Spending time with Rana at the hotel, before her rescue, didn’t give us many clues as to who she was. Most of her days were spent eating, standing or throwing something in demand for more food. Contact was not only something she did not desire, but she seemed uncomfortable with it. Rana was an elephant who was apparently a shell of her true self, but thankfully she was ready for that to change.

At the sanctuary, Rana has become our loud girl. Joy is often brought to everyone’s day with the range of noises that come out of her and the volume in which she delivers them. If you hear a blaring trumpet up at the house, there is no question which elephant it is coming from. From her adorable squeaks to her fantastic deflated trumpets and her clear facial expressions, Rana shares her mood quite clearly.

LESSONS LEARNED

Introductions with Maia and Guida went very well, but Rana became a little clingy and Maia and Guida sent a clear message that she needed to give them a little bit of space. Instead of continuing to be pushy with her affection, she is learning the importance of listening to your friends and respecting the wishes of others. Rana is doing everything right, and the relationships with the other elephants continues to build positively.

While she works on her socialization skills, nothing holds her back from enjoying every little thing that sanctuary has to offer. The wonders of nighttime were one of her first discoveries, and when you would drive out to check on her, she would be glowing with glee. Rana exudes utter bliss throughout the day, whether she is swimming, coating herself with thick layers of mud or quietly grazing from all nature has to offer. Her self-discovery has been astounding and will only continue with each passing day.

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Read more about Rana in her diary.

FACTS