Rana and Mara Get a Peek at Baby

Female Asian elephant Mara with female Asian elephant Rana in the background We’ve witnessed recently that the three girls–Maia, Bambi, and Guillermina–positioned themselves in such a way that they could see Baby in her temporary home in the Male Asian Habitat. There’s been some definite curiosity, and Baby sometimes decides to eat her snacks within view of the others, so it seems they’re all aware of each other’s presence and are naturally interested in new developments.

Recently, we saw Rana and Mara in Yard 5, in a spot where they had a clear view of where Baby was standing, across the corridor in her nearby yard. Pausing, we heard Baby heading up from the back of her yard, directly into the two girls’ line of sight. Everyone had a visual on the others, but all three elephants were calm. The previous evening, we heard a good bit of vocalizing, so we’re not sure if all six elephants (or a configuration thereof) had been chatting a little, but Baby seemed relaxed and Mara and Rana looked intrigued, even though they didn’t move toward her. Caregivers scattered some food for Baby near the spot where all three could see each other; we didn’t want to give her a reason to walk away, in case she decided she wanted to communicate in some way.

For those who are curious and have missed past updates, Baby will remain in quarantine for an undetermined number of weeks. The tests that the judge required as part of her case ruling take quite a bit of time to process. In the meantime, Baby can see and interact with the other girls if she chooses. Once everything is finalized, we can begin the gradual process of introduction. At the moment, Baby seems comfortable with the pace at which things are happening, so we want to follow her lead while also letting her know that she has sanctuary companions nearby.

Photo of Mara with Rana in the background

Comments(10)

Barbara L Smith says
July 27, 2026 at 2:17 pm

I can imagine their exchange of conversations, while enjoying their snacks. Probably similar to us, when a new person arrives.🥰
Bonnie Guerra says
July 27, 2026 at 2:33 pm

Hope to see her making new friends with the powder puff girls soon
Johnny says
July 27, 2026 at 2:38 pm

Thanks for the updates. It will be interesting to see how relationships unfold and evolve. Looking forward to that.
Ada says
July 27, 2026 at 3:48 pm

Just knowing she’s not alone probably helps a lot in her adjustment into her new home. It would be really nice that all the vocalizations from all of them mean they’re communicating with each other🥰
Beji says
July 27, 2026 at 5:31 pm

Your narrative is so compelling, I almost feel like I’m right there. Following Baby’s journey has been a gift. Thank you
Doe Fowler says
July 27, 2026 at 6:33 pm

Wonderful news! 🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣🦣💖
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
July 27, 2026 at 11:51 pm

All in elephant time! Thank you for the update on the girls.🐘❤️🐘🐘
Susie says
July 28, 2026 at 2:42 am

I feel part of the process which is great. Lovely to see the elephants getting together with a view of baby & baby getting use to seeing the adult
Good luck
Virginia Reiter says
July 28, 2026 at 5:24 pm

I want to follow
Susie Manning says
August 1, 2026 at 9:30 am

I understand now as have been able to read all about BBy & how & why she arrived T the refuge .
Great story & looking forward to more news as time goes by .

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