In the weeks following Minnie’s passing, Care Staff have been closely observing Billie, Ronnie, and Debbie as they continue to navigate daily life at Sycamore Barn and Habitat. All elephants have been doing well, maintaining routines and continuing to make choices about how and when they spend time together.
Ronnie and Debbie have long shared a close companionship, while Ronnie also maintained a strong bond with Minnie. That flexibility in social relationships has remained evident. Since Minnie’s passing, Ronnie and Debbie have been sharing space more frequently, while still spending time independently throughout the habitat. The two are often observed exploring on their own and reconnecting later in the day, particularly in the evenings.
During the first few days, Ronnie showed particular interest in areas where she had last been with Minnie, which Care Staff recognized as part of an adjustment period. That behavior has since subsided, and Ronnie has returned to regularly exploring the habitat. Notably, Ronnie is now often the first to leave the barn in the mornings, a shift from previous routines, as Minnie was the one to leave first.
Inside the barns, Ronnie and Debbie typically engage independently, though they are sometimes seen standing in the same stall or working on shared enrichment. Out in the habitat, Debbie has been observed seeking Ronnie out, with the pair occasionally touching and vocalizing in ways consistent with their “reunion” behavior previously observed with Minnie.
Listen to a typical fence line "excited" reunion at Sycamore Habitat, complete with heavy rumbling, trumpets, squeaks, and more!
Ronnie is also offered periods of individual time when needed, allowing her space to explore without being closely followed, as Debbie can sometimes be eager to investigate anything Ronnie discovers.
Billie, who typically prefers minimal interaction with the other elephants, has been doing well. Care Staff have not observed any notable changes in behavior related to Minnie’s passing.
Life at Sycamore Habitat continues to evolve. Care Staff have noted that the barn and habitat are quieter without Minnie’s powerful trumpet and deep rumbles, but Billie, Ronnie, and Debbie remain active, engaged, and independent, choosing how they move through the days and when to come back together—a reflection of the autonomy and choice that remain central to life at the Sanctuary. Read more about Minnie and her story here.