On a recent evening, it seemed that Maia was particularly in tune with her surroundings and was moving around and interacting with others in a very light way. As many of you know, Mara, Bambi, and Rana are often inclined to come to the barn for dinner. This evening, Maia was not too far away from the barn and all four headed there together, with Maia actually going into the yard first. This was a little bit unusual, because she doesn’t often share the smaller yards with all three of those ladies at once.
As Maia passed by the barn, she spotted some food that had been put out for Lady earlier in the day; she grabbed a flake of hay and a palm frond for a snack, then walked to the back of the yard and down toward the mud wallow – free and easy as can be.
Later that evening, the caregivers were putting Mara’s extra evening food out for her in the habitat and came across Maia, who had just emerged from the pond. She was glistening and looked lovely and cool – all set for an evening graze. We don’t know exactly where Maia went during the evening or how she got there, but she seemed to have taken a trek across the property. And nothing compares to a night swim after a relaxing, easy day.
Photo of Maia during a swim
Comments(16) 

















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John says
July 22, 2021 at 2:02 pmThank you for providing me with desktop pictures! It has to be so fulfilling for the sanctuary staff to watch these elephants go about their daily lives like this.
Sara says
July 22, 2021 at 3:39 pmWe are glad you are enjoying the pictures. They definitely are photogenic subjects.
Katie Howard says
July 22, 2021 at 2:06 pmWhat a spectacular photo! ❤️🐘❤️
I am so happy to hear this! I have felt like Maia kind of lost her compass with all that unfolded the past couple of years, but your posts about her lately have seemed like she’s found a happy place again and is more relaxed. Ms. Fuzzy-Wuzzy needs her pond time in order to keep her hair styled, after all! 😁
Carol says
July 22, 2021 at 2:57 pmThe ladies are vacationing at a five star spa…and they deserve every moment of it. 💗💗💗💗💗
SHEILA says
July 22, 2021 at 3:52 pmSO NICE TO SEE ❤️🐘MAIA IS REALLY OBSERVING THE OTHER LADIES MARA ❤️🐘AND 🐘❤️BAMBI ALOT! I THINK MAIA WANTS TO JOIN THEM AS SHE KNOWS RANA WELL! SHES JUST UNSURE OF THE OTHER 2, GREAT MAIA CAME ALONG AND PUT IN AN APPEARANCE AT THE BARN! OBTAINED SOME SNACKS. THEN MZ MAIA CHANGED HER MIND AND WENT FOR A NICE SWIM!🐘🏝 GOOD FOR U MZ CHUNKY GAL MAIA! BEING HAPPY AND HEALTHY IS MOST IMPORTANT👍 THANKS FOR THE SWEET PIC AND STORY OF MAIA❤️🐘❤️
Debbie Sides says
July 22, 2021 at 4:15 pmAbsolutely adore Maia
Julie says
July 22, 2021 at 4:23 pmLovely to hear about Maia’s good day! May there be many more in the future!
Suzanne Eaton says
July 22, 2021 at 4:49 pmI LOVE sweet Maia. She has choices and that’s what matters. ❤️🐘
Sara says
July 22, 2021 at 5:15 pmAbsolutely!
Beji says
July 22, 2021 at 5:38 pmThe new model for the Sports Illustrated swim suit edition. No swim suit required for elephants! Maybe just trunks?? Hahaha…couldn’t resist
Sara says
July 22, 2021 at 5:53 pmHaha! That’s a good one.
Charlotte Hansen says
July 22, 2021 at 6:53 pmthis makes me so happy for our Maia!
Irene says
July 22, 2021 at 7:32 pmShe is so beautiful! Inside and out!♥️
Katie Howard says
July 22, 2021 at 8:43 pmBeni, You nailed it! 😃
Sara: submit the photo to SI for their next swimsuit issue!! It might actually work – and would help raise awareness about elephants! Many people don’t know they swim!
Sara says
July 22, 2021 at 9:47 pmWouldn’t that be funny? Love it.
Wim says
July 23, 2021 at 6:21 amThe pond Queen’s shining hour. How wonderful to watch her having a glorious day. Blessed Be Maia!
🤗🐘♥️
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