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Video: Rana and Bambi Reunite with Mara

This video was taken last week from one of our habitat cameras. It is not as high-resolution as those we might take up close with our cameras or phones – but it captures the essence of the relationship between Mara, Bambi, and Rana so well that we had to share. 

It was morning and Rana and Bambi had apparently lost Mara at some point. While the video has no sound, you can see that the two are bellowing and trumpeting and being a bit silly and playful. After a few minutes of continued calling, Mara finally comes into view. Bambi and Rana waste no time getting to their friend, and the three of them share some nice moments together before continuing on as a threesome.

Comments(22)

  1. REPLY
    John says

    We should all be so lucky to have a couple of friends like that!

  2. REPLY
    Sandra Hunt says

    What a wonderful video!!! I can “hear” all the trumpeting in my head! Thanks for posting.

  3. REPLY
    Julie says

    So lovely and inspiring. The next time I see my best girlfriend I’m going to show her the same kind of love! Thank you ladies for your wonderful friendship!

  4. REPLY
    Beji says

    So sweet

  5. REPLY
    Tracy H says

    Loving the girls silliness, closeness and love they show each other.
    Question…..
    Why do they back up to one another?

    Thanks for all the updates and videos we are given each and everyday.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      It’s playful and submissive. Very common with greetings and excitement.

  6. REPLY
    Sue says

    Love this video so much!!! Thank you ❤️🐘❤️

  7. REPLY
    Lori Hoover says

    LOL At Rana and Bambi with their silly tails. Bambi really put on the speed when it came time to get to Mara. It’s great to see all three of them so in tune and happy together.

  8. REPLY
    Shannon says

    The peace, innocence and happiness on display in this clip is so moving. Like watching a video from the Garden of Eden.

  9. REPLY
    SHEILA says

    OH YES U CAN SE THAT PUPPY❤️🐘 BAMBI CHARGE AT FULL SPEED TO MARA,🐘 THEN I CAN SEE GETS TO MARA AND PLACES HERSELF HORIZONTALLY LIKE A BIG FENCE PROTECTING MARA🐘 BUT RANA 🐘GOES AROUND AND EDGES HER WAY IN TO KISS😛🐘 MARA,, THEN THE LADIES STRAIGHTENED OUT WITH MARA 🐘LIKE IN MIDDLE LIKE ELEPHANT 🥪SANDWICH ‼️OH MY HOW I LOVE THESE GALS THEY R SO FUNNY AT TiMES! THEY SURE SHOW THEIR LOVE ❤️AND CONCERN TO EACH OTHER🥰. THANKS FOR THE WONDERFUL VIDEO👍

  10. REPLY
    Katie Howard says

    Such a beautiful slice of our earth, that you live in! ❤️
    So, I take it Bambi was the one with the “running shoes” on to get to Mara first? The video is so soft and “gauzy” looking, it makes the mood even softer! Did Bambi turn sideways and block Rana from getting to Mara, momentarily?!😁

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      It’s always possible that she did, because she can be protective of Mara. But she doesn’t make much of an issue when Rana walks around to see Mara.

  11. REPLY
    Anita J says

    I think someone is cheating us! These surely cannot be the same abused, neglected, mistreated elephants we saw in ZOOs after decades of enslavement in circuses and hotels! Did you exchange them ?..? lol… Amazing behaviours! They display so much freedom and happiness. They are so full of life! Amazing to watch! Such heart warming viewing. I am as joyful as they are, just by watching them….:-))) Thank you!

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      It is wonderful to see themselves enjoying themselves as part of everyday life, isn’t it?

  12. REPLY
    Jen says

    Love these goofy girls so much! I sure wish there was sound for that one! I just noticed in that early morning light raking across Mara’s back, is her spine more visible now than it has been?
    I am so thankful that you guys have found all the elees and worked so hard to get them to a place where they can be free to be goofy, loving, natural elephants, perhaps for the first time in their lives.

    • REPLY
      Sara says

      It isn’t any more visible than it’s been in a while. She is still building up muscle from her last bout with gastrointestinal issues.

  13. REPLY
    bo says

    so sweet those besties!
    communicating so obviously here, even though there is no sound, it is indeed so clear to see.
    thank you for sharing this wonderful moment!

  14. REPLY
    Debbie Sides says

    How wonderful to have such good friendships.

  15. REPLY
    Rachel says

    Absolutely beautiful. I pray that one day Lady has friendships such as these….

  16. REPLY
    Mary says

    So beautiful to see them in the joyful presence of their sisters.

  17. REPLY
    Carey says

    Absolutely wonderful video! Incredible interaction . Love watching elephants together without humans around isn’t it? Have been following the wild herd migration in China and love watching their behaviour when they are only being watched. Via drones. Such a privilege to be able to watch the 3 of our girls getting their lives back as much as they can.

  18. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says

    THIS video just makes my heart sing!! The love and friendship they share with each other shines through with each of their movements when they are interacting. When they speed up, and run toward Mara was beautiful. The interaction they shared, then the silhouette of their three heads together at the end!!! Perfection.

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