Be My Valentine –

Or At Least My Friend

Scotland’s only elephant is lonely and with February 14th looming with all that St Valentine’s Day entails we should not only remember our loved one, but those who are without that special companion. On such is Mondula, who is usually known as Mondy, and who is without a companion.  Mondy is an elephant ‘of a certain age’ and she’s lonely. Her last companion Toto, another female, died last March and Mondy has been pining ever since.

Last Elephant Standing

Blair Drummond Safari Park near Stirling is Mondy’s home and they have launched a search to find the lonely pachyderm a friend. Now elephants don’t form huge attachments to other elephants unless they are part of the same family group, but they are social animals and need the contact with others of their species. The two elephants, Mondy and Tot, were together for some 20 years and they grew incredibly accustomed to each other.

 Put Out a Trunk Call

Elephants are very intelligent animals and are fairly long lived. Even in the dreich and so it will be a stroke of fortune to get another elephant this far north. You might even say it’s a mammoth task.  In my mind’s eye I can see the classified ad now, “Cheeky and clever lady elephant seeks companion for life’s journey with slightly bossy older female.  Must like Scottish weather. Trunk calls accepted.”

The park is in contact with zoos all over Europe to find the right friend for the elephant. Mondy’s new companion will need to be an older African elephant which recognises the creature’s dominant nature. She’s on home turf and the incomer will have to accept it. The new companion will be introduced to her gradually, with the pair initially being kept in separate parts in their newly built elephant enclosure.

Be Our Valentine

It only seems like yesterday when I was writing about St Valentine’s Day in 2016 and so I know it is easy to forget. It just rolls round so quickly. It never seems like a full year. So the first rule is don’t forget it.  The second rule is to buy something thoughtful. The third rule is buy it ahead of time and don’t leave it to a last minute rush. Let me guide you to some of our choicest offerings to help you show your true feelings to the ones you love

https://www.jamespirie.com/occasions/valentine-s-day-gifts.html?p=4