Nhi Linh is a first-time mom, and it is clear she has conflicted feelings about her calf. On one hand, she shows interest in Linh Mai and responds whenever she vocalizes. On the other, she does not appear comfortable with the interaction and proximity to her daughter. Sometimes, she shows her discomfort by displaying frustration and aggression towards her calf.  

When that happens, Bozie—an experienced mother and the dominant female of their herd—steps in to guide those interactions. If Nhi Linh acts up, Bozie shows her displeasure by nudging Nhi Linh with her foot, cutting in front of her to push her back, or slapping her tail on her own leg. The message seems to come through loud and clear, as Nhi Linh then stops displaying those behaviors.  

Based on these interactions, it seems Bozie will play a pivotal role in facilitating Linh Mai’s introductions to Nhi Linh and Trong Nhi.  This past week, we gave all three adult females — Bozie, Trong Nhi and Nhi Linh — access to three sides of the calf’s enclosure, creating multiple opportunities for close proximity under protected conditions—that is, with a safety barrier between them.Â