Maia and Rana have been spending varying amounts of time together. It seems to vary a lot day to day and week to week, but they each seem to draw comfort in knowing that the other is around and available if needed. They tend to spend more time together in the afternoon, but even that ebbs and flows.
During a lot of these hangouts, they might be together, but they focus on other things. If Lady is nearby, Rana will sometimes focus on Lady instead of Maia. It just depends on her mood.
The other day, at breakfast time, Rana started heading towards the barn. She was by the training square where all the yards meet. Maia came up behind Rana, and Rana made her cute little blowing noise. She seems to use this noise mostly to announce Maia – we call it Rana’s “MAIA IS ON THE MOVE” noise. As Maia came over to Rana, she was feeling playful and put her trunk on Rana’s back. As Maia did this, she suddenly realized she was itchy, so she started moving her trunk up and down Rana’s side. She rubbed her face all over Rana’s side as she openly scratched the underside of her trunk, where it connects to the roof of her mouth.
Rana reacted with so much ear flapping and was clearly all good with what was happening. Maia came up by Rana’s face and starting rubbing her ear’s on Rana’s ears. Then Maia walked around and did the same thing on Rana’s other side.
When Maia engages in overly physical actions such as these with Rana, Rana rarely returns the behavior, but always stands still and finds a way to demonstrate that she enjoys it. That day was no exception, as Rana stood perfectly still as Maia scratched her itches all over all of Rana’s body. Rana was cute about showing how much she enjoyed it. After Maia finished scratching, the team fed the girls breakfast, and they ate next to each other.
Photo of Maia
Comments(19) 




















- PO Box 2426
- Brentwood, TN 37024
- (615) 435-9523






- Ways to Support
- GSE Merchandise
- Privacy Policy
Title USD
Kelejan says
April 8, 2020 at 4:11 pmI love all the words pictures and your interpretation of their actions.
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:39 amThank you. ❤️
Travy says
April 8, 2020 at 4:19 pmIt’s truly a blessing that each one of you gets to enjoy the different bond/love each of the girls exhibit towards one another. We as outsiders getting a glimpse of what you all get to experience is beyond amazing. I love all these ladies and am so grateful to each one of you for sharing these precious moments with all of us that care for them as much as you do. I pray that you all stay safe during these trying times right now. Love to each of those beautiful sweet girls. They really are magnificent! Thanks again for doing what you do!
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:38 amThank you so much. Stay safe wishes to you as well. ❤️
Julie says
April 8, 2020 at 4:34 pmBeaming ?. Sister-love is complex and beautiful!
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:38 amIt sure is! ❤️
Muriel Servaege says
April 8, 2020 at 4:42 pmThe way you speak about those elephants is very vivid and interesting. Love it!
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:37 am❤️❤️
Heidi says
April 8, 2020 at 4:57 pmOh, that is precious! Like horses scratching each other’s backs. But much, much cuter. Thank you for describing it so vividly. I agree with Travy that it’s wonderful to experience what you experience through your words.
Sheila says
April 8, 2020 at 9:06 pmYes! Heidi! Truly very same-with horses or cows! Cats! Dogs! Oh my its so nice to see animals loving on each other its like one giving the other a back rub!! Or kisses too just nice living communication.
Heidi says
April 9, 2020 at 4:57 pmAgreed Sheila!!!
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:37 amThank you so very much. ❤️
Susan says
April 8, 2020 at 8:09 pmYour posts are just the best. Always so informative, interesting and beautifully written. Thank you for share so many of these moments, it means more than you can ever know. Bless you, love you.
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:36 amWe deeply appreciate the kind words, thank you. ❤️
Jill P says
April 9, 2020 at 2:20 amTruly special to hear about moments like this between these sweet girls and you have the gift of being able to write in a way that paints a picture beautifully. As always, thank you so much for your care, understanding and love for these complex and wonderful ladies ?
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:35 amThank you for your kind words. ❤️
Rosie P says
April 9, 2020 at 4:06 amI absolutely love reading these blogs. You describe these interactions so beautifully…so informative. It is easy to feel right there with you enjoying the moment.
You bring so much joy and, at this time when the world waits and hopes, a respite for us all. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Thank you!!!!!
EleComposer says
April 9, 2020 at 8:35 amThank you so much. ❤️
CyrAnn says
April 9, 2020 at 3:25 pmSo happy to hear the girls are getting along so well! It always brightens my day with your news feeds!
Love to all. Stay safe and healthy:)
Subscribe to our Blog
Shop & Support Elephants
Visit our online store and and help spread the word about the need for sanctuary for captive elephants.
Give Through Our Wishlist
Shop and choose a treat or much-needed item for one of the elephants.
Categories
Archives
Global Sanctuary for Elephants
Stay connected with our herd
"*" indicates required fields
MISSION: Protecting, rescuing, and providing sanctuary for elephants worldwide.
Global Sanctuary for Elephants is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt, public charity status (EIN 46-3564818) and all contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
© Global Sanctuary for Elephants. All Rights Reserved
Your ticket for the: Maia’s Scratching Post (Rana)
Maia’s Scratching Post (Rana)