The Question of Love Part II: Maia

To continue Tuesday’s post – Does Maia love us?

Maia loves food (except for sunflower seeds ?). She also appreciates food. Her feelings towards humans are a little more complicated.

When Maia first arrived at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil in 2016, she didn’t love or trust anyone. She had spent the previous five years chained on a farm, with limited human or elephant contact because of her aggression. Kat and Scott were the first humans Maia associated with sanctuary life. It was Kat & Scott who initially helped her learn to trust and love, so she has a different bond with them.

Maia isn’t very open to people she doesn’t know. She tends to give any new person she meets a pretty hard time, which makes it harder (& slower) to introduce new caregivers to her. Maia tends to be a little guarded and standoffish with new folks, which makes sense due to her past. Maia has a very deep appreciation for Kat & Scott, but it’s hard to say if that appreciation equates with love. Maia loved Guida, that was incredibly clear, she was over the moon about her. The good thing is, we don’t feel the need to put her affections into a labeled box in regards to her humans. We all adore her and are glad to be part of her new life. Love means different things to everyone, and whatever she feels about us, it still brings joy.

Photo of Maia, mid-ear flap, with one of her true loves – dinner.

April 18, 2020

Comments(7)

Muriel Servaege says
April 23, 2020 at 4:25 pm
Maia’s life was hard – 5 years chained must have been incredibly painful. I am glas she is now at the elephant sanctuary, used to Kat and Scott.
Kelejan says
April 23, 2020 at 4:41 pm
Elephants’ pasts must really affect their relationships with humans. I bet every elephant that has dealings with humans are not very fond of them. Not surprising at all. But Maia must know that she is in a better place.
Sherry says
April 23, 2020 at 5:30 pm
Trust is hard to find, but a wonderful feeling when you do. Maia is feeling happy now.
Jean says
April 23, 2020 at 5:55 pm
Love shows itself in many different facets. Maia is adorable ??. I sure she has her reasons for being slow to test. She must have been terribly traumatized. ? so glad she is at the sanctuary and enjoying her life. A big hug and kiss to Maia❤❤?
Patricia says
April 23, 2020 at 6:37 pm
It’s heartbreaking to think of Maia chained for all those years! And to think there are so many chained still. It is such a relief that she is safe and happy. I wish it for every elephant. I too have no requirement for how she must show love according to my standards. I love her no matter what, as I know you all do, too, so much. Smoochies, Maia! Keep enjoying that food!
Julie says
April 23, 2020 at 8:52 pm
Thank you for the post and the pic! The three ladies have been looking very cute lately.
Will Parker says
May 1, 2020 at 7:59 am
Must be very confusing for Maia when you think all humans are devils and suddenly to angels appear on your road.
Trust can create love and love will give more trust.

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