Over the past few months, and prior to the arrival of Pocha and Guillermina, Maia has become closer to the group of three: Bambi, Mara, and Rana. This created a nice, welcoming space for Pocha and Guille to enter, because it let new friendships start to develop without internal relationship tensions or growing pains that might interfere. In the beginning, Guille and Pocha were more curious about the other elephants than they were interested in forming friendships. Right now, that might be changing, but there are no expectations from the other elephants as to what those relationships might become. The two new ladies are still slightly hesitant and only beginning to engage more with the others.
When all six ladies share space together, the combinations of elephants who group together change throughout the day. Sometimes Maia will spend time with Pocha and Guillermina, but later Rana will join in, and so on. Bambi seems to be the most forward and vocal about the idea of creating friendships, but she doesn’t spend as much quiet time with the two new girls as Maia does.
However, quiet time might not always be what the girls are interested in these days. When Bambi rumbles, Guille has begun to vocalize back in return. Sometimes, when Pocha and Guillermina start to make their noises, Bambi gets really excited and rumbles back. Though we can’t say what is to come, there is a definite curiosity among the group and interactions have mostly been subtle. It’s wonderful to see that all six appear to be comfortable spending time in close proximity to one another.
In this video, all six girls are in Yard 4, with Guillermina in the mud wallow and Pocha dusting. Mara is on the far right, Maia and Bambi are grazing – with Bambi far out – and Rana is on the far left.
Comments(17) 
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Kayle says
July 7, 2022 at 2:34 pmYour insight allows me to mentally picture myself as there with the ladies. I cannot thank you enough for the time you take to write these amazing descriptions.
Sara says
July 7, 2022 at 3:44 pmWhat a lovely thing to say. Thank you so much!
Pam says
July 7, 2022 at 3:47 pmWhat a peaceful day at Sanctuary, and how great it is to see this group so relaxed in each others’ company! I feel such appreciation and admiration for all the hours of hard work that go into making this reality possible, I hope the staff all feel greatly rewarded on days like this. Much gratitude for all that you do!
Sue says
July 7, 2022 at 4:46 pmWhat an amazingly beautiful sight to see. The resilience of these amazing giants continues to amaze me. Thank you for all you do! ❤️🐘❤️
Kenneth B. Newman says
July 7, 2022 at 4:47 pmIf only Lady would bring herself to join them……maybe someday?????
Meantime, any news when Tamy and the African elephants might start arriving? By the end of the year, or sometime in 2023?
Sara says
July 7, 2022 at 4:52 pmLady will do what she feels comfortable doing. Her ability to make her own decisions is the most important thing. We don’t have timelines for new elephants arriving. We are currently working to get the newest elephants acclimated and their health must be given great attention. Also, because of permit issues and other bureaucratic parts of the process, we can’t responsibly give a date range.
Charlotte Hansen says
July 7, 2022 at 4:55 pmThis is what my dream was for them, a peaceful and happy life with new friends, but I thought I was being overly optimistic!!
Sara says
July 7, 2022 at 4:57 pmThings are slow and steady and there may still be bumps along the way. But we are thrilled to see how Pocha and Guillermina are progressing and how willing the others have been to accept them.
Wim says
July 7, 2022 at 5:06 pmThe fellowship of surprising moments.
May they share many magical encounters.
Diana Weyland says
July 7, 2022 at 5:37 pmAnd Lady, where is she?
Sara says
July 7, 2022 at 5:47 pmLady is doing her thing in Yard 5, her favorite spot.
Lori Hoover says
July 7, 2022 at 8:08 pmThe simple act of all 6 of these girls just hanging out, and just being, may be the sweetest thing I’ve seen today. Thank you for sharing this with us.
John says
July 8, 2022 at 6:41 amThe mud wallow looks more like a bathtub today. 😉 Great to see all the ladies hanging out together. It still amazes met how much the new girls have integrated in such a short time.
Carmen Dalziel says
July 8, 2022 at 7:17 amPocha and Guille enjoying themselves in the ‘same room’ with 4 other ele’s already. I LOVE TO SEE THIS!
I meant to ask the other day: You said Guille is a fast ele, but Bambi has always been the puppy-like sprinter since her life started here. so I’m curious who is the faster runner now. Bambi still? or Guille?
Sara says
July 8, 2022 at 9:41 amGuillermina now seems to be the fastest!
Beji says
July 8, 2022 at 8:31 amGotta love the swishy tails….
Sherry says
July 8, 2022 at 12:28 pmThey are learning about one another and having fun!
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