Things Evolve Over Time

In recent posts, we’ve mentioned that things at sanctuary have been relatively quiet – which tends to be a good thing. But, as caregivers, we do notice subtle things going on that, due to our extensive history with elephants, might give us some clues to the fact that big things are still happening under the surface.

You can see small changes in relationships, like what we saw with Bambi, Guille, and Rana recently. We occasionally hear subtle differences in vocalizations or in how each elephant is responding to the others. There’s nothing substantial enough that we could point out a larger trend; it just appears that there are many intangible things going on around us that could perhaps be leading to something larger.

Because of their years of experience, Scott and Kat have seen this type of quiet but meaningful changes before; what may seem to be a plateau in emotional evolution could actually be the starting point for something considerable. For now, we continue to observe, taking note of the small shifts: the way Bambi looks at people with a little different intention, the way that Guille always “talks” just before she crosses paths with Bambi, and the way Maia is often more willing to share. What do these and many other nuances and subtle changes mean? It is too early to tell. As with all things in life, what lies beneath the surface is often the most profound.

For those who are waiting for a major shift, remember that the journey is more important than the destination. Celebrate that you have provided the space for these lovely ladies to experience the journey, wherever that path may lead.

Photo of Mara and Rana grazing

Comments(17)

Julie says
February 4, 2023 at 2:46 pm
What a lovely time! Fraught with magic, love, beauty, hope, and change!
Melinda says
February 4, 2023 at 3:01 pm
Keep us posted! I love every little tidbit, or more, that I learn about our girls!
Carey says
February 4, 2023 at 3:01 pm
We are learning more about the subtle nuances and the big changes all the time with these characters and it’s humbling and totally fascinating from my perspective. I know they say the journey is more important than the destinations but I tend to think the destinations have importance too. ; ) Thanks Sara
Sue says
February 4, 2023 at 3:31 pm
I enjoy hearing from you on the subtle changes that we would probably not pick up on. I would love to be able to interpret what they are communicating with each other! Thank you for your interesting and educational comments on our wonderful Ladies. I joined a little before Rana came to Sanctuary and I feel I can recognize some ways that she has grown over that time. All of you at Sanctuary are amazing! Thank you! ❤️🐘❤️
Lisa says
February 4, 2023 at 4:11 pm
Well said.
Wim says
February 4, 2023 at 4:42 pm
With enough space and time, elephants will make their own magic.
Kitty Galore says
February 4, 2023 at 5:05 pm
The grass appears to be quite lush – and delicious at ;east for the ladies! Hope it’s not my eyes fooling me.
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  Sara says
  February 4, 2023 at 5:35 pm
  It’s definitely that green!
SHEILA says
February 4, 2023 at 5:31 pm
Uumm. Does this mean Bambi is getting more LOVING with STAFF,?? OR BAMBI HAS THREATENED GUILLE? HENCE. GUILLE ALERTS BAMBI WHEN CROSSING NEAR HER? AND MAIA. REALLY WANTS GUILLE AS HER SISTER PAL??? I GUESS WHENU SCOTT AND KAT SEE SIMILAR THINGS A FEW TIMES U BEGIN TO WONDER
IM CONCERNED AND THINK THERE IS A CHALLENGE BREWING FOR GUILLES ATTENTION BETWEEN MAIA AND BAMBI…??? I HOPE THERE IS NO PHYSICAL TROUBLE BREWING. WITH THE GALS. MAYBE ITS JUST BAMBI. TEACHING GUILLE MANNERS. AND MAIA GROWING MORE
FRIENDLY WITH ALL THE LADIES BECAUSE SHE IS OVER HER SAD ALINE TIME IF LOOSING GUIDA OF 30 YRS. AND MAYBE MY ANALYTICS R WAY OFF😉🙃
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  Kat Blais says
  February 4, 2023 at 5:55 pm
  We are very transparent about what goes on in Brazil, and if any of that were happening, it would have been discussed. Bambi’s great, she has become much more relaxed and trusting since her arrival. Her and Maia are on great terms, not besties, but they do enjoy their time together. No competition with anyone for relationships. It was simply a post about the quiet times when ‘little’ things can sometimes be significant for growth that isn’t necessarily easy to put into words. ☺️
Barb says
February 4, 2023 at 5:34 pm
Beautifully expressed!
Bonnie says
February 4, 2023 at 7:34 pm
well saided Sara
Tracy H says
February 4, 2023 at 8:37 pm
Another beautiful story about our girls! Just knowing progress in their relationships is growing is all anyone could wish and hope for. Love them all and can’t thank GSB enough for everything y’all do for all of the Eles🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘
Terry says
February 4, 2023 at 11:23 pm
I believe the bonds of love grow stronger and friendships deepen with the girls. Their dynamics are breathtaking!
Suzanne Eaton says
February 5, 2023 at 1:54 am
So beautifully written. It’s always the journey. We are all on one.
Susy says
February 5, 2023 at 8:03 am
Gracias por esta información y explicación. Cada lectura es un aprendizaje y un escenario de lo que viven y experimentan allá. Pido al universo que todas las heridas emocionales que los elefantes traen vayan siendo sanadas con el apoyo y el amor que ustedes brindan. Cada día amo más a esos enormes seres. Un abrazo y continúen comunicando lo que ustedes, con su experiencia, observan e interpretan.
Beji says
February 5, 2023 at 9:57 am
Very poignant…aren’t all of our journeys more important than the destination?? Well said

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