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Kenya Considers Pupy’s Food

October 7, 2025

Female African elephant Kenya faces the horizon with a mouthful of alfalfa hay, with another stack of hay in front of herBased on what we’ve seen from Pupy and Kenya during their meals, we figured that they wouldn’t have too many issues “sharing” their neighbor’s food. (Guille and Maia have been guilty of this in the past.) But, since everyone is still in the getting-to-know-you phase, we’re placing their food piles a comfortable distance apart, so everyone can concentrate on their own snacks and feel safe while doing it.

This morning at breakfast, Pupy was in Yard 2 and Kenya was in Yard 1. Pupy’s energy was calm and settled, and she decided she was comfortable having her meal near Kenya. They both settled in Yard 1 while caregivers did their daily poop pick-up in the neighboring yards. The two elephants positioned themselves together along the fence to enthusiastically greet the caregivers who came bearing lots of goodies. 

Pupy often eats calmly and like a lady, Kenya tends to eat at more of a scarfing speed. This morning, Kenya seemed to be keeping an eye on Pupy’s nearby pile of food. Kenya picked up a bite of her own alfalfa and slowly edged closer to Pupy, maybe considering some of Pupy’s grain; Pupy picked up a quick trunkful and seemed to be thinking about walking away, taking a couple of small steps. Caregivers offered Pupy some encouragement and she stayed at her spot. Eventually, Kenya turned away slightly and walked toward the water trough, seeking out a drink to wash down her breakfast. That seemed to make Pupy more comfortable and she finished her last few mouthfuls. All was calm and no one had a strong reaction to the other–but we will keep an eye on them as they continue to get used to each other’s behaviors and mannerisms. 

Photo of Kenya looking into the woods with a pile of alfalfa hay in front of her

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Comments(11)

  1. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    October 7, 2025 at 2:56 pm

    Kenya, I believe Pupy is wise to you, eyeing her breakfast.🥰

  2. REPLY
    Sue says
    October 7, 2025 at 3:06 pm

    I laughed out loud at the mention of ‘scarfing speed’ as I can totally relate to that myself! 🤣🤣🤣 Loving the ongoing status of the Girl’s getting to know each other, appreciate the updates so much! ❤️🐘❤️

  3. REPLY
    Ada says
    October 7, 2025 at 3:16 pm

    Yay for not taking Pupy’s share Kenya! That was a lot of self control and you do amazing🥰

  4. REPLY
    Yasmin says
    October 7, 2025 at 3:16 pm

    Thank you for sharing these lovely snapshots of life at the sanctuary. They are the first thing I read when I open my email. I love learning about the progress of these two African elephants and the Asian other girls as well.

    • REPLY
      Harry says
      October 8, 2025 at 9:17 am

      That’s what I do also. The peaceful life of these girls always bring the same mindset to me!

  5. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says
    October 7, 2025 at 3:43 pm

    I love these “sharing” of meals. 💚🐘💚🐘

  6. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    October 7, 2025 at 4:10 pm

    A huge passing grade for Kenya!! Love watching the progress these two beauties are making.❤️🐘🐘

  7. REPLY
    Sharon Klesse says
    October 7, 2025 at 5:42 pm

    So cute!!!

  8. REPLY
    Alida says
    October 7, 2025 at 10:19 pm

    I love reading these posts, I learn so much about the lovely girls at the Sanctuary and its beautiful to witness the way the relationship is evolving between Pupy and Kenya ❤️🐘🐘❤️ at their own pace ✨

  9. REPLY
    Richard Chiger says
    October 11, 2025 at 10:09 am

    How tall are Kenya and Pupy? I know that African bush males are very tall, but the females are often usually not too much taller than Asians.

  10. REPLY
    Beji says
    October 11, 2025 at 12:55 pm

    ” poop pick up”…. a job I would gladly do-do(ha) to spend time with the girls. How about a fundraiser and the highest bidder gets to spend a day on poop patrol??

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