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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. 

P.S.: We’re just over halfway through our Krispy Kreme fundraiser and all sales made through midnight PST tonight will count toward a bonus prize for GSE. We could win up to an additional $500. If you want to participate in the fundraiser, get your doughnuts here.

Comments(21)

  1. REPLY
    Carey says
    March 21, 2023 at 5:20 pm

    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
      March 21, 2023 at 6:34 pm

      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
    March 21, 2023 at 5:26 pm

    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
      March 21, 2023 at 5:33 pm

      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
    March 21, 2023 at 5:31 pm

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

  4. REPLY
    Wim says
    March 21, 2023 at 6:12 pm

    Beautiful impression of your paradise.
    Blessings to you all.

  5. REPLY
    Shelley Russell says
    March 21, 2023 at 6:56 pm

    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
    March 21, 2023 at 7:27 pm

    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
      March 21, 2023 at 7:33 pm

      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
    March 21, 2023 at 7:42 pm

    Sara was Scott out there all by himself

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      March 21, 2023 at 7:44 pm

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

    • REPLY
      Kat Blais says
      March 21, 2023 at 7:44 pm

      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
    March 21, 2023 at 8:10 pm

    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
      March 21, 2023 at 8:17 pm

      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
    March 21, 2023 at 8:27 pm

    She can just eat her way through the bush!

  10. REPLY
    Terry says
    March 21, 2023 at 10:24 pm

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

  11. REPLY
    Denise says
    March 22, 2023 at 7:17 am

    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
    March 22, 2023 at 7:40 am

    Did you find Rana???

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      March 22, 2023 at 10:14 am

      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
    March 22, 2023 at 10:00 am

    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
      March 22, 2023 at 10:11 am

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

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