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)

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John says
August 10, 2021 at 2:09 pm
We should all be so lucky to have a couple of friends like that!
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Sandra Hunt says
August 10, 2021 at 2:13 pm
What a wonderful video!!! I can “hear” all the trumpeting in my head! Thanks for posting.
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Julie says
August 10, 2021 at 2:17 pm
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!
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Beji says
August 10, 2021 at 2:40 pm
So sweet
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Tracy H says
August 10, 2021 at 3:11 pm
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.
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  Sara says
  August 10, 2021 at 4:13 pm
  It’s playful and submissive. Very common with greetings and excitement.
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Sue says
August 10, 2021 at 3:34 pm
Love this video so much!!! Thank you ❤️🐘❤️
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Lori Hoover says
August 10, 2021 at 4:11 pm
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.
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Shannon says
August 10, 2021 at 4:44 pm
The peace, innocence and happiness on display in this clip is so moving. Like watching a video from the Garden of Eden.
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SHEILA says
August 10, 2021 at 6:05 pm
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👍
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Katie Howard says
August 10, 2021 at 7:12 pm
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?!😁
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  Sara says
  August 10, 2021 at 8:12 pm
  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.
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Anita J says
August 10, 2021 at 8:15 pm
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!
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  Sara says
  August 10, 2021 at 8:32 pm
  It is wonderful to see themselves enjoying themselves as part of everyday life, isn’t it?
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Jen says
August 10, 2021 at 9:28 pm
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.
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  Sara says
  August 10, 2021 at 9:40 pm
  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.
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bo says
August 11, 2021 at 12:01 am
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!
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Debbie Sides says
August 11, 2021 at 1:03 pm
How wonderful to have such good friendships.
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Rachel says
August 11, 2021 at 10:46 pm
Absolutely beautiful. I pray that one day Lady has friendships such as these….
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Mary says
August 12, 2021 at 1:14 am
So beautiful to see them in the joyful presence of their sisters.
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Carey says
August 12, 2021 at 8:28 am
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.
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JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
August 12, 2021 at 6:44 pm
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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