Maggie enjoying a thorough dust bath

Maggie was outdoors when we arrived. A beautiful sunny day. Observed her for 1 1/2 hours. During that time she was quite active, doing elephant things! Besides dust bathing, she went down to the pond to drink and walked along the walk-way among the trees . . . she spent some time grazing in a grassy area in the far end of her exhibit. At one point, a keeper got her attention and Maggie trotted back down the walk-way to her. It's wonderful to see her connected to the sights, sounds and smells-- the rhythms--of the outdoors! Mother ducks with their little broods in tow were swimming about in the big pond.

While we are encouraged to see Maggie so active, we remain cautiously optimistic. Her face still looks gaunt and she has an air of distance about her. Probably only too happy to get away from the constant din of human visitors! We are relieved that she can heal from her horrific trauma in the fresh air and warm weather of summer.