Before she died of old age, one of our elephants was a marvelous artist! People who made large donations were given the opportunity to watch Gita do a painting. The way it was done was fun...they'd put different colors of paint and a brush on paper plates and Gita would decide which to use and how much of that color she wanted.
It was fun to see her looking intently at the brush as she applied the paint...sometimes, she'd paint the keepers holding the canvas!
She would lie down and patiently let children hose her off and brush her feet.
It was such a privilege to know her.
Now--back to the "herd" concept. Yes, to some degree, elephants will live in matriarchal herds. But they don't all like one another and some elephants choose to live alone. I don't know the situation this elephant was living in, but it may not have been in the least bit "lonely" for her to spend a few days in the artist's exhibit.
We all have to struggle with the very human trait of putting our emotions into animals' heads and lives. Sometimes, the very thing we think is true-- isn't.
My candle's burning at both ends, it will not last the night. But ah, my foes, and oh, my friends--It gives a lovely light!--Edna St. Vincent Millay
