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The Three Girls Sniff Sandro’s Way

September 21, 2026

Many of you have asked if the female elephants at the sanctuary have sensed Sandro’s presence. The answer is, unsurprisingly, yes. It was undeniable that, upon his arrival, they would be able to sense his presence through sonic vibrations, even if he made no audible sound at all. Elephants are sensitive and have the ability to communicate with each other in subtle ways that humans can’t sense. And, of course, there is the new smell of a male on the property.

Here, Bambi (left), Maia (center), and Guillermina (right), were headed toward the pond but appeared to catch the scent of Sandro from where he was positioned. These days, Bambi is frequently using her other senses to account for her loss of vision, but this instance showed all three of the girls smelling in his direction, which was not typical for all of them. It was interesting to see them all walking with their trunks in the air, searching for scent. 

Sandro will not meet the female elephants–at least until everyone is settled and healthy. He is situated in the habitat where Baby was previously quarantined, so he and the other elephants can see each other if they position themselves correctly. In the meantime, the ladies’ curiosity is piqued, though Sandro is busy exploring his new home.

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Comments(13)

  1. REPLY
    Ada says
    September 21, 2026 at 2:11 pm

    Bambi, Maia, Guille probably: ‘Oooohh, new friend!’ 🥰

  2. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    September 21, 2026 at 2:19 pm

    I don’t know if they can detect if Sandro’s scent is male or female. However, their quick refreshing dirt baths are suspicious.😊🥰Barbara L Smith

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      September 21, 2026 at 3:11 pm

      Their noses are pretty sensitive and they can also communicate sonically, so I’m guessing they know it is a male.

  3. REPLY
    Cat says
    September 21, 2026 at 2:30 pm

    My screen is just black? No video

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      September 21, 2026 at 3:10 pm

      Hmm. Don’t know why. I’ll research. In the meantime, the text and video can be found here: https://youtu.be/Md8VMwy6F98

  4. REPLY
    Diane S. says
    September 21, 2026 at 3:45 pm

    Such a sweet group of elephant friends, it’s always a pleasure to see them! Thank you to everyone @ GSE, for sharing these posts with us, and most recently, for making Sandro’s move to the Sanctuary a reality!🐘💜🩵

  5. REPLY
    Sue says
    September 21, 2026 at 4:32 pm

    Haha, Barbara! I love your comment!! 😂🥰. It is so cool to see all three of them catching Sandro’s scent at the same time. These lovely lovely Ladies and Gent never cease to amaze me with their abilities and communications. Most will remain a mystery to us, but can only imagine all the secrets that remain hidden. Great video, as usual, thank you for sharing!! ❤️🐘❤️ Love and hugs!

  6. REPLY
    Wim says
    September 21, 2026 at 4:51 pm

    Exciting times for everyone. Something’s in the air.
    A good time for some gossiping Ladies.

  7. REPLY
    Jane Travis says
    September 21, 2026 at 4:58 pm

    Yes ladies, there is no rush. You have lots of time to wash up and put your best grass hat on – there is a handsome male about 🙂

    • REPLY
      Karen says
      September 22, 2026 at 10:38 am

      Yes, and he is very handsome at that! I wonder if the ladies will spoil him?! lol

  8. REPLY
    Patricia says
    September 21, 2026 at 7:28 pm

    God bless you all, beautiful elephants and beautiful caregivers!

  9. REPLY
    Terry says
    September 22, 2026 at 9:11 am

    Beautiful.

  10. REPLY
    Johnny says
    September 22, 2026 at 12:51 pm

    Oh my.! A new favorite GSE video! This seems to happen about every day.

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