Flora Updates & Photos
This online diary is kept by Flora's caregivers at The Elephant Sanctuary. It helps us all track her progress and that of her compainions, Tange and Zula.

Continued from "Hooray!"

October 20, 2005: The two are well matched, but where Zula excelled in maturity Flora surpassed her opponent in sheer fearlessness. The weeks and months passed and Zula never gave up trying to win Flora over. She spent hours engaging her over the fence line. The interaction would get rough and then become a synchronized dance of intertwined trunks, ears and heads. Tange often pushed her way into the mix but more often then not she was pushed to the side as Flora and Zula were singularly focused on each other.

Over these many months it was apparent that Flora and Zula were both determined to be the leader, neither wanting to back down to the other. Tange just wanted everyone to get along. For a few months we thought it best that Tange share her time between Zula in the large habitat and Flora in the adjacent area. Each time we would release Flora in the larger habitat she would eventually become overtly aggressive towards Zula. Things changed when we observed Flora become unnecessarily pushy with Tange. It seemed that Flora no longer enjoyed Tange’s company and Tange showed little interest in Flora as well. This situation caused us to reevaluate our approach to Tange, Zula and Flora’s simulation into the habitat.  

The decision was made to give all three elephants the time and space to make the transition in their own time, on their own terms. In all fairness to the elephants we allowed ourselves to consider the possibility that they might not ever get along.



Patient Zula calmly stands by as Flora tugs on her tusk ...and her ear.

Over the next several weeks Flora and Zula were observed in affectionate exchanges over the fence line. Their relationship was changing.

Today turned out to be the day that an agreement was reached and they decided that indeed they did want to be together. It was glorious to see all three spend the entire day together, playing, grazing, browsing and napping, never more than several feet from each other. Admittedly Zula remains cautious, not completely convinced that Flora will not take a jab at her but by evening all three where in the barn, side by side, calm and content. Today was a day to rejoice; Tange, Zula and Flora are now a family!

July 20 , 2005
Tange, Zula and Flora continue to explore their environment, and make new friends. There is a continual flow of abandoned dogs and cats that make their way to the Sanctuary and the elephants have come to enjoy their company. Several weeks ago a pregnant cat found refuge with us and in the past month 4 more abandoned dogs have found Sanctuary. The elephants are more than willing to share their space. Tange gets goofy when there is a dog or cat in her yard. She lowers her head and drags her trunk on the ground as she runs in a mock charge towards the intruder. Zula and Flora on the other hand show no sign of concern of any kind. Flora has been observed allowing one of the canine newcomers to eat from her grain dish. When a cat or dog approaches Zula, she stands completely still so as not to frighten them away. The girls are doing well, enjoying the mud, the sun and the company.

March 10 , 2005
In celebration of Flora’s 23rd birthday and first year anniversary at the Sanctuary, her lifelong guardian and friend David Balding along with wife Laura and members of the Ahali Elephant Foundation sent bushels of fruits and vegetables for Flora to share with her sisters. Thanks to the volume of produce given, Flora, Tange and Zula will be enjoying these goodies for several days.

Flora samples her birthday produce, a gift from Ahali Elephants and her lifelong guardian David Balding.

February 2, 2005
Flora and Tange at one of the many mud wallows. They spent close to 30 minutes playing until they had covered their entire bodies with rich protective mud.

January 5, 2005: Zula and Flora were seen interacting at the fence line. They spend quite a bit of time each day developing their relationship. It is obvious that they both perceive themselves as the dominant individual. Only time will tell if one will finally allow the other to be the dominant individual on a permanent basis.


Flora reaches out toward Zula. They interact playfully.

December 20, 2004: Zula, Tange and Flora have been integrated. They spent last night together inside the barn and today Flora and Tange spent the day playing. Zula was in the habitat but showed no interest in engaging in activities with Flora and Tange. The days ahead will be wonderful to observe.
These sunny winter days are perfect for leisurely exploring the habitat. Tange always makes sure she packs a lunch for the trip.

Flora and Tange explore the habitat. Tange poses in front.

December 21, 2004: Tange and Flora spent a good part of the day together playing in the mud hole and exploring the woods. Zula was nowhere in sight. These sunny winter days are perfect for leisurely exploring the habitat.

Flora spent a good part of the day playing in the mud hole.

December 1, 2004: Flora has spent a great deal of time redesigning her forest for more overhead natural light. She is felling trees and opening the place up, which has resulted in not only more natural light but also the growth of new vegetation. EleCam viewers can see the number of trees that are down. The good thing is that she has hundreds of acres of trees to play with which should keep her busy for many years ahead. Once she has completed the redesign of her multi-acre yard she will no doubt begin on the larger, multi-hundred-acre habitat.

   
A view of the African Elephant habitat. Flora hangs by the barn.

Even though Tange and Zula may stay gone all day Flora usually comes back just before the 5pm feed. She is a creature of habit and prefers to be in the barn for at least a short time in the early evening. With that need satisfied, she then returns to the habitat and keeps herself busy until the late night feeding. It is Flora's habit to remain in the barn until sunrise the next morning.

For archived 2004 entries click here.