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Scott’s Search For Rana

As we’ve mentioned, Rana has been enjoying having the opportunity to roam back and forth between Yards 4 and 5. Recently, she got so immersed in the vast greenery of Yard 5 that she decided to stay out of sight for the evening. While we generally like to deliver a supplemental feeding to the girls at the end of the day, we may not always be able to pinpoint them exactly if they are in an especially wild area – though we still have an idea of where they are. Rana isn’t on any medication that would make it necessary for us to find her (like it would Lady) and part of the beauty of sanctuary is that they are able to enjoy a diverse and expansive habitat that allows for them to ‘disappear’ for a while if that is what they choose.

Here, Scott takes you on a tour of several parts of the habitat so that you can get an idea of what the terrain looks like and how elephants can navigate hills and valleys much more easily than you might initially think. Scott also explains that in this instance, Rana is totally okay. As he explains, “With the elephants being all nice and calm, they are our barometer. They let us know what’s happening.” In other words, if the other elephants were showing concern about Rana, or seemed out of sorts, then finding her would be more of a necessity. Because they were all in the typical mellow evening state of mind, we followed their lead. And, not to worry, Rana did show up later – as you will see tomorrow. 

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Comments(21)

  1. REPLY
    Carey says

    A tiny bit thrilled that she wants to stay out, surely it means she is utterly content. It’s interesting how some of them can spend time in company and then be want to be alone. In a wild herd they are never alone right? And then there’s Lady who is most comfortable on her own, and Maia who spent a long time on her own when Guida died. Each so complex and group dynamics so complex too. I’m wondering if they go right down in to that deep valley… 110% gorgeous evening and sunset, thank you

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      We can’t say for sure that elephants are never alone in the wild, but generally they are at the very least in small groups. And, yes, the elephants can make the trip up and down those hills!

  2. REPLY
    Tracy H says

    This video is absolutely stunning! What a beautiful place for all the girls to roam and just be themselves without any pressure from the outside world! Truly paradise for them all.

    By the way, are they any poisonous snakes that you all have to watch out for?

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      There are poisonous snakes around, but they generally stay away from the elephants because the elephants give off significant vibrations when they move. Plus, their skin is so thick, it would be hard to penetrate. The humans are aware that they’re around, but we haven’t found any to be aggressive toward us.

  3. REPLY
    Carmen says

    Quem diria! Rana brincando de esconde-esconde.
    Maravilha!!!

  4. REPLY
    Wim says

    Beautiful impression of your paradise.
    Blessings to you all.

  5. REPLY
    Shelley Russell says

    What a lovely video and commentary from Scott! I’m so glad Rana turned up in the end although I understand what Scatt was saying about the general calm atmosphere and therefore wasn’t worried! Sanctuary is truly a paradise for these damaged souls! That sunset was stunning and the bird song!

  6. REPLY
    John says

    I’m left to wonder if the elephants ever appear to get “lost” out there, especially when they first arrive at the sanctuary?

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      we’ve never seen an elephant seem concerned over where they ended up. even thought they often have to reconnect to a more natural side of themselves, their sense of smell is still amazingly strong and it seems like they are able to easily find their way back to wherever they want to go.

  7. REPLY
    Bonnie says

    Sara was Scott out there all by himself

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      He was. But everyone’s in contact with others over the radio when they’re out in the habitat.

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      Shirlei was out there as well. She was his lookout for any other elephants although he remained close to the fence line.

  8. REPLY
    Carol says

    Such a beautiful place. I am wondering if the girls ever get stung by bees, wasps, etc.? If so, are there any severe reactions or allergies?

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says

      we haven’t seen any evidence of bee/wasp stings, although they do get tick bites. the girls in TN used to get stung somewhat regularly, but we never saw any significant reactions. just your typical localized swelling.

  9. REPLY
    Benita Auge says

    She can just eat her way through the bush!

  10. REPLY
    Terry says

    I’m sure you will keep us posted about sweet Rana!

  11. REPLY
    Denise says

    What an amazing video, it feels so good to see the environment the girls live in. Hope you find her soon, Scott.
    Thank you all for the updates and wonderful videos of the girls.

  12. REPLY
    Patricia Primrose says

    Did you find Rana???

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      We were fairly sure we had an idea of where she was. But keep watching for the next post to find out!

  13. REPLY
    Beth says

    Would a small drone be helpful in these situations? Or disruptive? Or not likely to be helpful? Love that you read the animals re how concerned to be. They would know if she were in trouble!

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      We have a drone, but didn’t feel it was necessary to use in this situation.

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