Since arriving at The Elephant Sanctuary in June 2025, long-time companions Asian female Punch and African female Mikki have continued settling into life at Hickory Barn and Habitat at their own pace. Over the past year, Care Staff have observed both elephants building confidence in their new surroundings, exploring expanded habitat spaces, and navigating new social opportunities alongside fellow residents Edie and Nosey. While Punch and Mikki continue to maintain a familiar bond after decades together, Care Staff have also observed each elephant independently exploring habitats, routines, and social opportunities throughout Hickory.
The Sanctuary celebrated the pair with some of their preferred enrichment, which both elephants readily enjoyed. For her first anniversary (which is TODAY!), Punch received a fruit punch stand with lots of colorful produce, appropriately charged at 56 cents per cup to honor her 56 years of age! Mikki was treated to an explorer themed party to celebrate how much she continues to explore each and every habitat she has access to. Caregivers creatively crafted a globe from a hay ball and a compass from a tire, along with bamboo "walking sticks," banana leaves, and a scatter of pineapple, apples, and oranges.
At Hickory Habitat, Mikki, Punch, and Edie have now been consistently sharing space. While Edie remains cautious around Punch and will often choose to move away, the habitat’s expansive design allows all three elephants the space and choice to comfortably navigate their evolving social dynamics and interactions at their own pace.
Mikki has also continued expanding her confidence throughout the habitat system. Recently, Mikki achieved a long-awaited milestone by venturing into Sleepy Hollow's valley, an area she had previously shown little interest in exploring. Prior to this visit, Care Staff discovered both old and fresh signs of elephant activity in the valley, leading to playful speculation that Mikki — or perhaps Edie — may have already ventured down during overnight explorations. Although Mikki did not remain in the valley long, her continued willingness to explore new areas reflects her growing familiarity with Sanctuary’s 3,060 acres.
Meanwhile, Punch has continued participating in ongoing healthcare training with Care Staff, including radiograph training focused on foot placement and positioning behaviors that support voluntary veterinary care. Punch has also resumed consistently sleeping outdoors, making the most of the warmer spring nights across Hickory Habitat.
As both elephants adjust to routines, habitats, and social experiences, elephant care is guided by each elephant’s choice and behavior, allowing Punch and Mikki the opportunity to explore The Sanctuary in their own ways and on their own time.