When Elephants Follow their Noses

Hunting for the perfect early-season grass is an art that Mara takes very seriously. Occasionally, this can cause her to wander away from Rana absently, which is usually not an issue. But sometimes, they end up on the opposite side of a fence, and things get animated.

On this morning, the girls were close to the barn for treatment, and Mara wandered into Yard 2, while Rana stayed in Yard 1. When Mara realized she ‘lost’ Rana, she approached Scott at the barn and listened to see if she could locate Rana. She did, but still went down the wrong side of the fence, walking slowly at first but then speeding up once Rana started to call to her. They followed along the fence line until they got to the opening and had to tell each other all about it.

A couple of things of note. Mara lifts her front foot to Rana during the video. This is something she has done from the first day she met her. It is a very lighthearted and slightly submissive playful gesture. Most of the big noises come from Rana and the squeaks from Mara, but around the 2:20 mark, Mara makes a deep trunk noise that you can see movement at the top of her trunk as she sucks in to make the noise. But in general, it’s just a sweet display of the friendship and love between two elephants, one who was alone for over 40 years and one for 20, which is possible when given the space to have a more natural and beautiful life.

Comments(11)

Sue says
November 16, 2024 at 2:13 pm

Oh my! Too cute is right! The happy flappies, the noises, the touching, the excitement! Watching these lovely ladies embrace their friendship and love for each other is always a joy to see. Do you ever still wonder if Rana and Mara met at some point early on in life or knew each other? I still think back and watch that first meeting between them and it was so amazing and emotional. My heart bursts with happiness seeing them share a friendship and bond at Sanctuary. Thank you for all you do!! ❤️🐘❤️
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  November 16, 2024 at 4:10 pm
  
  no, some beings just click when they meet. rana was actually much more smitten with Ramba, so while their relationship is lovely, some elephants tend to want to form close bonds with a single individual.
alana says
November 16, 2024 at 2:28 pm

That is a great clip. I could feel their joy!
Bonnie says
November 16, 2024 at 3:21 pm

Scott that was funny what you saided to them you were only separated for 2 minutes I think you saided that was an awesome video the connection between them is very strong and loving Thank you all for giving them love and freedom
Nancy says
November 16, 2024 at 3:27 pm

A Lovely Life from now on….
Johnny says
November 16, 2024 at 6:38 pm

I love the posts where Scott speaks to the elephants. It really seems like they totally understand what he’s saying.
Charlotte Hansen says
November 16, 2024 at 11:21 pm

I so love the noisy ones!!
Gayle Janzen says
November 17, 2024 at 2:11 am

I love how Scott is so in tune with the girls’ emotional and physical nuances. I had the honor of meeting him in person a couple of months ago and forgot to tell him that I”m pretty sure they call him Scott Daddy. 😊
Terry says
November 19, 2024 at 3:36 pm

Lol!!! Scoot cracks me up! The girls too! What a trumpeted reunion!!
Terry says
November 19, 2024 at 3:37 pm

Scoot= Scott!!! 😁😁😁
Terry says
November 19, 2024 at 3:38 pm

Lol!!! Scott cracks me up! The girls too! What a trumpeted reunion!!

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