A Sweet Rumble From Kenya

October 22, 2025

Many of you have been asking for videos of Kenya, since you know she’s been processing a lot. As you have probably read, sometimes she is a little sensitive to cameras, so we try to be mindful of when we take photos or videos. It may change her mood or she might feel like we’re concentrating on her through a lens, rather than truly being present and in the moment. Lately, she’s been having ups and downs and you can tell when she’s showing us she needs a little more attention or affection, and we are happy to give that when she requests it.

Yesterday, she was having a lighter afternoon and we felt like it would be a good time to capture a happier moment. Kenya made one of her silly foghorn noises and then a long, deep rumble when her caregiver arrived. Her joyful spirit still shines through, even in her sad times.

Comments(14)

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Susan martin says
October 22, 2025 at 2:08 pm

Sounded like a wonderful greeting
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Barbara L Smith says
October 22, 2025 at 2:28 pm

It must be a very difficult and sad time for Kenya. At last she had a companion and budding friend for the first time in her life. Then the friend dies. So sad, I am sure Kenya will carry that brief time of friendship always in her memory. I am so sorry sweet girl.
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Wim says
October 22, 2025 at 2:42 pm

Chin up, dearest Kenya. We all stand together, especially in difficult times. Blessings. 🫶🐘🤗🍉
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Jeanine says
October 22, 2025 at 3:48 pm

Will you be rescuing another African elephant to keep her company? I feel sorry for her loss of Pupy.💔
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  Sara says
  October 22, 2025 at 4:01 pm
  
  There are many elephants still in need, including African elephants. But it can take years of negotiations and legal intervention to get them home. It’s uncommon for an organization like a zoo or circus to willingly give up an elephant to sanctuary, since they are generally considered big money makers. Once people understand that sanctuary provides significant space, natural world, and specialized care, they come to believe that zoos just aren’t appropriate environments for elephants. But we are constantly working on things behind the scenes.
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Ada says
October 22, 2025 at 4:19 pm

I so appreciate that you give her the space she needs esp during this difficult time. As much as I’d love to see tons of videos of her, it’s not about me. It’s always about giving her the respect she deserves. Sending Kenya and your team virtual hugs🥰
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Doe says
October 22, 2025 at 4:52 pm

Kenya seems sad! Praying for you all as you all process the changes. Haven’t heard from Scott in a while. Praying for you! Kenya needs us! Sending love!
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Susan Runge says
October 22, 2025 at 5:48 pm

💖🐘 I love Kenya. Thank you for helping her… & all the girls!

Have you considered a GoPro or similar headmount camera that you can attach to a hat? You would be able to film her without stopping so she wouldn’t see a change in your behavior and likely wouldn’t even notice. Perhaps halting & focusing on her all of a sudden to film is what confuses her. There are small versions & knockoffs for head, chest or necklace mount; some even go on on eyeware glasses. You’d remain hands free to do work work with them. I’m sure some footage would be lost in motion but you’d likely catch quite a lot from which to choose select short or longer clips, while not drawing attention to the filming to Kenya & all the girls. I’d imagine it would be business as usual as far as their concern.
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  Sara says
  October 22, 2025 at 5:55 pm
  
  One of the reasons we don’t film longer videos is that it creates a mental/emotional barrier between caregiver and elephant that might not be immediately evident–and the caregiver might not even be conscious of it–but if the caregiver is in any way focusing on anything but the elephant, then the elephant will notice. Many of the girls, like Kenya and Rana, don’t want to cooperate or interact if you aren’t 100% present with them. And elephants are incredibly smart and very sensitive. We wouldn’t put it past them to figure out what was going on! I’m not saying it will never happen, but right now when Kenya is especially sensitive, we don’t want to jeopardize the trust she’s put in us.
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Carol says
October 22, 2025 at 5:59 pm

Poor baby…😍😍😍
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Bonnie says
October 23, 2025 at 12:32 am

Kenya will be ok it takes time Sara what has Kenya been doing during the night when she’s all alone do you all check on her
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  Sara says
  October 23, 2025 at 12:46 am
  
  We check on her around 10 and then through the observation camera. She likes to lie down in the soft dirt piles. In the morning we can see the impression of her body in the dirt from the night before.
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Richard Chiger says
October 23, 2025 at 10:29 am

I had suggested letting Kenya meet the Asian elephants and become part of their group, if she chooses to do so. Nobody answered me. There are so many places, including sanctuaries, that have Asians and Africans together and they become great friends. I don’t understand why this can be at the Global Sanctuary. Just because they are different genus and species does not mean that they cannot be companions. I don’t believe there are any other African elephants in the offing for her.
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  Kara says
  October 23, 2025 at 2:00 pm
  
  Thank you for your comment. We do our best to answer every question, and I’m sorry that yours was missed. We have seen far too many conflicts arise when Asian and African elephants cohabitate. Interactions may be benign for years before physical conflict occurs, but injuries and fatalities happen frequently. This has occurred at many different facilities, and we have determined the risk is simply too great.

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