Rana and Lady Spending More Time Together

Rana and Lady are continuing to share space in the mornings. After Rana exits the barn, goes out into the yard, and settles in, we open the area to Lady. Lady is still choosing to walk out into the Yard with Rana daily. It’s going very well. Rana has accepted it (and Lady’s boundaries) as the “new normal.”

Most days, we separate them when Lady gets very sleepy, which is usually around lunchtime. Separating them also makes sure that Rana and Maia can spend plenty of time together.

On Monday, when Lady entered the yard, she seemed a little more watchful and a little less relaxed than she has been. It’s great that she still chose to enter the yard despite feeling a little guarded, but we noticed that she didn’t fully settle in as she had on previous days. We want to try make sure that all of her interactions with Rana are as positive as possible, so their time together on Monday was a little briefer than other hangouts. The interaction went well and ended on a positive note, which is all we hope for. Remember, once we close the gate, they can still see each other and approach each other along the fence – it just makes Lady feel extra secure.

Lady likes having a routine, and we are making this shared space with Rana part of her new routine. Humans are still observing them the entire time they are in the same yard, and they won’t share space unattended any time soon. Even once they are sharing space unattended, there won’t be any overnight sleepovers until we see Lady feeling a lot more secure.

Lady & Maia haven’t spent as much time watching each other through the fence as Lady & Rana have. We don’t see Maia demonstrate the same acknowledgment of Lady’s boundaries that we see Rana display. Maia is who she is, and we love her for that, but for Lady, Rana works better as a first elephant. For the time being, Maia and Lady aren’t sharing space. Ultimately, we expect that to change, but we can’t say when.

Overall, Lady & Rana in a yard together is going well, and we couldn’t be happier for both of them. Here is a video of the two. Rana is the closer elephant, and Lady is further away.

February 25, 2020

Comments(10)

Carey says
February 25, 2020 at 4:28 pm
Rana is such a dear one, hasn’t she coped with a lot in a relatively short time, new home, new elephants, new caregivers, friendship with Ramba who then died, and now she accommodates the wariness of another with, it seems such patience and wisdom. She and Lady are both remarkable beings
Kelejan says
February 25, 2020 at 5:07 pm
Such a neat video with Lady framed by Rana. At least they are on the same side of the fence. What wonders you humans do with shy elephants.
Lori Hoover says
February 25, 2020 at 5:13 pm
I am as proud of Rana as I am of Lady. Maia is Maia, I adore her, and I think she’s been a big help to Rana as well. Soon with Mara and our other two Asian ladies……..it’ll be a whole new world, and hopefully, all will find their new normals.
Lila says
February 25, 2020 at 5:34 pm
This is going really well. I’m thrilled!
I really love Lady, and I really love Maia. But for me, Rana is the greatest thing ever…
Sherry says
February 25, 2020 at 6:06 pm
Lady doesn’t know she is an elephant and I bet she has never seen her self in a mirror! She doesn’t know she looks likes Rana. She is adjusting to Rana and it will take a while. They are becoming friends!
Julie says
February 25, 2020 at 8:10 pm
Be still my heart! They both seem so comfy, cozy, and Lady seems to be really leaning in to a more normal elephant life. And Rana is so beautiful, inside and out!
Sallie Robbins-Druian says
February 25, 2020 at 10:56 pm
A very sweet video, very artistic and personal. Nice framing of these Beauties! Such “great points of view” from both Ladies. Precious. You could sense the emotions as the moments passed by . . . These Continuing Adventures have me hooked!
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
February 26, 2020 at 3:36 am
Thank you for this wonderful video. Cautious Lady, and patient Rana Bug.! ??♥️
Rosie P says
February 26, 2020 at 6:18 am
I admire Rana so much. She is so tolerant and accepting of Lady and is allowing her to grow in confidence. I really believe she understands Lady and realises her boundaries and needs. Elephants are complex and incredible and I feel so blessed to be able to read these blogs and be part of their journey and growth.How relaxed they both look, enjoying their meal and simply hanging out together. So proud of Lady.
Muriel Servaege says
February 26, 2020 at 10:21 am
Things seem to be going really well. That’s great!

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