Misty’s New Adventure
Most of June 11th was not unlike other days at the Asia Barn and Habitat: elephants grazing and resting in the shade, treating themselves to trunk showers, maybe a dust bath here or there, and caregivers busily ferrying hay out into the habitat to supplement the Girls’ natural forage. Nothing much out of the ordinary.
Late in the afternoon, though, Caregivers entered the habitat to deliver hay to Tarra and Shirley, who had spent the day near The Sanctuary’s 25-acre lake. Little did they know what they were about to witness: there was an elephant in the Turtle Pond Pasture adjoining the lake -- but not any of the usual suspects.
Misty
After nearly ten years at The Sanctuary…Misty was on the move. Caregivers (and soon after, EleCam viewers) could scarcely believe what they were seeing: Misty was in an area of the habitat she’d never explored before, a mile-plus away from the Barn, where she's spent most of her time at Sanctuary. On this particular day, Misty appeared to want more.
Our spring-fed lake beckoned, and in she went. She splashed around, dunked herself, and –true to Misty form– she grabbed a cat-nap on the muddy bank soon afterward.
Misty turns 50 this year -- a quinquagenarian! This fall, we’ll celebrate her ten-year anniversary at Sanctuary. She and all of the other elephants continually demonstrate that even aging elephants are capable of claiming new experiences, adapting to their surroundings, and seeking inventive ways to interact with their physical and mental environment.
Misty is still out there, grazing around the Turtle Pond and Left Field, hanging out with Shirley and Tarra, occasionally going for a dip. She can return to the barn at a time of her own choosing.
Watch the story unfold for yourself here
Be on the lookout for our upcoming Trunklines newsletter to find more information about Misty and the twelve other Girls that call Sanctuary home. Become a Member and receive your very own copy!