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Pocha’s Responses to Guille’s Corrections

Many of you have asked how Pocha reacts when the other girls occasionally reprimand Guillermina. The truth is that Pocha does not react much at all; she doesn’t seem to be protective of Guille here at sanctuary. This could be because Guillermina was the dominant one in their relationship at Mendoza. Perhaps Pocha doesn’t feel the need to step in on Guille’s behalf. 

Pocha’s reactions may also mean she’s beginning to appreciate the space she has to be on her own and discover who she is when she’s not being a mother. For that reason, she could view Guillermina as able to handle herself and might avoid getting involved. It’s always possible that, due to Pocha and Guille’s longtime dynamic, Pocha feels that other elephants may be better suited to teach Guille the lessons that she was not able to give. 

The way Pocha is reacting when Guillermina is corrected by others is a healthy response. Guille has lots to learn, particularly where behavior is concerned, and a herd is perfectly suited to teach those lessons. In many cases, Guille might be more impacted by the social influences of the group than she would be by her mother. Pocha likely understands that this way of going about things will help Guillermina adapt more quickly. 

We will never know exactly why any elephant behaves the way they do but, in this scenario, it’s fascinating to watch Pocha’s response (or lack thereof) to Guillermina’s corrections. 

Photo of Pocha, taking time to herself

Comments(11)

  1. REPLY
    Pam says
    August 1, 2022 at 2:19 pm

    Thanks for another great and informative article!

  2. REPLY
    Katherine says
    August 1, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    Great Mum Pocha!

  3. REPLY
    Nancy says
    August 1, 2022 at 2:34 pm

    New Aunties can Do the Job

  4. REPLY
    Lynn Herrick says
    August 1, 2022 at 3:46 pm

    Do you think the other girls know that Pocha and Guille are mother and daughter?

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      August 1, 2022 at 4:19 pm

      I expect there’s little doubt among them that P&G are mother and daughter.

  5. REPLY
    Renee says
    August 1, 2022 at 3:47 pm

    Well, back on the day, if you were with friends and acted out in their family house, their parents had no problem with a little verbal discipline! Taught us to be respectful! Nothing wrong with that at all. Same seems to be the case with the herd girls!

  6. REPLY
    Wim says
    August 1, 2022 at 4:57 pm

    Mother superior in her own special way.

  7. REPLY
    Jillyp says
    August 1, 2022 at 5:46 pm

    I was a single Mum and quite pleased of input from friends to help with discipline occasionally, it was such a relief to have help! Pocha must be very glad for the support from her new herd. Thank you a million times for bringing them to sanctuary to experience this more normal life & to heal… and for your thoughtful insights and updates 💜🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

  8. REPLY
    Maureen says
    August 1, 2022 at 5:52 pm

    They are so wise

  9. REPLY
    Tammy says
    August 1, 2022 at 8:36 pm

    It’s so true it really does take a village 😊

  10. REPLY
    Terry says
    August 1, 2022 at 10:50 pm

    I agree! I think Pocha knows her new friends and environment are safe for Guille. Pocha is allowing the experiences to unfold as the group supports her in being a herd member and the girls assist Pocha with teaching social skills. Pocha has an immense amount of gratitude.

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