Baby and Guille's First Touches

At breakfast, Maia, Bambi, and Guillermina had their meal where they could see Baby in the Male Asian Habitat, and Baby could see them as well. After eating, everyone took a few minutes to digest, and the care team decided it would be an appropriate time to try and introduce Baby to some of the other elephants, since everyone was displaying a positive and light mood. Baby’s caregiver walked next to her down the outside of the fence in her habitat, encouraging Baby to move alongside her–which she did. Baby moved calmly from the male habitat, through the adjoining corridor and into the female habitat. There were fences between Baby and the other three elephants, which has always been the first step in meet and greets at the sanctuary. You can never be sure exactly how elephants will react to each other, so we give them the security to feel each other out, which also allows the caregivers to observe initial interactions and impressions. Individual histories, health concerns, and personalities can sometimes impact an elephant’s readiness to welcome companions or to decide to become part of a group. Guille was waiting next to the outer gate that connects Yards 1 and 5, watching Baby head her way. Baby headed right over to Guille and the two girls reached out to each other from a distance before Baby walked over to Guille and they began to touch trunks through and over the fence line. A couple of minutes later, Guille walked back to her friends, perhaps looking for some support or to share some intel. Guille has a lot of energy, but she also shows uncertainty at times, and in that moment it seemed that she needed to turn to her friends for encouragement. She would turn and walk toward Baby, then turn back toward Maia and Bambi again. After a few moments, Maia then approached the fence, appearing to be strong and confident–ever the calm protector of her friend group. Maia reached out toward Baby, leaving the option up to her as to whether to make contact, and Baby chose not to. Guille and Bambi stuck together at a distance as Maia remained at the fence, ready to approach Baby if she wished. Upon considering her options, Baby seemed to decide that was enough of a step for the moment, heading off to explore her new yards some more. All in all, it was a positive meeting, and everyone walked away with seemingly benign responses, which is a good thing in the elephant world. P.S.: It’s almost Sandro’s turn to experience the freedoms of sanctuary life! We’re preparing to bring him home to sanctuary, a place he’s been waiting for for years. Help give him a fresh start by donating toward his rescue. Together, we can make sanctuary life a reality for Sandro!