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Pocha Lets Guille Find Her Place

Both Guillermina and Pocha have been developing a friendship with Maia that is charming and, for the most part, relaxed. A few days ago, the three ladies were sharing the yards near the barn and had access to Yard 4. Sometimes all three of them would stand together, and other times Pocha would wander off into a neighboring yard, leaving Guille and Maia together alone. 

We have seen Pocha do this a few times, walking off – sometimes quite far away – to let Guillermina have time with others and, perhaps, to appreciate a few moments on her own for the first time in 24 years. Guille is still trying to find out what it means for her to be with elephants other than her mother and, as we know, she still has a lot to learn about elephant social behavior. She’s certainly going to test boundaries as time goes on, and sharing space with other elephants is a way to learn about the complicated dynamics of living in a herd.

Photo of Guillermina followed by Maia

Comments(17)

  1. REPLY
    John says
    June 30, 2022 at 2:23 pm

    Oh my gosh, ok I don’t usually cry reading these posts, but for some reason this one really gets to me. Wow, Guille has a new friend!!!

  2. REPLY
    Pam says
    June 30, 2022 at 2:38 pm

    I love knowing that this special bond is forming. So healing for all three of these girls. Thanks for sharing this development!

  3. REPLY
    Margaret Chalmers says
    June 30, 2022 at 2:41 pm

    I am so happy for Maia. It seems like she has been a bit lost since Guida died, so for Maia to maybe develop a special friendship/s will be as good for her as for P and G. And…isn’t Maia the youngest of the group? For G’s sake having her make friends with the youngest of your older herd seems like a really good thing.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      June 30, 2022 at 2:45 pm

      Yes – Maia is the youngest of the group (other than Guille). Who knows: they might end up being great friends? Only time will tell.

  4. REPLY
    Barb says
    June 30, 2022 at 2:48 pm

    Wonderful update on the social activities :o)!

  5. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    June 30, 2022 at 3:14 pm

    Pocha is a mom that wants the best for her daughter, and is willing to let her develop her independence. It may just be as difficult for Pocha as it is for Guille to be separated from each other. How remarkable in just this short time they have developed a sense of confidence and trust at GSE. Sanctuary heals with the help of remarkable humans like Scott, Kat and all caretakers.

  6. REPLY
    Suzanne says
    June 30, 2022 at 3:27 pm

    It’s mind blowing…. a complete life changing experience for them both. Sublime, complicated, unlimited … and so much life to live ahead for them in sanctuary. All of the changes and new moments they all experience… some big, some small, all full of God’s grace. Many thanks… always grateful.

  7. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says
    June 30, 2022 at 4:23 pm

    I’m glad the other ladies can teach Guille and Pocha can have time on her own for the first time in decades. She is an amazing mom. She deserves a break💚

  8. REPLY
    Sherry says
    June 30, 2022 at 4:28 pm

    I am so happy for these elephants!

  9. REPLY
    Wim says
    June 30, 2022 at 5:15 pm

    The magic of Maia never cease to amaze.
    Wonderful reshaping the herd.

  10. REPLY
    Alana says
    June 30, 2022 at 5:42 pm

    They are so beautiful & bright eyed, so much to see out there. Soak it up girls!

  11. REPLY
    Susy says
    June 30, 2022 at 6:09 pm

    Mí cositas hermosas. Muy buena estrategia la de Pocha. Son bellas ellas y las chicas súper poderosas.

  12. REPLY
    Cintia Abney says
    June 30, 2022 at 6:33 pm

    That’s lovely! It’s beneficial for both ❤️❤️

  13. REPLY
    Patricia Richardson says
    July 1, 2022 at 1:43 am

    All of the conmrnts are what is in my heart, too — including the tears on the cheeks realizing Guille and Maia, the two youngest, are forming, hopefully, an enduring friendship! You all are my solace all through the day, morning, afternoon and evening! Thank you so very much!

  14. REPLY
    Sheila says
    July 1, 2022 at 3:12 am

    IM SO IMPRESSED WITH MAIA WANTING THE NEW FRIENDS. I SUSPECTED MAIA WOULD WANT TO HAVE HER OWN LIL HERD. ITS DO LOVELY MAIA SEEMS MORE CONTENT PERHAPS RANA HELPED HER GET OVER LOOSING GUIDA. I LOVE POCHA LEAVING GUILLE WITH MAIA. I THINK THEY COULD BE NAMED THE “PORKCHOP LADIES” 9 THINK MAIA IS REALLY THE LADY WHO WILL MENTOR GUILLE. WOW EACH NEW DAY IS WORKING OUT SO BEAUTIFUL AT SANCTUARY!!🐘🐘🐘

  15. REPLY
    Carey says
    July 1, 2022 at 11:09 am

    I love this evolving friendship with Maia!

  16. REPLY
    Keryma Franco says
    July 1, 2022 at 8:11 pm

    Que hermoso como están aprendiendo Pocha y Guille a relacionarse y a vivir con y en manada. Que tremendo y notable avance

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