Monday Morning With Kenya

Female African elephant Kenya looks right while surrounded by tall green grasses and trees

Kenya met the sunrise today with sleepy eyes and a tired looking body. She ate well at her late-night meal last night, but she seemed a little weary, and she seems even more so this morning. She’s not really interested in breakfast this morning. We have not seen the improvement we would want with her breathing, so we are adding a new broad-spectrum antibiotic to her treatment regimen, hoping for a better response.

As we mentioned in our PM update last night, there is a concern that Kenya hasn’t been lying down to get any rest. Last week, when it became apparent that her right elbow was giving her trouble, we fluffed up her dirt and sand piles so they would be easier for her to rest on without lying all of the way down, but we’ve seen none of the body prints that we sometimes find when she’s been sleeping there. We also haven’t seen her lie down when we’re watching on the camera.

Sometimes when an elephant stops lying down, it can be because they’re concerned they might not be able to stand up again; this is something we’ve seen in a number of other elephants in our history with captive elephants. Unfortunately, with her being sick, she needs the rest. She does seem calm and settled this morning, so we will continue to go about her care and treatments. We’ll try to update again later in the day, but we wanted to post a note for everyone who has been so concerned about her wellbeing. Thanks for sending your positive energy. We’re all grateful for it.

This photo of Kenya, taken last week, shows her out in the habitat surrounded by greenery.

Comments(20)

B says
December 15, 2025 at 10:26 am

I know you are doing your very best for Kenya but I have to ask since Pupy passed away are you really set up for African elephants to live there? Are all the vegetation edible for them? Again, I know you are doing your very best. Please don’t misunderstand me. I just loved Pupy with all my heart and as I am typing I have tears and since Kenya arrived I feel the same about her. It’s because I care so deeply that I have to ask. Was Pupy and now Kenya the only two African elephants that we have had there?
All my prayers are focused on my Kenya! I have adopted every elephant there and do love them all.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 15, 2025 at 10:36 am
  
  This doesn’t seem to have anything to do with anything she could have eaten at sanctuary. Her respiratory problems could be coming from a few different places, but that wouldn’t have anything to do with the vegetation. Her joint problems have been around likely for decades. As much as we want sanctuary to heal elephants completely, it can be hard to overcome decades of captivity. Kenya is staying strong right now and we’re working closely with our vet team, so we will update when we have more information.
Jeanine says
December 15, 2025 at 10:31 am

Poor Kenya. Thank you for taking such good care of her. 🙏❤️
Suzanne Eaton says
December 15, 2025 at 10:50 am

Kenya, you are loved worldwide and we are praying for you. Our hearts are broken to hear you are not well. ❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏
Thank you GSE for the update.
Harry says
December 15, 2025 at 10:55 am

A condição de saúde dela vem me deixando muito preocupado. Sei que vocês não estão negligenciado os cuidados possíveis e necessários, mas é como se fosse alguém da família. Continuo, assim como outros, a mentalizar o máximo de energias positivas e aguardar um bom desfecho para essa situação. Agradeço as atualizações sobre essa menina.
Eileen L. says
December 15, 2025 at 11:01 am

Sweet Kenya…you have so many people wishing you well! ♥
Barbara L Smith says
December 15, 2025 at 11:05 am

I am praying for Kenya may she spend many healthy years among us. I pray you discover and improve Kenya’s ailments. God Bless.🙏🏽🐘❤️
Ada says
December 15, 2025 at 11:06 am

Praying that you’ll feel better soon sweet girl. So many of us are worried about you, but I’m full of hope that you’ll be back to how you were, active and happy. Sending you lots of hugs Kenya🥰
Wim says
December 15, 2025 at 11:56 am

What a difficult situation for everyone. Hopefully she can get some rest, so essential for her recovery. I’m sure she’ll keep on fighting. Love, strength and resilience, dear brave Kenya. 🫶🐘🤗
- REPLY
  Sandie says
  December 15, 2025 at 6:27 pm
  
  I think one of your caregivers should sing her one of your quite beautiful prayers 🙏
  - Sara says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:31 pm
    
    They’ve been talking to her all day, but sometimes they might keep a moment or two to themselves, shared just between caregiver and elephant. So who knows what they’re saying?
Cheryl Gern says
December 15, 2025 at 12:24 pm

Beautiful Kenya, you are surrounded by love. I pray all that love will help you heal.
Rae says
December 15, 2025 at 12:32 pm

Sending healing love and prayers for Kenya’s recovery. C’mon Big Beautiful Baby Girl, you can do this.
J Johnson @jmjinsincity 🇺🇸 says
December 15, 2025 at 1:19 pm

This is so distressing. I am so hoping we will not lose another African Queen.

Pupy’s loss was devastating. The positive aspect to Pupy’s passing was she was able to have joy living out of captivity & in freedom with autonomy making her own decisions. She was able to connect with Kenya & have a sister by her side at the end 💔🌈

Pupy also lit up the world when she traveled to Sanctuary & enlightened so many new fans to the plight of captive elephants. She was magical & an influential force 🪄 Then another magical elephant arrived, Kenya, who was another force of nature. 🐘🐘

I do believe the long-term damage done through years of captivity both mentally, but especially physically, can perhaps result in insurmountable health issues.

Sending nothing but good wishes & positive elephant vibrations to all at GSE/ESB. Kenya is young & I am so hoping she will recover & have many years ahead of her.🤞❤️
Joey says
December 15, 2025 at 2:37 pm

OMG! Please don’t let anything happen to our beautiful Kenya. How long before the new medicine takes effect? Please don’t let anything happen to her. We can’t lose her as well as Pupy. It’s just not right. I love them so much.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 15, 2025 at 2:54 pm
  
  It’s not an instantaneous thing with antibiotics but the NSAIDS are already in her system.
Alida says
December 15, 2025 at 5:43 pm

Hi Sara, do we know what is causing Kenya to not be breathing normally? I apologise if this question has been asked before, also you answered someone’s question on IG that she’s in obvious pain from the leg, is there something she can be given to alleviate the pain and hopefully she can lie down and rest? Again, apologies for these questions, thanks so much for all you’re doing for Kenya, she’s very much loved ❤️🐘❤️
- REPLY
  Sara says
  December 15, 2025 at 5:55 pm
  
  Always feel free to ask questions. We’ll do what we can to answer. We don’t know the cause of her respiratory issues, no. And she’s receiving steroids, anti-inflammatory meds, antibiotics and pain medication. And of course a natural supplement for digestive assistance.
  - Bonnie says
    December 16, 2025 at 1:00 am
    
    Kenya hope you feel better soon and Sara how are the other girls doing
Zoi says
December 15, 2025 at 6:44 pm

Prayers for her speedy recovery. May darling Kenya live a long and happy life in the sanctuary. 💚🐘

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