Shared Moments Between Old Friends

It seems that Maia and Rana have been finding moments to spend a bit of time together lately. A few days ago, near breakfast time, Rana walked into the yard where Maia was relaxing and the two stood near each other for a while. Because Maia can be keen to interact with Rana when Rana is on her own, we thought Maia might follow her down to the barn for breakfast, but she opted out at the last minute. The next day, the two of them were sharing a yard again and Maia got a bit playful – so they had a sweet moment of social interaction before parting ways.

The following day, Mara, Bambi, and Rana had come to the barn for Mara’s treatment and decided to follow Scott back into the habitat because they know he leaves some extra food for them to find at night. Instead of sticking with the other two, Rana decided to head toward the neighboring yard where Maia was hanging out. During his final evening check-in, Scott saw that Rana and Maia were still together, standing next to each other, and very relaxed sharing space.

Photo of Maia

Comments(9)

Rachel says
September 2, 2021 at 3:51 pm
I just love Rana’s…emotional intelligence, haha. She’s something else – like a big sister to all. Warmed my heart to read this.
Katie Howard says
September 2, 2021 at 3:55 pm
I’m VERY glad to hear this! Thanks so much for the update.
Ebbs and flows of life at Sanctuary! ❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘❤️
Julie says
September 2, 2021 at 5:41 pm
So happy hear Maia seems to be opening up to friendship, or at least Ellie companionship, again. Thank you for the update!
Sallie says
September 3, 2021 at 2:33 am
It warms my heart, to see these 3 Ladies showing patience and camaraderie – yet allowing space. I believe they are truly showing not only their value as a friend, but respectful of each others’ individual privacy. Amazing and Wonderful!
John says
September 3, 2021 at 1:35 pm
It’s amazing how well you seem to know and understand each elephant.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  September 3, 2021 at 1:41 pm
  The more they begin to understand sanctuary and trust us, the more they relax and reveal themselves. They truly are wondrous.
Carey says
September 3, 2021 at 10:03 pm
They have known each other a good length of time at GSE, and Rana is so much more in tune with others of her species now, than when she first arrived and joined Maia and Guida . Their story develops, aah
Marcia Brixius says
September 4, 2021 at 8:16 am
I realize that Rana already has her own t-shirt with a very simple and basic design, but I’d like to request that she be honored with a new design as beautiful as the one created for Mara that somehow incorporates her amazing ability to care for the emotions of her fellow companions. I need a Rana t-shirt!! <3
Lori Hoover says
September 4, 2021 at 7:36 pm
Rana simply is amazing. She never ceases to stop impressing me, nor to remind me of her big, generous heart. It does my heart good to hear of Rana going out of her way for Maia. While I expect Rana in her own, special, unique soul, still, I can’t help but think everyone could use someone a bit like Rana in their lives, as well as try and learn to be more like her.

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