WANDA'S HAPPY AT NEW HOME; WINKY'S WARY

April 13, 2005

BY HUGH MCDIARMID JR.
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Wanda, Detroit's adventurous elephant, was still sleeping, drinking and grazing in the Ark 2000 elephant sanctuary's 45-acre meadow Tuesday afternoon.

She had not returned to the barn since her release Sunday morning, said Ark 2000 founder Pat Derby.

"She's got everything she needs for survival out there, and I think she knows it," Derby said.

Her Motown pal, Winky the timid elephant, has ventured into a grassy area frequently, but has not gathered the courage to join Wanda: "Winky doesn't seem very stressed about it. I think they're in communication with each other. She knows Wanda's nearby."

Wanda's embrace of freedom is a mixed blessing. On one hand she clearly enjoys it, swimming in a pond and laying down in the soft grasses to sleep. On the other hand, keepers are unable to give her pain and anti-inflammatory medications. The sanctuaries' six other elephants typically return to their barn at night.

"We are going to make a concerted effort to get Wanda back tonight," Derby said Tuesday from the sanctuary about 70 miles southeast of Sacramento, Calif. "We're gathering up her favorite things to try and lure her," including popcorn and bagels.

--see updated Photo Gallery