The Elephant Sanctuary
October 2017
[Also read Sissy Arrives at The Elephant Sanctuary]
Slow introductions allow non-related elephants to grow comfortable with one another in their own time, with the added security that a barrier allows.
In July, the decision was made to move Sissy from Asia Habitat to
Quarantine Habitat, which was specifically established for the management,
care, and enrichment of elephants in treatment for tuberculosis.
To allow Sissy time to adjust to her new surroundings, she was separated
from the other elephants by a series of fences and buffer zones—however, the
elephants were still able to communicate by sight, smell, and sound. Within
Sissy’s first hour in her new habitat, Ronnie and Debbie walked over to one
side of the buffer zone to periscope the air with their trunks and offer
their greetings.
Please watch Sissy Introduced to Q Elephants, September 19, 2017
Just last week, Sissy shared a fence line with Debbie, Minnie, and Ronnie
for the first time.
Slow introductions allow non-related elephants to grow comfortable with one
another in their own time, with the added security that a barrier allows. In
this first tactile meeting, Minnie greeted Sissy by placing her trunk on
Sissy’s head and rubbing her back, and soon the two touched trunks. Debbie
and Ronnie took notice and walked over to the fence line as well. Sissy then
approached Debbie and Ronnie, and the three felt one another with their
trunks over the fenceline—Ronnie, true to form, being the most tactile of
the three.
Since these introductions, it has been common to see Sissy standing by
the other elephants at the fence line. Even though they have acres and acres
of space to roam, they have been choosing to stand and graze together.
Billie, known to be a timid and fearful elephant was showing interest in
Sissy from afar, standing on the top of a hill at a safe distance to observe
the newcomer. The first time the two were given the opportunity to meet,
Billie squeaked, a sound she makes when she's afraid, and walked away. By
the third fence line sharing attempt, and with encouragement from
Caregivers, Billie finally made the first move and approached Sissy. Sissy
stood still as Billie slowly approached her and cautiously put her trunk out
towards Sissy.
Eventually Sissy stepped close enough for the two to touch for the first time. Billie touched all around Sissy’s face and they even touched the ends of their trunks together. A few times, Billie stepped back, but she always went back to Sissy to touch her again. Caregivers are looking forward to future fence line sharing with Billie, Minnie, Debbie, and Ronnie and Sissy and look forward to the day when Sissy begins to share the same space with her habitat-mates.
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