Rana and Lady This Morning

This morning, after Lady’s treatment, she headed into Stall 2. Meanwhile, Rana was near the barn so we opened up Stall 1 for her while we prepped the chute for her treatment. Rana, always excited for treats, headed immediately into Stall 1. Lady (still in Stall 2) seemed a little anxious but stayed in the barn.

We’ve noticed that Lady doesn’t stop and think in the moment. She usually reacts (and acts immediately) based on her first impulse. She’s incredibly intelligent and excellent at critical thinking (especially when it comes to training). In the moment, her reaction isn’t to stop and think but to respond. Even though it doesn’t feel that way, it is an improvement that Lady stays in her stall and feels anxious, rather than just quickly leaving. When she first arrived, she would quickly leave and stay away. Then it progressed to quickly leaving, processing what was happening, and then coming closer again. Now, it’s just “stay and worry.” It shows she is willing to embrace a level of emotional discomfort, which is good for emotional growth.

As Lady was processing all of her feelings and Rana’s nearness, Rana casually found a palm in her stall and started munching on it while waiting for the chute to open. Even with Rana eating and seemingly ignoring her, Lady didn’t fully settle or relax with Rana in the stall next to her, but she still chose to stay near. Interestingly, as soon as Rana went in the chute and the doors closed, Lady relaxed fully and walked over to the divider (as close to the chute as she could get) to watch Rana’s treatment. Lady is very fascinated with the other girls’ treatments right now. We don’t know if she is mostly watching the elephants themselves, or the humans, or the human-elephant relationship, or what, but she is endlessly intrigued. Rana didn’t mind the audience and ignored Lady, focusing instead on doing her treatment (& eating treats). Once Rana finished, we let her into Yard 1, so Lady headed out into Yard 2. Rana continued to be pretty relaxed and not focused on Lady, so Lady went over to the fence and ate some hay while watching Rana. Rana, meanwhile, drank some water, found another palm, and carried it over towards Lady. Rana found a shady spot near Lady and munched on her palm. They were as close as they could be while remaining in the shade, and they spent some time just watching each other.

February 17, 2020

Comments(14)

Patricia says
February 17, 2020 at 5:50 pm
Smoochies to those girls! And thank you, humans, for giving us such wonderful descriptions of these interactions! You guys are brilliant. As are the girls.
Kelejan says
February 17, 2020 at 6:00 pm
This sounds like a never-ending thriller. What is going to happen next?
Alana says
February 17, 2020 at 6:05 pm
Are Lady’s foot treatments showing any signs of relief for her yet?
- REPLY
  EleComposer says
  February 18, 2020 at 2:56 pm
  Yes The swelling improved fairly quickly, and the cuticles and pads have softened through the soaks, and both are starting to naturally wear due to ‘normal’ elephant behavior of digging, dusting, and eating. Along with those improvements, they should be helping to fight any infection that was present somewhat superficially.
  - Kelejan says
    February 18, 2020 at 3:34 pm
    I notice the improvement a little while ago that the swelling had gone down and that I could see her toes nails where when she first came the toenails were not visible. I expect the walking is doing wonders for her comfort.
Shirley Taylor says
February 17, 2020 at 6:07 pm
How wonderful let’s hope this is going to keep happening so that Lady does even nearer. Lady has no rush to do this and hopefully will get closer to Rana and Maia. In her own time and wayXx
Barb says
February 17, 2020 at 6:23 pm
What a wonderful step Lady took to remain so close to Rana. Journeys begin with single steps and Lady is adding more and more steps. Love to hear about the girls. Thank you so much for sharing these moments.
Carol says
February 17, 2020 at 8:11 pm
Baby steps galore??
Sheila says
February 17, 2020 at 11:06 pm
thank you thank-you for the great news of progress from the lil ladybug?❤️ this was excellent news‼️lady is now in the comtemplation stage today! ive thought, rana as the social worker ? is going to impact dear lil lady? in changing her life to becoming non fearful and bonding with ?mia too! as well as ?mara and the others ??when they arrive❤️??
Terry Feleppa says
February 17, 2020 at 11:30 pm
I just love these insightful posts! I can’t wait for the moment Rana and Lady spent their time together. Lady is curious and cautious… A good combo for lasting, loving friendships!
Kelejan says
February 18, 2020 at 1:21 am
I agree, Terry; ” Make haste slowly” is a good motto.
Rosie P says
February 18, 2020 at 3:09 am
I can’t wait for the next instalment! The descriptions are wonderful and so informative. Lady’s interactions with Rana and Maia are gradually evolving….tiny steps, it seems, but really big steps for Lady. Each day she gains a little more confidence…..we are all rooting for you sweet Lady Bug!
CyrAnn says
February 18, 2020 at 11:57 am
Everyday day is a new beginning for these sweet ladies!!!!!!!
Love you all dearly………
Maggie says
February 18, 2020 at 12:56 pm
Little Lady you are a ? you’re getting used to Sanctuary life.

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