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Pocha and Guille Have Their First Open Meet and Greet

This week, Pocha and Guillermina finally felt comfortable enough to share open space with Bambi, Mara, Maia, and Rana. The two had been showing interest in the “Powerpuff Girls,” getting excited whenever they heard rumbles or trumpeting from the three. So, we opened the gates between Yards 3 and 4. Pocha and Guillermina stepped tentatively into Yard 4, where all four other elephants were standing. They quickly got a little intimidated and ran back into Yard 3, which is near the barn – their safe space. But the others saw a chance to move forward in the encounter and entered the smaller yards at a respectful distance. 

Though the two new elephants aren’t always exactly sure of what they need, it’s clear that both want to build relationships in their own ways. With each interaction, the two still need time to regroup – but every encounter changes the dynamic between Pocha and Guillermina and the herd at large. For instance, when Pocha heard the girls vocalizing, she ran toward them; her excitement allowed her to place herself in a new and potentially intimidating place: right in between Mara and Bambi. That is both charming and somewhat unexpected, but it’s an example of Pocha’s desire to have new relationships in her life. 

After that initial moment inside the fence together, each elephant fell into her own role in welcoming Pocha and Guille to sanctuary. Maia continued to show interest in the newcomers – staying relatively close and keeping an eye on all of the action. Rana was playing her usual role, carefully overseeing the interactions and monitoring dynamics. Mara was perhaps surprised to find that her squeaks drew Pocha to her so quickly, but also realized that this new individual wanted only to be near her. 

The most surprising element of these still-growing relationships is Bambi’s leadership in building trust among the elephants. She may have learned from her past experiences in meeting new individuals that a calm presence makes a difference in how others respond to you. She’s clearly excited at the idea of making new friends, and has been deliberately approaching Guillermina and Pocha slowly and respectfully, sometimes curious as to why they are so reluctant to interact. 

Encounters and comfort levels may change from day to day. But the willingness of the foursome to embrace Guille and Pocha is a sign that everyone is open to new things. Pocha and Guillermina are showing their own individual desires for friends, which may ebb and flow depending on their comfort. The most exciting thing is that their first meeting was gentle, peaceful, and promising on many levels. 

Comments(44)

  1. REPLY
    Pam says

    Thank you so much for sharing this precious first no-fence interaction with us! And it’s priceless to also have the written commentary, to hear your perspectives on these moments. I especially love watching their eyes. It seems like Pocha’s eyes, especially, have brightened since they arrived at sanctuary …

  2. REPLY
    dodin says

    Bonjour et merci pour ce joli moment…j attendais cette rencontre depuis plusieurs jours…quelle merveilleuse journée pour elles

  3. REPLY
    Lynne Russert says

    AWESOME!!!!

  4. REPLY
    Tracy H says

    Oh this warms my heart so much to see the interactions between all these brave beautiful ladies. Small steps sweet girls🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘.

  5. REPLY
    Cintia Abney says

    Oh my Bambi❤️❤️ Who could tell such a big transformation..! ❤️ Interesting how they waited to approach the newcomers..I sure they knew there were new ladies in paradise 😍

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      You never know how elephants can read one another’s energy. Perhaps they were all waiting for the right time to come together – slowly and carefully. And isn’t Bambi’s ongoing transformation wonderful to see? Continued growth is part of the beauty of sanctuary.

  6. REPLY
    Julie says

    What a dream come true! By the way everyone, I searched “yard map of Global Sanctuary Brazil” on Ecosia (the search engine that plants trees) and was happy to find an image. If you’re like me, you might enjoy referencing the map when the post talks about Ellies going in and out of yards.

  7. REPLY
    Robin Kern says

    So love to hear/see this!! All the beautiful girls!!!

  8. REPLY
    Melinda says

    What an incredible video! Thank you GAE so much! At some point P&G will be part of the Powerpuff Girls’ herd! Really hope Lady can also make positive contact with them again.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      We hope they will all find their way into healthy relationships with one another. With time, of course. But, as we wrote about yesterday, healing doesn’t always happen on our timelines – even for elephants like Lady who have been here for years. It certainly is a promising and exciting site though, isn’t it?

  9. REPLY
    Greg says

    Such wonderful and intriguing interaction between them all. Keep the videos coming with this unfolding story/adventure!

  10. REPLY
    Beji says

    I’m grinning from ear to ear and my heart is singing…the vibes are good!!

  11. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says

    Just priceless!!!! Thank you for the detailed report and the awesome video.

  12. REPLY
    Wim says

    So very exciting to watch this process. They have so much to share.

  13. REPLY
    Rachel says

    Lovely. Beautiful. I watched twice and my spirit became peaceful and still after the 2nd viewing – filled with joy. 🙏💝

  14. REPLY
    Patricia Aguilar says

    It’s all I could have wished for them. A good beginning.

  15. REPLY
    Barb says

    There is nothing to be said that expresses the joy of seeing this interaction between the girls. A very big step for Pocha and Guillermina! Brave girls!

  16. REPLY
    Bridget Long says

    I didn’t realize quite how plump the new girls are until I saw them right next to the “old timers”. This question has probably shady been asked and answered but what is the general condition of Pocha and Guille’s feet? They seem to move around pretty well.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      They certainly do have some weight to lose and muscle to gain. Their feet are not in perfect shape after years of standing on such hard surfaces. But they’re nothing like Lady’s feet. Walking on natural surfaces will help them heal some on their own.

