Mara and Rana in the Green Pasture

This has been an emotional week, but we’ve found many moments of joy since Kenya’s passing. The Asian elephants are so relaxed that they project a calming atmosphere, and we’re watching them with peace and gratitude. Looking at them here, we’re reminded of how essential it is to offer an elephant sanctuary, even when it’s not for as long as we’d have wished. This video of Mara (on the left) and Rana (on the right) walking through the pasture in Yard 4, gives you an idea of how green the entire sanctuary is right now. All of the trees are showing off their full branches, should the elephants want to gather beneath them. The grasses are at peak sweetness and are at an ideal height for snacking. (If it gets too tall, the grass becomes less flavorful and, yes, we’ve tasted it.)

These two longtime friends are having an afternoon that closely resembles all of their other afternoons these days–and that’s a great thing. They seem to be thriving in each other’s company and in the environment that surrounds them. Here, they slowly head out into the yard, walking in separate directions. Sometimes they want to stand almost side-by-side, and other times they are content to wander more, though they tend to keep within seeing distance of one another. Both girls have very similar approaches to daily life and seem to have relaxed into their geriatric years.

Comments(13)

Sharon Klesse says
December 23, 2025 at 2:06 pm

They’re too sweet! Love them!
Barbara L Smith says
December 23, 2025 at 2:51 pm

Rana and Mara, slow and steady.🐘🐘❤️❤️
Ada says
December 23, 2025 at 2:56 pm

A beautiful place for these beautiful eles. They all deserve this life, to experience it even for a short time. Wishing too, that once they’re there, that they’ll live a very long, happy, healthy life. So lich sadness losing Pupy and Kenya so early on in the sanctuary, but they experienced freedom, love, and friendship they otherwise would not have.
Wim says
December 23, 2025 at 3:55 pm

They are real Zen masters. They can share a beautiful world with whomever opens their soul.
Frances Beasley says
December 23, 2025 at 5:46 pm

Wonderful to see them so content
Jeanine says
December 23, 2025 at 9:18 pm

So grateful.🙏
Terry says
December 23, 2025 at 10:08 pm

We must truly appreciate those moments of ease, taking life one moment at a time, in freedom, as the gentle voice of age whispers its name in the wind…

Love these two wise and loving girls so much!
Joey says
December 23, 2025 at 11:25 pm

The yards do look so lovely and healthy and green for these girls. I’m so glad they are at Sanctuary instead of in a concrete enclosure all alone. Here they can thrive in their lush environment without a care in the world. Having them within seeing distance, or touching distance, must be so soothing and calming for them. How I wish Pupy and Kenya could be at Sanctuary enjoying the same thing. I miss my two girls so much. I love all of them.
Bonnie says
December 24, 2025 at 1:39 am

There just wondering around nice and slow no hurry weres stella Sara how do the girls react to the Dogs
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 24, 2025 at 11:21 am
  
  They don’t have much of a reaction, though they sometimes hear a little barking.
Doe says
December 24, 2025 at 7:32 am

Love you Mara & Rana!
Carol says
December 24, 2025 at 8:36 am

Our gorgeous girls🫶🏻😘🙏🏻👏🏻💕💕
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
December 25, 2025 at 12:51 am

Love watching Mara and Rana stroll in their oasis, and just be elephants. No stress, making their own decisions, and enjoying this perfect life they have thanks to ESB

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