Can you believe our luck? We have back-to-back elephant re-birthdays! Yesterday was Guillermina’s 2nd anniversary of coming to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil and today is Mara’s 4th anniversary. Mara is perhaps our most mysterious elephant; she studies the world at all times and has no problem sizing you up to see exactly what your focus is. She’s always been one to make sure we know what she needs. But her sweet vocalizations and gorgeous golden eyes remind you that she also has a softer side.
Over the course of the past year, Mara has run the gamut on her relationships. A year ago, she, Bambi, and Rana were a tight group that we lovingly called “The Powerpuff Girls.” Where one went, the others weren’t far behind (except when Rana would take a walkabout and explore). You could hear them call to each other at night and they’d have parties with trumpets and rumbles whenever the mood hit them. However, the past few months have reflected a change in dynamics that Mara may have instigated.
A few months ago, Mara apparently decided that Bambi was no longer viewed as a tight-knit member among the three girls. We don’t know why this happened, but Mara seemed certain about how she felt; Bambi wasn’t part of the threesome anymore, though they have shared space without any animosity. Where Mara once had a protector, she now was more vulnerable without her sidekick. But she and Rana have remained close and still can be seen together frequently.
Rana and Mara have always had a special bond. When Mara arrived, Rana was so excited to have a new friend and, once they were situated in the same yard, Mara became smitten with Rana in return. Mara would follow Rana around like a kid sister, to the point where Rana started to seem like she needed space. In fact, for some time after her arrival, Mara would often keep her up all night and Rana would be extra sleepy in the mornings. Mara eventually settled down, but has always been resolute in her feelings - whether about people or elephants.
After four years, Mara is still shaking things up at the sanctuary. We don’t know what she’ll do next with regard to her relationships, but we are pretty sure that she’ll play a part in how herd dynamics change moving forward.
12 май 2024