  17. REPLY
    Keryma Franco says

    Que hermoso lo que está pasando, es increíble como van tejiendo las redes para transformarse en una más de la manada. Cuanto tenemos que aprender de estos seres tan maravillosos. Muchas gracias por compartir estos encuentros

  18. REPLY
    Elizabeth says

    Look at all this elephant fun. For the elephants and the watchers. Today is exactly 4 weeks since Pocha and Guillermina’s arrival. I love watching their continued adventures. I have noticed (at least in the videos) that Pocha lets herself be sniffed, but doesn’t do a lot of sniffing. Is that a sign of being respectful, submissive, or nervous? So funny that Mara’s squeaks attracted Pocha. I’m not sure if Mara wanted that.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Mara doesn’t seem to mind Pocha, though she was startled by her excitement at first. She was the second – after Bambi – to approach the two in the open. And, yes, Pocha’s behavior is a sign of her being submissive. It’s a gentle way of introducing herself to others.

  19. REPLY
    Bonnie says

    It’s amazing how far they have come in such a short period of time all of you at the sanctuary are amazing Thank you guys

  20. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says

    My heart is bursting just seeing this interaction. Their beautiful faces and fuzzy heads all so cute. Bless them

  21. REPLY
    Deb says

    This video is just the BEST PART OF MY DAY!
    It’s wonderful to see all the girls interacting 💕
    I’m so happy for a Pocha & Guillermina🐘🐘

  22. REPLY
    Cassie says

    I can’t stop smiling! How wonderful!!!

  23. REPLY
    Deb moore says

    The sweetness of this interaction made me zing with nerves, smile until it hurt and finally weep with happy tears. Oh Scott this was just amazing and as usual you made the right-time decision to let these Girls move ahead together. Lovely

  24. REPLY
    JR Jenkins says

    Amazing. Just amazing. 😍

  25. REPLY
    Keryma Franco says

    Que maravilla como van haciendo los encuentro hasta que llegará el día en que sean manada

  26. REPLY
    John says

    It never ceases to amaze me how the girls respond to Scott’s words as if they seem to understand what he’s saying.

  27. REPLY
    CRISTINA VIELMA says

    DICEN QUE LOS ELEFANTES SON ANIMALES DE MANADA CON GRAN INTERACCIÓN, MUCHO DIÁLOGO, Y ESO ES LO QUE PARECE SUCEDER CON ELLOS, DE A POQUITO DE UN LADO Y DE OTRO ESTÁN DESEOSAS DE RELACIONARSE, GUILLERMINA ES PEQUEÑA TODAVÍA Y MUESTRA ESTAR ANCIOSA POR DIALOGAR PERO PARECE QUE SU MADRE ES MÁS CHARLATANA, SEGURAMENTE PORQUE ES MAYOR. IBA A ESCRIBIR DE BAMBI PERO NO PUDE LEER TODAVÍA, TENGO UNOS CAPÍTULOS ATRAZADOS

  28. REPLY
    Tammy says

    Cautious steps but all positive I just love watching these videos I get so excited seeing them all together as one big happy family 🙏💞

  29. REPLY
    Patricia says

    This was so interesting! I would love to know more about what is normal or expected behavior in these circumstances. Maybe I have forgotten past lessons. And trying to imagine the feelings of P & G! Thank you as always and love to all at ESB! 💗💗💗

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      There really isn’t a “normal” in this scenario. It will depend on the personalities of the elephants involved and the moods of the individuals. No two meetings will be alike.

  30. REPLY
    Terry says

    SO EXCITING!!!!!!

  31. REPLY
    Susy says

    Hermoso video. Es comprensible todo..ambas han pasado muchísimo tiempo en soledad..solo las dos en un lugar pequeño. Ahora están reacomodando su vida.. su. espacio.. naturaleza… libertad y seres que aún no entienden que lugar tienen en sus vidas.

  32. REPLY
    bo says

    sooo glad it all went very calm and peaceful, which we all hoped for.
    tears of happiness.
    so beautiful to see and hear the interactions.
    they are hopefully continuing getting along and becoming a bigger group, looking like an actual herd, just like it is in the wild.
    thanks to the team of elephant whisperers.
    truly magnificent.

  33. REPLY
    Raven says

    How beautiful to watch this interaction, good job everyone! I keep wanting Lady to be in there too, particularly as she reached out to them initially … maybe one day!

  34. REPLY
    katherine says

    wonderful , exciting and inspiring.
    Pand G show such courage. i love it that their curiosity is in tact, particularly Pocha, after decades in that pit!

  35. REPLY
    Audrey says

    So exciting meeting new friends. As soon as everyone gets to know each other, there will be ele-parties & gatherings, for sure. ❤️
    Lovely

  36. REPLY
    Sherry says

    These elephants look healthy to me. They will lose weight once they get out into the sanctuary and go far
    with walking. They are beautiful!

  37. REPLY
    Elizabeth says

    Bambi’s skin looks amazing. Yesterday, I saw one of the videos from her first day. What a transformation!!

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      her skin, her weight, even her vision, have all changed significantly. and that doesn’t touch what has shifted emotionally for her. we were so proud with her approach to P&G. she’s not even close to the elephant she was at the zoo. she’s just lovely.

  38. REPLY
    Sheila K says

    AWESOME, VERY VERY HAPPY POCHA AND GUILLE HAVE BEEN GREETED by RANA,MARA,MAIA, BAMBI, THIS IS A START AND IT WAS POCHA WHO HAD THE INITIATIVE. IM SO HAPPY. SEEMS GUILLES BRAVERY IS BUILDING RIGHT NOW. IM ALSO SO HAPPY DEAR SWEET MAIA IS HANGING WITH THE OTHER 3 SOME NOW AND SHE HAS APROACHED POCHA FOR INTRO. VERY LOVELY!!💞💕🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘❤❤ AND I CANNOT FORGET DEAR SWEET Lady🐘❤

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