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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)

  1. REPLY
    Mary says

    She’s so beautiful!❤️ What happened to her right leg?

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Her joint has been fused for a very long time.

  2. REPLY
    John says

    Oh Rana. You had me at hello.

  3. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says

    Mi Ranita bella! 💖 what happened to her right from leg?

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      It’s been that way as long as we’ve known her. Her joint is fused.

  4. REPLY
    Kayle Luthey says

    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.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      Thank you!

  5. REPLY
    Mary says

    Ah, no. There’s medicinal paste on her hip. Looks like a cut. Was wondering what happened? – Mary

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      They sometimes get minor wounds that need treating. A little cleaning up and ask is well. Thanks

  6. REPLY
    Tammy says

    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?

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      It was an injury from when she was young. It healed that way naturally. She certainly doesn’t let it slow her down.

  7. REPLY
    Wim says

    Miss Rana the snack Queen. Indeed wonderfully written. Enjoy your snacks.

  8. REPLY
    Alice says

    Oh, my, the beautiful sounds of sanctuary with the birds singing in the background and lovely elephants walking through the tall grass!!

  9. REPLY
    Alana says

    She is just precious! Those eyes, flapping ears, her special walk, I could watch her all day.

  10. REPLY
    Julie says

    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!

  11. REPLY
    Benita Auge says

    How old is she?

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      We don’t have any official records to let us know, but we believe her to be in her early- to mid-sixties.

  12. REPLY
    Patricia says

    She’s such a doll!!!I love her! Smoochies, Rana!

  13. REPLY
    Bonnie says

    Land Shark that’s funny

  14. REPLY
    Beji says

    Of course, the theme song for “Jaws” is in my head….for.the.entire.day….

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