More Time Together

Maia and Rana

Today Maia and Rana spent some more time together. At this point, it’s still brief moments, but the respect Rana is showing Maia is incredibly endearing.

The girls had gone their separate ways this morning, but after a bit, Maia came over to where Rana was. It’s a tree in the first yard that Maia and Guida spent many mornings napping when Maia was simply too deep into a food coma to venture into the habitat right away. Today it was a different combination of elephants under the tree.

Later on, Maia and Rana were at one of the water troughs together- splashed a little and drank together. They had a palm after, each eating their own and then walked off. The fact that Maia is willing to engage is a big step. We have seen elephants who have lost their closest friend, who didn’t want other elephants in their presence for weeks. Each is an individual, and each needs their own space to process the loss, but we are grateful that Maia hasn’t closed herself off from the world and tried to do this alone.

Thank you to everyone who not only sent their heartfelt thoughts to Guida but who also is sending love and strength to Maia. She is an extremely sensitive girl, and she could use the emotional support from her sanctuary family.

June 28, 2019

Guida’s Memorial Page

Comments(9)

Mary Taylor says
June 28, 2019 at 7:04 pm
Love you and supporting you from Chicago! ~ xoxo
alana says
June 28, 2019 at 7:13 pm
Sounds like it’s all good or better than can be expected. Think of my Brazil family a lot. So really appreciate you all & the updates.
Give my Love to the girls.
Denise says
June 29, 2019 at 2:22 am
Thinking of Maya constantly, I know what it feels like to lose someone close and only time can help her. Lovely that she seems to need Rana nearby. Love to you all in this very sad time. Denise
Maggie says
June 29, 2019 at 4:01 am
Maia my lovely, you are going through a horrible time right now having lost your sister. She is still with you in spirit. It’s going to take quite a long time for you to feel a bit better. Just know that Rana is there to help you on this journey, so whenever you are ready she will be there with you. Love you Maia and sending so much love to you and Rana. ??????
Debbie Sides says
June 29, 2019 at 7:54 am
So lovely to see Maia letting Rana “in”. They grieve like all beings and have feelings. Sad for you all. Happy they’re at this beautiful true sanctuary.
Sherry says
June 29, 2019 at 10:58 am
I know elephants have emotions and feel sadness!! This is truly a wonderful thing to know about an animal especially wildlife!
These are truly God’s creatures. Thank you, Heavenly Father! They will feel sadness for a while, but never forget Guida!
Yes, love from me in Wilmington, North Carolina USA and thinking of you all there at sanctuary!
Terry Feleppa says
June 29, 2019 at 8:48 pm
There are millions of diverse individuals with a great amount of healing, Love, and Light focused on Maia after the loss of her dearest friend and confidant. We all feel her loss. We are all sending our healing, Love, and Light. I feel confident there is a silver lining!♥️♥️♥️
Carey says
July 1, 2019 at 7:47 am
Rana has turned out to be such a sweet elephant, I do hope like you that Maia takes comfort from her.
Julia Mercedes Eden says
July 1, 2019 at 1:08 pm
I’ve only just read the sad story of Guida’s passing and of the relationship between Guida and Maia. Tears streaming down my face at the oh so moving posts written by people who knew them both and how she visibly changed before dying. I SO want to meet elephants ? but fear I’d never want to leave them. My heart goes out to you all and the brilliant, loving life you give these wonderful majestic giants who show such individuality. I pray that Maia slowly gets through her grieving with your love and support and from what I can gather Rana is helping her already. I offer my (loud voice) for elephants ? but with that has come an awful lot of tears too. God bless you all there at the sanctuary.

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog