Positive News From the Weigh-Ins

This week, we were able to weigh the girls as part of their normal check-ups. We admit that we were slightly concerned that one of our “healthier” girls might have put on some pounds they didn’t need, but were relieved to find that was not the case. Rana remains in a good range with no weight gain of note.

Mara and Bambi, who we have been monitoring more closely, both gained weight. At this point, Bambi is at nearly optimal weight and we don’t feel that she needs to be checked as often as before. As we have learned, Bambi’s desire for food has only grown since she arrived at sanctuary and, in fact, she has become sneakier in her methods of getting more to eat.

Because Mara prefers to eat dinner in the chute on many evenings, she doesn’t need to have discussions with her sisters about whether they’ll attempt to share her food. . Also, the fact that evening meals are a social activity for Mara, Rana, and Bambi means we don’t have to go looking for Mara at dinner too often. Mara has shown a significant interest in eating more hay lately, which is wonderful. Hay is more similar to what she would find in nature and helps her put on more calories than fruits and vegetables. Because it is the dry season, there is less of the perfect green grass the elephants are used to grazing on – so hay is the next best thing for her. She continues to get her vitamins and medicine so, all in all, the whole herd here in Brazil is headed in the right direction.

Photo of Mara enjoying some blooms this week

Comments(12)

Linda says
August 8, 2021 at 2:28 pm
All wonderful news! All due to the great care they are receiving at Sanctuary, 100%. Thank you for taking on this tremendous responsibility and working so hard… reports like this are vindication of your success and purpose 🙂 <3
Patricia Bamford says
August 8, 2021 at 2:50 pm
Such good news, we all want our girls to stay healthy, thank you so much for all you do to make sure they live a happy, tranquil and healthy life.
Susan Flewelling says
August 8, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Wonderful news! They are thriving on all the TLC her carers provide. Well done!
Carol says
August 8, 2021 at 3:01 pm
👏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻👏🏻😘
Julie says
August 8, 2021 at 4:24 pm
That’s great news. This makes me smile. It does seem logical that a healthy sanctuary lifestyle, and all that implies, would lead to health of all kinds. Thank you, and I love the photo. It appears Mara is also doing her yoga because she’s stretching out there to get those delicious blooms like a young lady!
Pam Knaggs says
August 8, 2021 at 5:18 pm
Bambi was so thin and pulling her food back to a corner prior to leaving for Sanctuary. That broke my heart. Glad to know she and all the girls are at a healthy weight, and of course living their best lives!
Beji says
August 8, 2021 at 5:36 pm
Nothing wrong with Bambi. I’ve been known to sneak a slice of cheesecake at 2 AM. Yum!!
Wim says
August 8, 2021 at 5:41 pm
Everything seems to be in balance. Healthy and happy together. Hard work ending in good results. 👏🐘❤️
SHEILA says
August 8, 2021 at 7:23 pm
VERY GREAT 👍NEWS ON THE GIRLS‼️ WELL I WONDER IF RANA ALLOWS BAMBI TO STEAL HER FOOD OCCASIONALLY❓ YES POOR BAMBI EVEN ATE FRENCH 🍟FRIES FROM SCOTT WHEN HE WAS AT THE ZOO TRAIN8NG HER TO GO INTO CRATE‼️ IM THINKING ❤️🐘❤️BIG BAMBI GOT HOOKED. ON SNATCHING FOOD SINCE SHE WAS SO THIN UPON ARRIVAL ILL BET SHE NEVER GOT ENOUGH NUTRITION AS SHE DOES NOW!! SHES A BIG GAL SO SHE NEEDS ALOT OF FOOD! PLUS HER EXCITEMENT LIKELY BURNS OFF HER CALORIES FASTER TOO! BUT MOST OF ALL 🐘MARA IS HEALTHY! AND 🐘RANA! AND TANK MAIA 🐘AND BAMBI🐘‼️‼️ VERY AWESOME🙏
Tammy says
August 8, 2021 at 10:43 pm
Great news for those cute lil ladies proving Sanctuary life with a fantastic caring dream team amazing changes are guaranteed congratulations everyone! 💗🐘👏
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
August 12, 2021 at 6:53 pm
Excellent report. The wonderful world of the healing sanctuary life at GSE. So very grateful for each and every person that cares for these girls. I also appreciate very much your detailed posts and videos. I know of no other elephant sanctuary that keeps its members so informed and updated.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  August 12, 2021 at 6:59 pm
  Thank you so much. We do our best!

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