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The interactions between Maia, Guille, and Bambi sometimes tend to center around Bambi, since she’s the most physically vulnerable of the three and seems to want her friends nearby most of the time. It almost appears as though Maia’s primary goal is to make sure Bambi feels safe and isn’t alone. Guillermina also has a soft approach to Bambi and they have some special moments together, just generally grazing or standing together in the shade. Over the years, Bambi and Maia have grown into their roles as aunties, and Guille certainly seems to appreciate the parts they play in her life. 

But just because Maia and Guille almost always stick by Bambi’s side doesn’t mean that they don’t make time for each other. There are plenty of instances when the two more energetic of the three elephants seek out each other’s companionship. The pond is a great place for horseplay and Maia and Guille are a little more likely to submerge themselves in the water than Bambi, who often sticks to the shallow end when she goes in. In this video, Maia (left) and Guille (right) are walking and snacking a few meters from Bambi. Bambi’s body language suggests that she feels relaxed and she even heads away from them, not checking to see if they follow. That’s a reflection of the security she feels around them, having complete trust that they’ll not wander too far. 

P.S.: You get a pretty good glimpse of all three elephants’ tails here. Guille has the hairiest one of all the elephants at sanctuary (though Rana is doing her best to grow more lately). Bambi’s tail has a little hair, but Maia’s tail is almost half their length and hairless. We don’t know what trauma caused hers to be short. Her tail still performs its functions well, though, and she can swat flies with the best of them.