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Sunday Smile: Pupy’s Good Days

October 12, 2025

Pupy was the kind of elephant whose eyes could pull you in, and you sensed that there was a deep well of emotion inside. She was instantly curious and searched out the sanctuary for anything and everything new. Mud was miraculous and trees were no longer a faraway thing that she couldn’t reach. We never know how much time any elephant will have at sanctuary, and certainly Pupy deserved more than just a few short months. But, as we’ve said in the past, even one day at sanctuary can change a life. Pupy wasn’t able to escape what decades of captivity did, but she was remarkably successful in embracing a new life and a new sister in Kenya. Though we are heartbroken, we’re honored that we were able to witness Pupy open up to the world and welcome a relationship with another elephant who cared for her just as she was. 

It might feel a little harder to smile this Sunday, but we will reflect back on Pupy and her beautiful spirit–Pupy who gave so much to so many that she never even met. Her life stands as an example of why we must continue to advocate for elephants in captivity. Her journey to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil is a testament to her extraordinary will to survive and find a way out of somewhere she never should have been in the first place. Her story illustrates why all of us believe that sanctuary is necessary, urgent, and the best way to protect the lives of such miraculous beings. 

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Comments(29)

  1. REPLY
    Richard Chiger says
    October 12, 2025 at 2:14 pm

    Your email sounds like Pupy died. Is that true, I certainly hope not.

  2. REPLY
    June H. says
    October 12, 2025 at 2:16 pm

    This is a beautiful tribute to Pupy — it brought tears to my eyes. ❤️🐘❤️

  3. REPLY
    Kenneth B. Newman says
    October 12, 2025 at 2:41 pm

    So what about other captive elephants who live in UGLY conditions in South America? Can they be brought to GSE?

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 12, 2025 at 3:33 pm

      We are always working with multiple organizations and individuals to bring more elephants to sanctuary. It can take time and lots of conversations, agreements, court orders, and more. But, yes, we are actively working on bringing more elephants to GSE.

  4. REPLY
    Anne Knight says
    October 12, 2025 at 2:44 pm

    I’m so grateful for the time Pupy had in freedom at Sanctuary and the friend she make there, all thanks to your beautiful work.

  5. REPLY
    Mônica Biaggi says
    October 12, 2025 at 2:46 pm

    She deserved moments of freedom. She was , is special and I’m sure she left this world happily.

  6. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    October 12, 2025 at 2:54 pm

    This is heartbreaking. Thank you for Pupy’s rescue and care. She had a wonderful few months to enjoy freedom to know love and met a friend Kenya. Rest in eternal peace Pupy, you were loved.❤️🌹

  7. REPLY
    Nelson Courser says
    October 12, 2025 at 3:22 pm

    Yes today is a sad day and das after. Great Gal..she endured much – always in my mind! Perhaps someday I will be fortunate enough to meet her 🙂

  8. REPLY
    Wim says
    October 12, 2025 at 3:35 pm

    We never know how heavy the burden is for elephants escaping captivity. Pupy really gave without taking, as only extraordinary souls can do. All elephants matter, and they all are exceptionally equipped with multiple virtues. This was a short but wonderful voyage, these months with Pupy.
    Countless blessings to everyone who made this possible. Strength and courage. 🫶🐘🤗💚

  9. REPLY
    Pauline Forbes says
    October 12, 2025 at 3:43 pm

    THank you once again for loving her!!!!

  10. REPLY
    Jeanine says
    October 12, 2025 at 4:04 pm

    I am grateful for all of the sanctuaries around the globe that save all of the animals. R.I.P. dear Pupy.🐘❤️

  11. REPLY
    Renee Killian-Zeiger says
    October 12, 2025 at 4:30 pm

    Are there any other female Africans that you could sanctuary at ESB? So heartbroken about Pupy and also sad that Kenya currently has no other African to possibly bond with after decades of being alone. Not that a new to sanctuary elephant would automatically have bond with Kenya.

  12. REPLY
    Patricia Richardson says
    October 12, 2025 at 4:31 pm

    Thank you, Sanctuary Team, as your hearts are heavy, thank you for your kindness and strength and love that you gave to Pupy, and to us, your followers, then and now.

  13. REPLY
    Ada says
    October 12, 2025 at 4:41 pm

    We’re all grieving together for the loss of you sweet Pupy. You will forever be missed my ‘adopted’ ele. You are the reason I follow GSE and why I donate. I’ll never leave GSE because of you. Rest easy my sweet girl. Sending GSE and Kenya tight hugs and so much love

  14. REPLY
    Norma Hudson says
    October 12, 2025 at 4:44 pm

    Pupy got to experience what an elephant’s life should be like in the few months she was there. Thank you for letting her experience pushing over trees and bathing in mud.

