After Lottie's passing, we began discussing the idea of letting Minnie, Debbie, and Ronnie into the same yards, so that Minnie wouldn't be without companionship. In the past, Minnie has been too rough with Debbie and Ronnie, which was why she was separated from them in the first place. Interactions with these three continued over and through a common barrier—a safety net that protected Debbie and Ronnie should Minnie get too rough. Debbie would play trunk games with Minnie, while Ronnie would periodically climb part way up the fence and engage Minnie. Minnie was never rough with Lottie, though. With Lottie gone, we want Minnie to enjoy physical companionship; unrestrained ability to rub and play and hopefully grow closer to her companions. Of course there is concern for Debbie and Ronnie as well, if Minnie is too rough with them.
On Saturday, December 4th, we decided to give it a trial. Scott and the caregivers began by distracting all the Girls with some hay, then opened the gates that normally separated their sides of the habitat. Much to our surprise, when Minnie walked away from her hay, she took a few steps into the "60 Yard" where Debbie and Ronnie were—and then promptly turned around to explore the Night Yard Extension. Granted, she had not been in this area for quite a long time, but we were surprised that she seemed more excited about her access to this yard rather than reuniting with Debbie and Ronnie.
After a quick, almost-running tour of the Night Yard Extension, Minnie rolled around on the ground for a little while, covering her body with dirt. When she finished, she got up and walked back out into the 60 for a reunion with Deb and Ron. Debbie distanced herself a little bit but Ronnie was eager to engage Minnie with some trunk wrestling and gentle pushing. Fortunately, Minnie never pushed too hard or too much, and we were ecstatic with her gentleness for Ronnie.
The following day, we opened all the gates right away, and the day went wonderfully. Debbie still kept her distance from Minnie, but she remained calm. Ronnie and Minnie continued to wrestle and play. In the early afternoon, Minnie went off to explore the 60 on her own, and Debbie and Ronnie wandered closer to the barn like they normally do.
The next day followed the same successful pattern until the early afternoon. When Debbie and Ronnie started coming closer to the barn, this time Minnie followed them. She started to behave more roughly with Debbie, at which point we felt that it was becoming too much for Debbie. A caregiver drove out with hay to lead Minnie away, and after only a few minutes, Minnie followed willingly. We then shut their gates to give Deb and Ron some time by themselves.
The next few days were "off" days for the Girls, as they remained separated in their regular yards. On Thursday we opened their gates again, but with the same result as Monday: Minnie's play became a bit too rough, so we separated them again.
The elephants and the caregivers need more time. Clearly, it is not quite the time for Minnie and Debbie to share the same space all the time, but we're delighted with the progress Minnie and Ronnie have made.
2010-12-04
