As we have mentioned previously, Rana has a papilloma near her eye (the white spot that is visible in photos). We treat it every other day with topical preparations and a medical cold laser. Since Rana and Mara are somewhat inseparable, we are using Rana’s every-other-day eye treatment as a chance to work with Mara one-on-one. We need to build trust between our team and Mara. Trust works both ways – we need to learn to trust her, and she needs to learn to trust us. We also need to learn to communicate with each other.
Each elephant is different, and, of course, each elephant also finds each human different too. As Mara learns about us, we learn about her. There is a tremendous amount of growth that goes both ways with each new arrival.
As part of this, we worked on target touches with her the other day. We used a target pole (looks like a large q-tip; see photo of one below) and asked Mara to touch it with specific body parts. This is a very medically useful behavior. For example, she can touch her foot to it, and we can inspect her foot, or she can touch her ear to it, which is where we will eventually draw blood for check-ups. Using a target like this is a way of showing her what we would like her to do. Target training also earns her treats, which she enjoys. Mara has already been trained in these methods by her caregivers at the EcoParque in Argentina, but because her stall only allowed for touching whatever part of her body was stuck through a treatment door, things here are much different.
Mara did terrifically – she is highly intelligent and wants to please. She’s also a little insecure in general, and the insecurity showed itself in training. When we would hold up the target, she would get about an inch from it, and then look at us and say, “ERRR?” We would tell her she was right and doing a good job, and she would touch it, then we would whistle (a sign she has earned a treat). It was the cutest little “ERRR?” noise. She only did this the first 6-8 times, and then she got a little more confident and stopped.
Of course, Rana and Mara are inseparable, so when Mara, “ERRRs?” Rana must look at her friend to make sure Mara is okay. In general, Mara is very chatty. The other morning during training/treatment, Mara squeaked, and Rana blew loudly in response. Mara heard Rana’s blowing noise and got worried. Even though they are 10-15 feet (3-4 meters) apart, and in clear view of each other on the same side of the fence, Mara had to check on her friend. They had a mini party, and then went back to their respective spots by the fence. They are both getting better about staying in their spots – which is a sign of trust as well.
These morning treatment/training sessions take longer with their little check-ins. Still, it’s essential that they can reassure each other that the other is fine – it’s part of trust-building, both in each other and their trust in us.
June 2, 2020
photo: Kat working with a target pole with Lady.
Comments(12) 













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Alejandra(Sandy)Enquin says
June 2, 2020 at 4:18 pmEstas dos amigas amorosas confidentes y leales me matan de AMORRR.Que interesante posteo este ,conocer las metodologias que usan en sus tratamientos,como un metodo Rudolph Steiner ??en elefantes??
Stella Marys Ortiz Flores says
June 2, 2020 at 5:27 pmEllas son inseparables….y muy preocupadas una por la otra….impresiona …e intriga esta amistad…bellas bellas…!!!… Felicitaciones Equipo…Fantastico todo!!…
Heidi says
June 2, 2020 at 4:20 pmThey’re just too cute. I love the way you call it a “mini-party.”
Susan says
June 2, 2020 at 4:24 pmThese lovely Ladies are so smart and do so well. I get so overwhelmed when I think about all they have gone through in their lives. The fact that they are still able to trust and care again is so inspiring. I love all of you at Sanctuary so much; you inspire me every day. ❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?❤️?????
Wim Diepeveen says
June 2, 2020 at 5:27 pmSo utterly beautiful how trust is born and grows every single day. The ladies have walked a long and difficult road in this lifetime. How enormous intelligent and sentient they react in their current situation. Most likely the progress in all their injuries will give a big stimulation together with the super important treats. ????
Barb says
June 2, 2020 at 7:43 pmHow wonderful to hear about the girls and to learn about target training. We hang on every word you share with us. Really!
Sherry says
June 2, 2020 at 7:59 pmYes, they are smart, very! I am learning from them.
Paula says
June 2, 2020 at 8:24 pmMaravilloso todo lo que hacen!?
Cuanto conocimiento, respeto y amor!
¿Vieron la mirada de Lady en la foto? Por Dios, me derrito de amor?
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
June 2, 2020 at 9:21 pmI appreciate and enjoy reading each detail of their growth and learning about each of their personalities. Lady, Maia, Mara, and Rana have come so far in their trust. Amazing when we know of their slavery and mistreatment histories. All of this progress is attributed to GSE, so I thank and support you.
Virpi says
June 3, 2020 at 4:44 amI absolutely agree. It is wonderful how resilient they are in overcoming trauma and most likely despair of ever being free!
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
June 2, 2020 at 9:23 pmThank you so much for each detailed report of their amazing development and progress. Thank you again GSE for all you do for these beautiful souls. They must think they have been transported to paradise.
Patricia says
June 3, 2020 at 10:52 pmMERCY, THAT IS SO CUTE!!! They are so smart and adorable! How anyone would ever want to kill an animal is beyond me. xoxoxo
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