As part of our ongoing Sanctuary Memories series, Kat shares a memory of Rana that she’s always felt was profound. It is a reminder that, though captive elephants approach healing in unique ways, elephants often know fairly quickly when they are in a safe and restorative place.
When Rana was brought to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, she had been alone for at least 40 years – perhaps longer. We don’t know that she had seen another elephant since she was a baby. As an adult, she was often withdrawn and aggressive (though she did have a veterinarian who adored her). Once we began the process of transporting her to sanctuary, she did quite well. When we finally arrived, she emerged from the transport crate with a nice energy – though she did take a moment to chase a rooster.
Maia and Guida were already here and settled at sanctuary. When Rana arrived, the two of them were on the opposite side of the habitat, essentially as far away as they could be from an arriving elephant. Within the first few minutes, Rana was smelling all around the barn, swinging her nose back and forth on the concrete, the patio, everywhere she could. Maia and Guida had been in that same spot the day before and she knew without a doubt that they were around somewhere.
Without hesitation, Rana put her head up, opened her mouth, and let out a huge calling rumble. It was not just a happy rumble, but one that was trying to communicate, as well. As Kat remembers, “People question if elephants are going to know how to socialize after being away from other elephants for so long. This was one of those moments where you realize they know exactly what to do.”
Of course, reintroducing oneself to others is never perfect and it is always unique to the individual. But in this case, Kat says, “within the first 20 minutes of her arrival, she wanted her sisters. She knew they were there and knew exactly what to do. She was going to call them and see who showed up.”
This is another simple but true example of how sanctuary allows healing to begin at whatever pace an elephant wishes – and Rana was ready. Even though we have done such damage to them in captivity, elephants can fall back into natural behaviors if you just give them the opportunity.
Photo of Rana
Comments(16) 
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Anna says
August 1, 2021 at 2:09 pmThe resiliency of hearts … so amazing. Did Maia and Guida respond? Did they come to the barn? What was their initial meeting like?
Kat Blais says
August 1, 2021 at 2:51 pmThey did not come back until the next day. This was the live video that was recorded that morning https://youtu.be/AQ2j4l8hD7U
Anna says
August 1, 2021 at 3:18 pmThanks for the video. 🙂 Happy girls!
Alana says
August 1, 2021 at 3:21 pmRana-Bug is a good girl! A smarty pants, sweet & beautiful.
Charlotte Hansen says
August 1, 2021 at 3:30 pmBeautiful story! I’ve learned to read these posts with a couple of hankies handy!!
Wim says
August 1, 2021 at 4:00 pmWonderful sentient story that’s not so surprising.
There is so much hidden beauty in non-humans.
They’ve survived in many splendid ways long before mankind. 🤗🐘❤️
Susan Flewelling says
August 1, 2021 at 5:53 pmSo heartwarming! Thank you for sharing that.
Jillyp says
August 1, 2021 at 6:21 pmPoor Rana must have been so desperate to see whoever was there. It is wonderful how each individual can heal at their own pace in sanctuary ❤️ Thank you 🐘🐘🐘
Julie says
August 1, 2021 at 7:34 pmHow long ago was that, Kat? I tried to find Rana’s sanctuary date but didn’t see it on her page. I want to imagine how long she’s been saved by sanctuary! Thank you for the memory; we rely on you for the back story of these beauties.
Kat Blais says
August 1, 2021 at 11:35 pmit’s right up at the top of the page, in the blue bar.
RE-BIRTHDAY: RESCUED DECEMBER 21, 2018 🙂
SHEILA says
August 1, 2021 at 10:29 pmVERY VERY LOVELY VIDEO‼️ I MUST HAVE MISSED THIS ONE FORMERLY AS I SAW THE VIDEO AT THE SIDE OF THE POND WHEN RANA 🐘CAME TO FIND GUIDA 🐘AND 🐘MAIA! AND HOW MAIA PUT HERSELF BETWEEN RANA AND GUIDA😀YES RANA WAS INDEED A SWEETHEART RIGHT FROM OFFLOADING AT SANCTUARY‼️ RANA HAS BEEN SUCH A GENTLE GRATEFUL LADY ALWAYS‼️ SHE SURE FELL IN LOVE WITH ❤️MAIA AND ❤️GUIDA! POOR RANA WAS SO ALONE WITH HER “ROCKS” TO PLAY WITH AT THAT HOTEL ZOO! TO THIS DAY RANA HAS BEEN A GENTLE LOVING MATRIARCH! SHE A SUPER SWEETHEART😍🐘❤️ GOD BLESS HER DEAR HEART🙏
bo says
August 1, 2021 at 11:32 pmauwch, this goes through your heart and soul.
very curious about all the elephants who are in waiting to come to the sanctuary, Pocha, Guillermina, hope they will find their natural ‘manual’ very soonish when they arrive and can explore their paradise, surely will be helped by all the elephants, and the humans! also very curious about ‘miss Africa’, how will that go and very curious about the bulls, how they will behave!
Patricia says
August 1, 2021 at 11:34 pmSo uplifting. They are so wonderful and deep. I wish I knew why I am having trouble getting videos lately. Love you all!
Sara says
August 2, 2021 at 11:33 amI wish we knew, too! So sorry.
Anita Janusz-Wong says
August 2, 2021 at 6:13 amThat was very, very heart warming story of her first! The elephants are so so smart! Imagine calling out to her sisters! She was not scared! She was impatient to see her own kind….beautiful. Thank you for that! I always go and check their age and rebirth date – arrival in sanctuary…and yes! It will be amazing to see the new dynamics between the girls when Pocha and Guile arrive. It may give us some surprises with G being so young! She may become the very favourite of all the girls who will want to “Mother” her…:-))…can’t wait for the videos and all the stories you will be giving us! Love to all…stay safe!
John says
August 2, 2021 at 7:09 amI’ve watched that video of her arrival several times now. It’s great to have running commentary as I watch what is happening and getting your interpretation of the elephant’s behavior. Thank you again!
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Sanctuary Memories: Rana’s Call to Her Sisters