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Maia’s Return Brings Excitement

Lady has been showing interest in spending time in Yard 3, which has grass that she enjoys snacking on. So, to give her a change of scenery, we opened up all of the small yards for her to explore for a day or so. In the meantime, we gave Maia access to Yard 5, where Lady usually hangs out. Maia seemed to be wanting some time to herself, as she occasionally does. We try to listen to and respect what the elephants appear to be communicating, so we offered her a yard to herself. She immediately started to wander the area she hadn’t spent time in lately. 

Maia was in Yard 5 for about a day when she seemed to want to roam back into Yard 4 with the other ladies. We were a little surprised to see this, as she often seeks more time to herself. However, she seemed excited to return to the other girls and, in return, they showed enthusiasm when Maia appeared again. 

Bambi was attached to Maia all morning, even though Maia had just been in the neighboring yard for a day. Caregiver Shirlei heard lots of rumbling and trumpeting from Bambi, who was in close proximity to only Maia; no other elephants were around. So it seemed that Bambi was especially excited to see Maia again after her short excursion. 

It’s lovely to witness how these bonds among the elephants are developing and deepening. You might not always find them standing side by side, but friendships appear to be strengthening. Even if the ladies are spending time in close proximity to one another and not in a close group, they enjoy the companionship and, clearly, celebrate the return of a “missing” friend.

Photo of Maia back in Yard 4

Comments(11)

  1. REPLY
    Deb says
    September 7, 2022 at 2:05 pm

    What a BEAUTIFUL picture of Maia💝

  2. REPLY
    Pam says
    September 7, 2022 at 2:13 pm

    It’s wonderful that you all are so in tune with the needs of each of the girls! Thank you for your dedicated caring.

  3. REPLY
    Julie says
    September 7, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    Beauty, Maia. She is the elephant that reminds me most of Mr. Snuffleupagus. I think it is mostly her prominent trunk but also her furry head. Is it just me?

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      September 7, 2022 at 2:32 pm

      Never thought of it that way – but it’s a funny idea!

  4. REPLY
    Carey says
    September 7, 2022 at 2:36 pm

    Wonderful how you document the evolution of these elves. Thank you

  5. REPLY
    Carey says
    September 7, 2022 at 2:38 pm

    Auto correct grr I meant eles not elves LOL

  6. REPLY
    Wim says
    September 7, 2022 at 5:10 pm

    They have more senses than we can ever detect. The ways of an exceptional fellowship.

  7. REPLY
    Nancy says
    September 7, 2022 at 6:26 pm

    this gave me a BIG SMILE !

  8. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says
    September 7, 2022 at 7:37 pm

    How lovely that Maia and Bambi are getting closer💚

  9. REPLY
    Anita J says
    September 8, 2022 at 12:03 am

    I so love her hairy head! ALL your captures are award winning once! Maybe one day we could buy them as posters..:-)) I could plaster my walls with them! xoxoxox

  10. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    September 14, 2022 at 11:49 am

    Beautiful, lovely Maia. It is lovely to read about the friendships developing between the girls. Truly amazing the healing capacity of elephants being able to be free, and just be. The understanding of their different personalities is instrumental to their growth, so kudos to GSE for giving them their life by being perceptive to each ones needs. #sanctuaryheals

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