Reply #28: Program about elephants while back: there is a refuge in US

[havocmom]

for retired/rescued circus and mistreated pachyderms. They brought one into the place and she was recognized by one who had been there a while. They were absolutely JOYOUS at getting to see each other again. The woman who owns the place showed that they had become inseparable and the one was helping the other to heal from some emotional trauma.

I love the elephants too. Such intelligent and emotional souls. Ever see films of their courtships? Can be most tender and touching.

We watched a show the other night about an elephant orphanage. Many of the babies witnessed poachers slaughtering their mothers. It was so sad with one little calf who was just so destroyed. Took her a long time to start to interact with the others.

The babies have blankets as it is cool and no mom's for warmth. One of the tiny ones got part of his blankie snagged on a plant. A slightly older calf was using her foot and trunk to try to free the blanket from the shrub. She was very diligent and sweet. A handler finally had to intervene to help, but it shows they have great empathy, critical thinking, problem solving and just plain kindness.

Have seen a lot of horse/cat friendships too. Animals can have tremendous bonds which are way beyond just getting along to survive. Hell, my dog starts looking for his toad friend as soon as the weather gets warm. All summer, at 'last call' when I bring him in for the night, he will have that toad sitting on the door mat with him, like they expect to be brought in together, or he will try to carry the toad in via his big ol retiever soft mouth. First thing in the morning, dog pees then goes to find the toad. (not poisonous toad by the way, just a very sociable one). He paces the garden in spring, waiting for signs that his pal has emerged.