Sunday Smile: Rana and Mara Greet Mateus

November 16, 2025

Female Asian elephants Rana and Mara stand up against a three-rail steel fence. On the other side, their caregiver Mateus hands Mara a piece of watermelon

We wrote recently about how caregivers spend their days and, as I’m sure you read, they don’t have as much elephant time as many people might assume. Unless the elephants are getting treatments or meals, we try to give them the time and space they need to simply be elephants. (We do often give Kenya a little more face time, since she might need a little companionship.) Here, Dr. Mateus is checking in on Rana (left) and Mara (right) at the fence line, and handing Mara a small piece of watermelon. Of course, we didn’t leave Rana out–she got a few bites of melon, too!

Comments(7)

REPLY
Terry says
November 16, 2025 at 2:13 pm

Beautiful girls as always! Continued vibrant health to them. I hope Rana’s feet are responding well to her treatments! Thanks Doc, for all you do!!
REPLY
Tammy says
November 16, 2025 at 2:47 pm

Wow, forgive me but I didn’t realize his title is Dr. Mateus That’s great and the girls love him too! They look wonderful as always well taken care of! Love and hugs from Minnesota 💞🤗
- REPLY
  Sara says
  November 16, 2025 at 5:01 pm
  
  Mateus is one of our expert caregivers, but he’s also an experienced vet!
REPLY
Doe Fowler says
November 16, 2025 at 4:43 pm

Big thanks for all you do, Dr. Mateus! These ladies clearly like your company.
REPLY
Bonnie Guerra says
November 16, 2025 at 5:03 pm

Thank you for all the care given to your precious babies
REPLY
Bonnie says
November 16, 2025 at 10:19 pm

and everyone is happy watermelon is good
REPLY
carey says
November 17, 2025 at 11:21 am

Forever grateful for you dedicated work Mateus, thank you 🙂

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog