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Maia Moves Forward – Perhaps With a Little Encouragement

We have spoken about how some elephants respond differently to one caregiver over another. When we are adding new staff, we know that each one will have to learn about the specifics of elephants at sanctuary from the ground up, so we often look for people who have a certain personality or easygoing way about them. Though elephants often respond well to men, they don’t necessarily react as favorably toward those who are stern or have strong personalities. Lately, the ladies seem to be relaxed around one of our staff members, Guillerme. He has a bit of an easygoing way about him, which they almost certainly pick up on. 

Guillerme recently saw Maia once again move nearer to Mara, Bambi, and Rana during their lunch. He’d just finished putting their food out and saw Maia watching from a distance. As they continued to eat, Maia decided to walk toward them a good bit. She wasn’t right next to them, but she got quite close, which you can see in the picture below. 

This is the second time that Maia has moved close to the three girls when Guillerme was around. We don’t know if his energy is calming to Maia, but do find it curious that she seems interested in coming over to the other girls while he is feeding them. We will continue to keep an eye on Maia’s activities, both on her own and around her caregivers. Regardless, she keeps moving forward and increasing her confidence.

Photo of Maia headed down a habitat path

Comments(12)

  1. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says
    September 16, 2021 at 2:30 pm

    How adorable!!!!!!!!

  2. REPLY
    Julie says
    September 16, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    Sweet Maia! I’m praying for you. Thank you Guillerme for being you and loving and caring for these beauties!

  3. REPLY
    Patricia says
    September 16, 2021 at 3:11 pm

    So appreciate Gullerme’s gentle vibe, which Maia has perceived. As always, masses of love and prayers for everyone’s good health, elephant, human, and other animals there, and P & G’s good progress toward coming to sanctuary. God bless you all! xoxo

  4. REPLY
    Tammy says
    September 16, 2021 at 4:44 pm

    How comforting is that this really warms your heart 😊💞 🐘💞🐘

  5. REPLY
    Marylouise Sillman says
    September 16, 2021 at 4:48 pm

    Maybe ots the type of food put down. Does she have the same food ?

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      September 16, 2021 at 4:51 pm

      It’s the same food for everyone. The primary thing that seems to be consistent is the caregiver. Our elephants respond well to everyone here, but Guillerme has a very soft and easygoing energy – so we think that might play a part in it.

  6. REPLY
    Rachel says
    September 16, 2021 at 4:54 pm

    What a lovely way to remind us about our energy; our lightness or heaviness is certainly felt by those around us, whether two or four-legged creatures. I do hope Guillerme’s energy comforts Maia and gives her the courage to more explore the opportunities for companionship with the other eles. Trauma shreds trust – and just like human trauma, it can take years to regain any semblance of trusting others and their intentions. I’ll take Maia’s one step at time approach wholeheartedly. You go girl. 💝

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      September 16, 2021 at 5:13 pm

      Agreed. We all seem to do better when someone exudes calm and patient energy. We will always be happy to know that Maia seems happy.

  7. REPLY
    Wim says
    September 16, 2021 at 5:09 pm

    All the girls love Guillerme that’s quite a positive development. 🤗🐘❤️

  8. REPLY
    Beji says
    September 16, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    Sounds like Maia has a crush!! How cool is that??

  9. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says
    September 16, 2021 at 6:23 pm

    Bless her and her courage and I just love her fuzzy head and cheeky grin☺💚🐘

  10. REPLY
    Katie Howard says
    September 17, 2021 at 12:25 am

    So happy to hear that Ms Maia (aka Fuzzy!), is becoming more interested in interaction again. I think it’s taken her a bit to heal after Guida, and just as she was opening up with Rana, along came Mara and Bambi!
    Elephant time! ❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘❤️

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