Maia, Bambi, and Guille Next to Baby

Baby has been staying in the three yards closest to the barn in the female Asian elephant habitat, while the other five elephants are in the farther yards–though they have the ability to see and interact with Baby if they choose. On the way down to feed everyone dinner, caregivers noticed that Maia and Guillermina were near the barn looking at Baby over the fence line. All three of them were reaching out toward each other and curiously, but calmly, touching. We can’t be sure, but it’s always possible that Maia joined Guille at the fence to lend her some support and make her feel safer. Maia can sometimes be a source of comfort for her friends, encouraging them to reach inside for confidence. After everyone patted and smelled each other, Baby’s energy started to elevate. She got excited and her reactions were a little exuberant for Maia’s liking. Baby reached over the fence toward Maia with a speed that Maia may not have anticipated, which can sometimes be seen as a dominant motion. Maia decided to opt out of the interaction at that point and headed back over toward Bambi. One of the important elements of sanctuary is that elephants have the space and option to walk away if they feel uncomfortable or simply choose to. But for her part, Guille stayed near Baby for about another 15 minutes, continuing to touch her across the fence. Bambi didn’t show interest in going over to Baby, but kept her ears out, apparently listening for cues from the others. Maia, ever the reliable friend, spent time with both of her long-time companions, supportively standing with them. Guille, who initially (and literally) entered the sanctuary world backward due to insecurity, can sometimes be apprehensive with new things, but what she’s learned since arriving has given her experience with different personalities and emotions and the responses those can create. Right now, her curiosity about this fascinating new individual seems to be allowing her brave side to rise to the surface.