Morning Footwork With Lady and Shirlei

After Lady’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 Lady’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.

All things considered, Lady’s feet are in relatively good shape (for her). She allowed Scott to check out a few spots we’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.

Photo of Lady

Comments(16)

Carol says
November 22, 2022 at 2:11 pm
That’s wonderful to hear. And so relieved that her footsies aren’t terribly diseased. God bless everyone including Lady and Shirley! 🙏🏻👏🏻👍🏻🙌🏻
- REPLY
  Sara says
  November 22, 2022 at 2:16 pm
  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.
Pam says
November 22, 2022 at 2:14 pm
What a great photo of Lady. She looks amazing, and so happy. Thanks!
Carey says
November 22, 2022 at 2:16 pm
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.
Carey says
November 22, 2022 at 2:19 pm
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!
Melinda says
November 22, 2022 at 2:35 pm
Lady is definitely a diva, and she knows it!
John says
November 22, 2022 at 2:45 pm
You guys are the absolute best! Do you think elephants have gratitude?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  November 22, 2022 at 3:05 pm
  They seem to have an appreciation for those who listen to their needs.
Cecile Lemay says
November 22, 2022 at 3:22 pm
Beautiful
Kim says
November 22, 2022 at 3:42 pm
I love her so much.
Vicki says
November 22, 2022 at 5:11 pm
Does Lady stay on antibiotics and also painkillers for the pain in her feet? Bless her Heart 🙏🏻♥️🙏🏻
- REPLY
  Sara says
  November 22, 2022 at 5:14 pm
  She is not on constant antibiotics, since she gets regular foot treatments. She does get steady doses of anti-inflammatory and pain medicines.
Charlotte Hansen says
November 22, 2022 at 8:07 pm
I so love it when we get a Lady post! This is good news, and she looks so beautiful! Thank you Sara and Shirlei!
Suzanne Eaton says
November 22, 2022 at 9:44 pm
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.
Sheila K says
November 22, 2022 at 11:19 pm
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.
Wim says
November 23, 2022 at 4:05 am
I think to myself what a wonderful world.
Be Blessed Lady.

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