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Morning Footwork With Lady and Shirlei

After Ladyโ€™s breakfast in the back of Yard 5, Scott and Shirlei met Lady at the training wall to do some footwork. Shirlei has been building a bond with Lady for a while now and Scott thought it would be a nice afternoon to join the two and see how Lady was progressing in their relationship. It was a picture-perfect afternoon: birds were all around and everything was warm, comfortable, and green.

Lady was being extra rumbly with Shirlei, who was reciprocating that energy back to Lady. The whole interaction was completely unforced and natural between the two of them. In a situation where there are complex, nuanced approaches to care, and one where caregivers have to be hypersensitive to Ladyโ€™s potential for physical discomfort, it was nice to see things clicking between the two so genuinely. Nothing was forced and both parties seemed comfortable with one another.ย 

All things considered, Ladyโ€™s feet are in relatively good shape (for her). She allowed Scott to check out a few spots weโ€™ve been watching and was patient throughout. It was truly an afternoon that reflected the ideal way that caregivers should work to connect with elephants at sanctuary.ย 

Photo of Lady

Comments(16)

  1. REPLY
    Carol says

    Thatโ€™s wonderful to hear. And so relieved that her footsies arenโ€™t terribly diseased. God bless everyone including Lady and Shirley! ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿป

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Her feet are unfortunately in terrible shape. They just happen to be on the upswing right now. They will never be healed – but we do our best to make her comfortable.

  2. REPLY
    Pam says

    What a great photo of Lady. She looks amazing, and so happy. Thanks!

  3. REPLY
    Carey says

    What a wonderful update. Thank you all. Lady is so much more trusting now even permitting Scott to touch her without a powerful f
    I know of her trunk. Great work.

  4. REPLY
    Carey says

    What a great update, thank you. Lady has so much more trust now even permitting Scott near her in a vulnerable situation and not flicking her oh so powerful trunk at him – I remember what she was like at the zoo when Scott was working with her to get her acclimatised to the Tavel box! Great work everyone!

  5. REPLY
    Melinda says

    Lady is definitely a diva, and she knows it!

  6. REPLY
    John says

    You guys are the absolute best! Do you think elephants have gratitude?

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      They seem to have an appreciation for those who listen to their needs.

  7. REPLY
    Cecile Lemay says

    Beautiful

  8. REPLY
    Kim says

    I love her so much.

  9. REPLY
    Vicki says

    Does Lady stay on antibiotics and also painkillers for the pain in her feet? Bless her Heart ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿปโ™ฅ๏ธ๐Ÿ™๐Ÿป

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      She is not on constant antibiotics, since she gets regular foot treatments. She does get steady doses of anti-inflammatory and pain medicines.

  10. REPLY
    Charlotte Hansen says

    I so love it when we get a Lady post! This is good news, and she looks so beautiful! Thank you Sara and Shirlei!

  11. REPLY
    Suzanne Eaton says

    Lady you are so beautiful and your eyes tell me you are having a soft sweet time at sanctuary. I wish your feet would improve, but at least you have lots of love and good foot care to keep you comfortable . Thank you Shirlei and Sara. Great post.

  12. REPLY
    Sheila K says

    Wonderful sweet Lady. So nice she’s getting sweet with Shirlie!!! And enjoying her foot work. Nice to hear feet are doing well. Seems to mean improvement!!! Bravo. Folks. Thank u all for ur love of LADY.

  13. REPLY
    Wim says

    I think to myself what a wonderful world.
    Be Blessed Lady.

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