  15. REPLY
    Terry says
    October 12, 2025 at 5:57 pm

    It seems to me that Pocha was only at sanctuary for a period of 5 months, if I recall correctly. It seems that once our rescued girls, whether medically compromised or emotionally compromised, or both, perceive themselves as safe, cared for, and deeply loved and “at home” at sanctuary, they can sufficiently exhale to release their troubled bodies and minds to find peace in the infinite forever. Pupy had so many firsts in her short time at sanctuary Brazil. I am happy she did. I grieve the loss of this kind, gentle, and very patient soul. I grieve with my sanctuary family.

  16. REPLY
    Lorelei Lacey says
    October 12, 2025 at 6:03 pm

    Sitting here. thousands of miles away from and never having touched or smelled her, this news hit me like a punch in the gut. I can only imagine how hard it hit her caregivers and I’m so sorry for it. Sorry for us all, that we witness, yet again, the destruction of beauty by the negligence and selfishness of man. I wish for a day when we learn the lessons before having the repercussions. Rest in Peace our sweet girl. I’m trying to take comfort in the fact you knew love at least for a short time.

  17. REPLY
    Cynthia Zimmermann says
    October 12, 2025 at 6:26 pm

    I’m totally distraught with the tragic news. Pupy was a joy to watch during her all too brief time at GSE. Her life in Brazil was torture and try as hard as she did, she couldn’t overcome the physical and emotional damage that occurred. She walked determinedly out of her crate and into millions of hearts around the world. In her six months with you, she spread joy and love to us all. Thank goodness her suffering is over and she’s at peace, I’m devastated for Kenya’s loss. I’m hoping that in the future, GSE will rescue another female African ellie to give her a second chance at companionship and affection. Thanks for sharing the profound photo of Kenya guarding Pupy. I’ll never get it out of my mind. Sending my deep appreciation and sincere condolences to all of you at GSE.

  18. REPLY
    Johnny says
    October 12, 2025 at 7:20 pm

    Thank you for your commitment to change elephants’ lives. You are changing the world.

  19. REPLY
    JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
    October 12, 2025 at 7:57 pm

    My heart is heavy when I think of the years Pupy could have enjoyed with Kenya by her side. Pupy endeared herself to thousands of people watching her journey to freedom and GSE. We rejoiced when she FINALLY 😊 stepped out of her cage. We rejoiced watching her explore in the luscious greenery and soft earth which must have seemed like paradise to her. We rejoiced watching her finally trust Kenya and start to learn how to be a friend. Pupy, once again demonstrates how important and life saving for Zoos to release these sentient, intelligent elephants before their health deteriorates beyond repair. Pupy and ALL captive elephants deserve better from humans. Thank you, thank you Global Sanctuary for Elephants for your tender, thoughtful, loving and expert care for Pupy. My condolences to Scott, Kat and the staff that must be devastated as well as the thousands that loved her. ❤️🐘💕

  20. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    October 13, 2025 at 1:19 am

    How is Kenya and the other girls doing

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 13, 2025 at 10:30 am

      Kenya is doing as well as can be expected. She’s rumbling some but seems a little bit down. We’ll update everyone on how she’s doing after she’s had some time to sit with everything that’s happened.

  21. REPLY
    Maggie Shrimpton says
    October 13, 2025 at 5:48 am

    Pupy I’m heartbroken to hear you have passed away. You were a wonderful girl, you embraced your life at Sanctuary. I’m thankful you did know freedom to do whatever you wanted to do. You will be sadly missed sweetheart. RIP lovely girl. I hope you’re reunited with Kuky now and both your souls are running free together. I will miss you so much.

  22. REPLY
    Lynne Russert says
    October 13, 2025 at 9:03 am

    An angel gone way too soon. It hurts she only had 6 months of bliss, but I’m so grateful she got to spend them with you. 💔💔💔

  23. REPLY
    Anma says
    October 13, 2025 at 11:47 am

    Let us all stand together to give our elephants freedom to express there emotion and run free without fear and cruelty let us remove there chains and set them free. 3rrthankyou to GSE and all it’s supporters to creae a safe environment may we continue to learn about these majestic spirited animals Goodbye Pupy your spirit will Lwayz li ve goodbye beautiful girl x.xx

  24. REPLY
    Doe Fowler says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:38 pm

    Thank you for this heartfelt message, Sara. Your “even one day at sanctuary can change a life” connected with me, as I was thinking about this too. Because Princess Pupy was liberated this year by the team, she was able to experience many days of life in the wild once again. Peace and comfort to all of the GSE community as we grieve together. Love from Florida, USA.

  25. REPLY
    Julie says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:44 pm

    Thank you, Hailey. This beautiful tribute was much needed in our home and made us feel a little better. Thanks again!

  26. REPLY
    Julie says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:46 pm

    I hope there are other female African elephants that can be brought to sanctuary soon, for their sake, as well as Kenya’s!

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