Mundi is genuinely content and feels safe in her new situation, as demonstrated by her play behavior. Mala, Samie, and I sat on the grass, beside the barn, just outside the night yard where … [Read more...]
EleDiaries by Carol Buckley
Read the EleDiaries blog series for observations and insights from Carol Buckley on the Elephant Refuge North America elephant residents - Bo Tarra and soon-to-be Mundi!
African and Asian elephant cohabitation
Mundi moving to Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) gives us a perfect opportunity to discuss the cohabitation of African and Asian elephants in captivity. In the wild African and Asian elephants … [Read more...]
Bo’s Late Night Communication
Last night I was treated to the sweetness of Bo, a memory forever embedded in my mind and my heart. Feeding the elephants in the dark of night is always a surreal experience for me. I cherish the … [Read more...]
A Bo Breakthrough!
Each day is filled with so much joy and so many surprises, writing it down usually escapes me because one wonder is quickly followed by another. But what happened today feels extraordinary, requiring … [Read more...]
Bo Comes First!
When I claim that elephants come first in everything we do, I am not exaggerating. With that philosophy we clearly know what decision should be made in all situations concerning our elephants. This … [Read more...]
Elephants and Stereotypical Behavior
Let's talk about stereotypical behavior, what it is and why captive-held elephants engage in it. The facts might surprise you. Self-stimulatory or stereotypic behavior is defined as the repetition … [Read more...]
Cooperation, A Choice
In the 47 years that I have been blessed to be around elephants, they never cease to amaze me. They demonstrate every day that they are not only intelligent, but highly evolved, sentient beings who … [Read more...]
Tarra In Charge
Tarra In Charge! Over the past several days it has become crystal clear that Tarra is in charge of how her bonding dance with Bo proceeds. Mornings seem to be the best time for her to be … [Read more...]
Bo’s Busy Browsing!
Anyone watching Tarra and Bo on the EleCam today finally got to see what Bo does when he’s at the migratory bird pond. Today he was browsing. It was fascinating to watch him rummage around and … [Read more...]
A Handy Solution
Yesterday when Tarra was getting a drink, Mala was doing her regular leg, foot, tail and trunk inspection. She calmly walked around Tarra in her usual way, under her belly and around her legs, … [Read more...]
Tarra Leading The Dance
After feeding Bo and Tarra this morning I was mesmerized watching them on the ELECAM. They were fed closer together then usual, so I was curious how both would respond. They spent a good hour savoring … [Read more...]
The Relationship Building Dance
I am bursting with hope for the future for Tarra and Bo. We wish for the best for those we love. We assist in any way possible to make them feel safe and cared for. We lose sleep wondering if we are … [Read more...]
