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Sharing Space

Rana and Mara

Maia and Lady still aren’t sharing space. Maia, in many ways, is our easiest elephant – what you see is what you get with her. Maia can be a bit intense at times, and while it is coming from a benevolent place, it can be a bit much for another elephant. Lady has firm boundaries, and we would like the four to share space permanently eventually. We take everything slowly to make sure things go as smoothly as possible.

All of that leaves Rana and Mara as our most popular elephants with other elephants – which is perfect because they are also our two most social elephants. Rana and Mara share space with a third elephant pretty much every night. There isn’t a set schedule. We base what happens on what we observe during each day and what makes the most sense based on current locations.

Sharing space with Rana and Mara gives Maia & Lady essential social opportunities. For Maia, socialization is – like everything else – straightforward. Sometimes, she’ll walk over to Rana and Mara to only spend a few minutes with them before leaving again; other times, it is significantly longer. Whatever occurs is her choice. Even if it is a few minutes, it is still important to her, as a herd animal. While Lady still isn’t getting close enough to touch/be touched by other elephants, she is socializing her way. She is very observant, and it’s good for her to watch the others – plus, she seems to enjoy it. For Lady, it’s also about the additional space. Sometimes, when sharing a yard with them, they don’t see each other. Even when they don’t, it’s still valuable for her to have as much space available to her as possible. It’s a different stimulation for her, and for animals this intelligent, the value of space and choice cannot be quantified.

While humans look forward to a day in which all the gates can be open, the current system seems to be working well for the elephants. Mara and Rana get a steady stream of visitors, and both Lady and Maia get their alone time and their social time.

Photo of Rana and Mara (Mara is closer to the pond).

July 24, 2020

Comments(4)

  1. REPLY
    Nancy Shaw says

    I understand your last paragraph : )

  2. REPLY
    SHEILA says

    yes! Well maia may settle in as she ages to be more subtle and down play her rushing forward! I still feel sad for maia because she ay never get over loosing guida?. Mostly! Im happy maia seems content to walk about alot swim! And bob in ponds! Search for mangos! Have human interaction and treats as well come into ranas & maras circle for companionship as she desires without any issues! Bravo maia‼️
    sorry for u z sweet lil lady wish u could get more loving and friendly with ur herd! Hoping in more time my dear lady❤️

  3. REPLY
    Wim says

    Amazing though with the load all four girls are still carrying how they survived and have found their own space. Are humans smart enough to feel and understand how damaged our beautiful girls are? I’m happy when they are free roaming, cared and nursed in whatever formation. Very thankful to you for creating this little piece of heaven.
    ??????

  4. REPLY
    Paula says

    Seguramente todos deseamos ver a las damas vivir en rebaño, porque creemos que así ellas serían completamente felices, es nuestra visión humana… el elemento humano…
    Lo importante es que cada una de ellas es consciente de la existencia de las demás, aunque no compartan espacios en común todo el tiempo, ellas se sienten acompañadas, misma especie, lo saben y lo sienten. No están en soledad como en el pasado.
    Ellas son libres de elegir, lo demás, el tiempo lo dirá…

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