAVE TAKEN A PICTURE‼️ AHH HOW SWEET! ❤️ MARA? MUST BE FEELING BETTER, RANA FORGAVE MAIA ABOUT THE TAIL IN MOUTH EVENT‼️ SO NICE MAIA IS CONGENIAL AND WANTED TO BE WITH THE OTHER LADIES‼️. LOVE THIS NEWS?YES HOPE WE GET TO SEE THAT AGAIN IN NEW YR?THANKS FOR UPDATE! IM SMILIN?
SHEILA says
December 29, 2020 at 9:09 pm
OH I JUST CANT SAY HOW EXCITED THIS WAS ….3 LADIES IN THE POND!!! WOW! A MINI HERD!❗️I WONDER IF SCOTT MADE A LARGER POND WITH HIS EXCAVATOR LIKE FOR 10 BIG LADIES❓❓THEN THE ENTITRE HERD PLUS POCHA AND GILLIE AND MADISEN ? CAN ALL SOAK. TOGETHER??? WOW THAT WOULD BE A MAJOR ?HERD ?EVENT❗️
Beji says
December 29, 2020 at 11:24 pm
What a great picture! Kudos to the photographer!!!
Kelejan says
December 29, 2020 at 11:45 pm
Just wonderful. Letting them go at their own pace makes their bonds even stronger.
Jillyp says
December 30, 2020 at 2:29 am
Absolutely lovely news. Three eles in the pond together, it’s so exciting they are comfortable with each other and got to the stage they want to do that. Ladies spa day ❤️? The first thing I noticed from the pic is how beautiful Maua’s toes are looking- look at those shining nails ✨ … and her hairdo really makes me laugh, she is so funny ???????
Rosie P says
December 30, 2020 at 3:11 am
Enjoying time together! In their case, three is company! Great to know of this blossoming friendship, Maia spending time with her sisters when she wants to and feeling it’s OK at other times to go off on one’s own.
Nancy Shaw says
December 30, 2020 at 7:45 am
HAHAHAHA Bambi Bad Ass !!!!!

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog