elephant behavior

Lady’s Deep Connection to the World

Lady has had a much softer vibe surrounding her lately.  She also appears calmer and has been gentler in interactions with others, and is more engaged and connected to us during treatments.  For instance, Kat has been the primary person to administer foot treatments to Lady out in the habitat.…...

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A Typical Day in the Life of a Sanctuary Elephant

If you were to ask for a simple description of an elephant’s day here at sanctuary, you might get a joking answer like: nap, eat, chat, poop, nap, eat, play, poop, etc. But, of course, there’s a little more to it than that… sometimes.  As the sun comes up, our…...

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Bambi and Rana Cause a Nighttime Commotion

Because Lady has been spending more time in Yard 5, the other four elephants have been given access to Yards 2, 3, and 4. We don’t necessarily keep track of them at night, but we really don’t need to because they give us vocal status updates throughout the evening. Mara,…...

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Decades Later, Trauma Lingers

Elephants have demonstrated for hundreds of years how intelligent and emotionally empathic they are. In the wild, they have strong ties to one another and deep relationships that can last a lifetime. Those who are captured from their natural homes for a life in captivity lose those relationships that are…...

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Maia Moves at Her Own Pace

Because Lady has been enjoying time in Yard 5, we have opened up Yards 2, 3, and 4 to Mara, Bambi, Rana, and Maia. Maia’s level of relaxation changes in this scenario, depending on the energy coming from the other three. There are moments when she is settled and watches…...

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EleFact Friday: Elephants in Motion

We’re checking in for another EleFACT Friday. You may have noticed in the videos we share, there is one elephant in particular who has a need for speed, and that’s Bambi. Today we’ll be breaking down elephants and their movement, whether it be fast or slow....

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