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How’s Kenya Doing Today?

October 15, 2025

Female African elephant Kenya stands in front of a line of green trees in front of an orange sunset

Many of you have inquired about how Kenya is doing since Pupy’s passing and, honestly, she’s been a bit subdued. She has been quieter than normal–still rumbling, but not her usual boisterous self, which makes complete sense in this situation. This morning, she was somewhat slow to come to the fence, walking a few feet and stopping, then walking a few more feet. Eventually, one of her caregivers went over to her and asked her, “Do you want to talk for a little while?” and Kenya put her face against the fence and rumbled for more than 30 seconds. We comforted her and she stayed with us for a little while, making the occasional rumble every now and then. 

While we’re all sad, we know that Kenya is experiencing something we can’t truly understand. Certainly, many people are concerned about her being alone and, though humans are no substitute for another elephant, her caregivers will be very attentive and do their best to nurture her spirit. Just as when Pupy lost Kuky, perhaps having some time to herself will help Kenya process her loss, but she will be under constant care. For those who have asked, we are always in conversation with different people and various organizations to bring more elephants to sanctuary. Although most elephants do best with other elephants, bringing another elephant to sanctuary won’t be an immediate healing experience. Like anyone, Kenya will need space and time to be ready for a new relationship. Sometimes it can take years and court intervention before an elephant can finally make their way home to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, and our hope is that we will be able to welcome another African elephant in the future. There’s no timeline, as we learned long ago that there are so many variables involved in moving an elephant to sanctuary. Thank you for your thoughtful notes and messages. Your love is reverberating through the sanctuary. 

We will be opening a memorial space and holding a Celebration of Life on Facebook Live and YouTube, Saturday, October 18th, at 11 a.m. EDT / 3 p.m. UTC. Please feel welcomed to drop in anytime to listen to music and look at photos of her. We will read her eulogy and some of your tributes at 12 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. UTC. The link to view her eulogy and leave a tribute is here: https://globalelephants.org/in-memory-of-Pupy/

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Comments(18)

  1. REPLY
    Zoi Flores says
    October 15, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    Thank you for your unconditional love to Kenyasita. Our hearts are undoubtedly heavy with sorrow, yet at the same time, brimming with gratitude.

  2. REPLY
    Wim says
    October 15, 2025 at 2:34 pm

    Dearest Kenya, sending strength and courage to heal your dramatic trauma. This must be a very difficult period for everyone at the Sanctuary.
    Now it’s the moment, to watch how strong your interaction is, let it grow. Hopefully tomorrow brings new dreams and friendship.
    Thank you for creating miracles. 🙏

    • REPLY
      Bonnie Guerra says
      October 15, 2025 at 8:00 pm

      Dear sweet Kenya the world is praying for you right now during this difficult time glad you had a while with Pupy who loved you stay strong God bless you

  3. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    October 15, 2025 at 2:41 pm

    It must be very hard for Kenya. She was alone at the zoo. When she finally met Pupy at GSE, a friendship began to develop. Now she is alone again. At least Kenya has humans around who love and care for her.❤️

  4. REPLY
    Ada says
    October 15, 2025 at 2:50 pm

    Oh Kenya.! I hope you know so many of us are grieving with you and thinking about you. If only we all can give you lots of hugs…you are so loved sweet girl. And yes, I agree. Just like humans, she needs time and space to grieve. I know GSE team, albeit grieving too, are watching out for you dear Kenya.

  5. REPLY
    Tammy says
    October 15, 2025 at 2:52 pm

    Oh boy, losing an elephant is so hard for us but it’s much more painful for those close in that inner circle. I’m so sorry for what you’re all going through I’m even more so for the elephants having rough lives to begin with then sadly trying to understand what has happened and why? I so wish your rescues wouldnt take so much time tied up in paperwork from hell! In these cases time is crucial for these precious elephants the clock is ticking faster and faster. I hope to hear how those rocks got into her tummy and why too very strange for sure. Sending love and healing vibes to you all from Minnesota take care 🐘🙏💞🕊🪷🦋

  6. REPLY
    Richard Chiger says
    October 15, 2025 at 3:38 pm

    I had asked about letting Kenya socialize with the Asian elephants. That practice is not uncommon, and it would be so much better to give her that choice rather than being alone. I never got an answer about that. I am totally aware that they are a different species and they have different habits, but I think it is really something to consider. I know of several instances where and African and Asian elephant have been best buddies.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 15, 2025 at 3:44 pm

      We’re aware that other facilities have other practices, but we do what we feel is best based on experience. Even gentle Pupy and Mara had conflict and had to be separated, and knowing them now you wouldn’t expect that would be true. We’re going to continue working to bring new elephants, including African elephants, to sanctuary with the long-term goal of finding a companion for Kenya.

  7. REPLY
    Alida says
    October 15, 2025 at 4:49 pm

    I didn’t know Pupy was sick, the fact that she suddenly died has hit me so hard, it’s like a bad dream that I can’t seem to wake up from. If I’m feeling this way and I never met Pupy, I can’t imagine how Kenya is feeling 🥹 to finally have a friend and to then lose her friend so quickly and having to watch her new friend die, must be crushing for Kenya, I am heartbroken for her 💔 and there is no prospect of Kenya having a new friend anytime soon 😔Stay strong sweet Kenya, love you so much 🐘❤️ thank you for taking extra care of our beautiful girl, she deserves it.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 15, 2025 at 4:58 pm

      Kenya had been exhibiting gastrointestinal issues for some days, but had been eating well and taking her medicine. A necropsy was done and we’ll share those results once we get them.

      • SK says
        October 15, 2025 at 11:53 pm

        I think you meant to say Pupy not Kenya.

    • REPLY
      Bonnie says
      October 16, 2025 at 3:17 am

      Sara you all do your best Kenya probably feels confused maybe lost wright now I’m just guessing

      • Sara says
        October 16, 2025 at 7:37 am

        Thank you. Kenya is still eating well and her weight is nicely within the healthy range. Sometimes she just leaves her food until later or she might pick at it for a while, but she still eats.

  8. REPLY
    Susan martin says
    October 15, 2025 at 4:56 pm

    So sad for everyone at sanctuary and Kenya
    Terrible blow when things seemed to be going well xxx

  9. REPLY
    June H. says
    October 15, 2025 at 4:56 pm

    Sending love and comfort to Kenya. ❤️🐘❤️ Tears 😢 in my eyes again reading another one of your thoughtful posts after the loss of Pupy. 💔

  10. REPLY
    Doe Fowler says
    October 16, 2025 at 1:41 pm

    Dear Kenya & Caregivers, you have each other to comfort one another AND love and support from the entire GSE Herd (albeit from a distance). All my love from Florida, USA.

  11. REPLY
    Bev says
    October 17, 2025 at 2:07 pm

    We must get her another friend. She was alone all those years and now she is alone again.

  12. REPLY
    Finn Jørgensen Lock says
    October 21, 2025 at 5:33 pm

    Kenya 💖💖💖

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