Rana's "Land Shark" Technique

Rana’s “Land Shark” Technique

Sometimes after we put snacks out into the habitat, some of the girls become what we refer to as “land sharks,” headed straight toward the food. What you see in this video is Rana’s particular technique for this. She’s more sly in her approach than the others; she likes to pretend that she’s not headed straight for you, when she actually is. She walks past you, then turns and walks directly toward you. This isn’t an aggressive move on her part. Rana just likes to be close, but she uses this method to try to get near to you without being obvious about it.

Of course, because we use protected contact, she can only get so proximate. The camera is zoomed in here, so she looks to be closer than she actually is and the video ends when Scott has to drive away on the 4-wheeler to maintain a safe distance. Rana is a clever girl who uses a slow pace to try to get near the food – and sometimes near you – in the most charming of ways.

Comments(20)

REPLY
Mary says
October 29, 2022 at 2:19 pm
She’s so beautiful!❤️ What happened to her right leg?
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  Sara says
  October 29, 2022 at 2:45 pm
  Her joint has been fused for a very long time.
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John says
October 29, 2022 at 2:22 pm
Oh Rana. You had me at hello.
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Zoi Flores says
October 29, 2022 at 2:27 pm
Mi Ranita bella! 💖 what happened to her right from leg?
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  Sara says
  October 29, 2022 at 2:45 pm
  It’s been that way as long as we’ve known her. Her joint is fused.
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Kayle Luthey says
October 29, 2022 at 3:04 pm
Sara, your command of words and language is truly exceptional. When you write, I can literally visualize what you are saying. Thank you for all you do.
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  Sara says
  October 29, 2022 at 4:49 pm
  Thank you!
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Mary says
October 29, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Ah, no. There’s medicinal paste on her hip. Looks like a cut. Was wondering what happened? – Mary
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  Sara says
  October 29, 2022 at 4:51 pm
  They sometimes get minor wounds that need treating. A little cleaning up and ask is well. Thanks
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Tammy says
October 29, 2022 at 5:01 pm
Bless her heart I imagine she uses whatever means necessary to gain a little advantage over the other girls because of her fused elbow it must slow her down some although she does get around really well! What actually happened and how in the world does one do surgery on an elephant and keep her off it long enough to heal?
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  Sara says
  October 29, 2022 at 9:54 pm
  It was an injury from when she was young. It healed that way naturally. She certainly doesn’t let it slow her down.
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Wim says
October 29, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Miss Rana the snack Queen. Indeed wonderfully written. Enjoy your snacks.
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Alice says
October 29, 2022 at 6:10 pm
Oh, my, the beautiful sounds of sanctuary with the birds singing in the background and lovely elephants walking through the tall grass!!
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Alana says
October 29, 2022 at 7:27 pm
She is just precious! Those eyes, flapping ears, her special walk, I could watch her all day.
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Julie says
October 29, 2022 at 8:21 pm
She is simply beautiful. Sometimes I like to read the other comments before I look at the video because people notice things I don’t and that add to the experience. Thanks to this entire elephant community!
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Benita Auge says
October 29, 2022 at 8:48 pm
How old is she?
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  Sara says
  October 29, 2022 at 10:02 pm
  We don’t have any official records to let us know, but we believe her to be in her early- to mid-sixties.
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Patricia says
October 29, 2022 at 11:49 pm
She’s such a doll!!!I love her! Smoochies, Rana!
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Bonnie says
October 30, 2022 at 2:19 am
Land Shark that’s funny
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Beji says
October 30, 2022 at 2:23 pm
Of course, the theme song for “Jaws” is in my head….for.the.entire.day….

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