Pupy Needs a Little Space

Female African elephants Kenya and Pupy stand behind a steel fence near the water trough

The morning after their first night sharing the same yard, Pupy and Kenya were spotted in Yard 1, both standing in Club Mud. Initially, they were side by side and then they separated, but they didn’t wander far from each other. The energy between them was nice and mellow and both left the mud wallow around the same time, heading toward the fence for their breakfast delivery. Caregivers encouraged them into the barn for their food so that all the yards in the habitat could be cleaned.

Once the elephants were done in the barn and the yards had been freshened up, we opened the gates between all of the yards; Pupy went into Yard 3 and Kenya into Yard 1. The two had access to each other, but they chose to remain separate for most of the morning and early afternoon. Around 2:30, Kenya walked into Yard 3 and spent time with Pupy near the water trough–a favorite place of hers. While at times they were side by side, hips touching, at other times Pupy would walk a fence post away, taking a break for a couple of minutes, and then returning. A little later, Pupy walked 3 fence posts away, looking as if she was contemplating leaving altogether, but returned to Kenya’s side.

By dinnertime, the girls had positioned themselves in the same spots in the yards where they began the day. We continued to leave the gates between them open, but they decided to have dinner in different areas: Kenya in Yard 1 and Pupy in Yard 2. By the time the caregivers got back to the office and checked the observation camera, both were in Yard 2.

Throughout the course of the entire afternoon, Pupy was demonstrating how space can create comfort. After a couple of hours with Kenya in the morning, Pupy may have been in need of some quiet to relax or decompress. Through vocal cues, posture, behavior, even sonic communications, Pupy somehow told Kenya she needed time on her own–and Kenya respected that request. If Pupy didn’t have the opportunity to walk away, she might be stressed and perhaps could be less likely to engage with Kenya. She will continue to heal and her friendship with Kenya can continue to grow, but Pupy needs to feel safe to be truly successful.

Photo of Kenya (left) and Pupy (right) at the water trough. Pupy was clearly feeling comfortable enough to share space with Kenya.

Comments(12)

Ada says
October 1, 2025 at 2:07 pm

These two are already friends💕 They may not hang out all the time, but they’re already communicating physically and verbally. I love the mutual respect they have for each other. That’s the best kind of friendship🥰
Bonnie Guerra says
October 1, 2025 at 2:21 pm

Beautiful
katherine says
October 1, 2025 at 2:23 pm

great post – well done !
Zoi Flores says
October 1, 2025 at 3:17 pm

One day all beings will experience freedom and respect to each other… meanwhile we are lucky to have loving people like you all guys. 💚🐘💚🐘
Barbara L Smith says
October 1, 2025 at 3:25 pm

I imagine after years of being trapped in that small space at the zoo with Kuky. Pupy needs time to work through maintaining independence, while sharing life with Kenya at GSE. I see Kenya is a star in being able to workout this situation with her.❤️❤️
Jeanine says
October 1, 2025 at 3:29 pm

Pupy like humans needs her space. I’m glad she can do what she wants.❤️❤️❤️
Carmen says
October 1, 2025 at 3:54 pm

There has been so much progress in just a short amount of time that I don’t see any actions or reactions as a negative. Even in the beginning of Kenya’s arrival, we saw Pupy watching from a distance on a daily basis. These precious moments we are witnessing are showing us how they are longing for companionship; one a little hesitant and one all in to have someone who looked like her from the get-go. So they are feeling each other out and that this is NOT a one-sided relationship in the making. BOTH are learning to read, talk and accommodate each other and they truly are wanting to have a friendship which is so obvious
These 2 wonderful African Queens are going to have such a deep friendship and this wouldn’t be happening without Scott, Kat and all of you at GSE. Love to you all!
- REPLY
  Sara says
  October 1, 2025 at 4:37 pm
  
  Absolutely! We’re proud of them both because they are each facing so much change with bravery. Kenya might be the most outwardly excited, but that doesn’t mean that she isn’t processing her own trauma. While we’re deeply saddened that Kuky wasn’t able to make the trip to sanctuary, that now gives Pupy the chance to discover who she is without the dominant Kuky alongside her. Because they’ve been isolated from other elephants, they may not necessarily be communicating perfectly, but they’re both learning what they need to heal and walking that path at their own pace.
Doe says
October 1, 2025 at 5:08 pm

Beautiful and remarkable relationship between our African 🐘 friends. TY for all you do ESB team! 💛
Harry says
October 1, 2025 at 6:27 pm

E muito interessante seguir o desenvolvimento das personalidades das duas, à medida que vão retomando o reconhecimento de suas vidas na natureza, o que, certamente, deve estar guardado no inconsciente ou em seu DNA de alguma forma. Torcendo por elas, já que acompanho Kenya desde sua preparação na Argentina.
Maria José says
October 2, 2025 at 8:26 am

Muito obrigada! Beautiful, step by step. It is surprising and yet, so good to know about their ways. Muito obrigada pelo texto e a foto! Love, Maria José
Beji says
October 2, 2025 at 11:58 am

I love “breakfast delivery”!! Sounds like room service to me!! You go, girls!!

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