Let’s Go Bananas With Bani!
Every morning at the Elephant Hospital Campus begins with the same question from the caregivers: “What mischief will Bani be up to today?” This little elephant calf, who had arrived critically injured and weak after a horrific train accident, has slowly transformed into a bundle of energy, determination, and undeniable charm in just over a year.
Bani starts her day with a loud rumble, which often wakes up her neighbours Manu and Taj as well. She knows that pretty soon, it will be time for her morning meal, so when she smells her warm porridge arriving, she lets out eager squeaks and flaps her ears, as if to say, “Hurry up, I’m hungry!” If her caregivers don’t pick up the speed they should, her squeaking escalates into loud trumpets that echo across the centre!
After her hearty meal, and some frolicking, it’s time for Bani’s favourite activity of the day, her mud bath! The moment she sees the caregivers preparing the puddle in her enclosure, she rushes over to dive right in. She puts her head deep into the mud before rolling around in it — coating herself from trunk to tail! It’s her own messy playground, and she makes sure not a single patch of her skin is left uncovered.
Recently, after one of the ‘muddy-makeover’ sessions, Bani was led to the pool, and this was where the real challenge began for her caregiver! Water, water everywhere made Bani fill her trunk, and each time she did, she would aim it directly at her caregiver to spurt it all out. Realising that the water gun just wouldn’t stop reloading, the caregiver came up with a solution — a steady supply of bananas were now to be brought in during pool time to stop the endless splashing. Bani has made sure to let everyone know who’s truly in charge!
While Bani wants a good amount of time to enjoy her pool, her caregivers get busy cleaning her enclosure and arranging fresh treats and enrichments. But all this has to be ready before she gets out of the water, because if it isn’t, Bani is quick to notice. With sharp eyes and a curious trunk, she sneaks around to find the caregiver’s bag and check for the sugarcane and bananas inside it. And when she learns that they’re still in it, she makes sure to smoothly pull them out when her caregiver is distracted. Bani has made this as her little game of mischief, and more often than not, she walks away as the winner.
Bani has set aside a couple of photographers from our team that she’s especially fond of, and she never lets them down when they begin clicking! After giving them the best shots, she waits for what is promised to her — a lot of yummy bananas! But if they ever forget to reward her with them, she reaches out for their camera with her trunk, as if to capture and keep it locked with her until the bananas arrive.
Found partially paralysed when rescued, it’s remarkable to see how Bani is now becoming strong and is even standing on her legs with confidence. Her walking pace may be slow, but her energy and excitement are what lead her to take her every step. Bani has been given specially designed protective boots, since she drags her hind feet while walking. But this medical aid quickly turned into a playful activity for Bani. The moment her caregiver slips the boots on, Bani flings them off her feet! She then waits, with her trunk lifted and eyes alert, for one of her caregivers to put them back on her feet again. This ritual of tossing her little boots before finally wearing them is what Bani does for her own amusement.
Bani’s tiny trumpets often sound like soft chuckles! One day, her caregiver, in a spur of the moment, mimicked her baby trumpet and, surprisingly, Bani immediately responded with one of her own! It didn’t take long for this amusing interaction to also become part of her fun-filled days.
After a whole day of lively antics, Bani merrily heads over to eat her dinner. But after filling her tummy and before lying down, there’s one last task she never forgets to do: check where her caregiver is. She waits for him to come sit by her side and offer her a few treats as she lays. With eyes blinking slowly, she soon drifts off to sleep — comforted by his presence (and that of the bananas and sugarcane around her).
Time spent with Bani at our centre has been nothing short of wonderful — she has reminded many of us of how amazing childhood is! But it takes constant effort and resources for her care and her journey of healing. By sponsoring her care, you can help us make sure Bani continues to grow, play, and live the life she deserves.
Feature image: Mradul Pathak/ Wildlife SOS
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