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Monday Evening Kenya Update

December 15, 2025

Female African elephant Kenya has her ears out and there is a small amount of hay on the top of her headAfter Kenya’s morning treatment, she decided to go into the chute in the barn and stayed there comfortably for some time. This isn’t normal behavior for Kenya, and we’d been discussing possibly putting in an IV catheter (elephants tend to pull them out along with other issues that make it difficult). Earlier, we were concerned with the possibility of causing her stress when she was already experiencing breathing issues, since that could potentially make things worse. But she seemed to almost be telling us it was ok. Ultimately, we decided there was a significant benefit to Kenya,and if her disposition changed, we could always take out the IV catheter. 

Of course, she was a perfect princess throughout the whole process. Although her bloodwork didn’t indicate that she was dehydrated, we hooked her up to fluids. A significant benefit of this is that it allows us to administer some medications that are almost impossible to give any other way. We put up a tarp to give her shade and brought over a giant fan to make sure she stayed nice and cool.

Kenya spent the afternoon in the treatment chute, also receiving her other therapies (nebulization for her respiratory issues and laser therapy for her legs) while she was in place. We decided to place 2 straps underneath her belly, not holding her up, but hanging slightly loose in case she wanted to rest some of her weight; she’s clearly tired from not lying down. She leaned on them here and there, but never fully relaxed into them. Around dinner, she received the last of her treatments and the IV catheter was removed. We opened the barn so that she could walk out if she wanted, and she initially walked over to the mud wallow, but came back to the barn a little later. 

Her eyes show that she’s very tired, though they seemed brighter after her therapeutic afternoon, and her respirations have improved. There’s still a significant concern that she’s not lying down because of pain in her elbow, but we are taking things one step at a time. We’ll keep an eye on her over the cameras as usual, and we’ll visit her again tonight to check on her and offer her more food. Thank you for all of your comments of support; it means a lot to the care team–and we’re passing the love along to Kenya.

This picture of Kenya was taken a few days ago and shows her in a cute moment.

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Comments(25)

  1. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    December 15, 2025 at 5:53 pm

    Thank you for the update on Kenya. I pray she will recover from this unknown issue.❤️🐘

  2. REPLY
    Pam says
    December 15, 2025 at 5:54 pm

    Thank you for keeping us posted, and for taking such good care of our girl. Sending love and all the positive energy available ….

  3. REPLY
    Alice says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:04 pm

    Thank you for all you are doing for her and thank you for keeping us informed about her. We are all worried about her and want her to recover so she can enjoy the many years that she deserves at GSE.

  4. REPLY
    Shelley Wolinsky says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:09 pm

    I am so concerned with Kenya’s issues. I know you all are as well. Sendin hugs and white light to her and praying she gets better soon. Praying for you Kenny. From far away in the USA.

  5. REPLY
    Nancy says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:16 pm

    Thank you so much for keeping us updated. I know you’re doing everything possible. Prayers for her improvement.

  6. REPLY
    Ada says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:17 pm

    Sending you prayers of comfort baby girl. I pray you’ll get comfortable enough to get a much needed rest. So much gratitude to your care team. If we worry about you, I can’t imagine how they’re feeling. Sending virtual hugs to each and everyone of you who are caring for our much loved Kenya

  7. REPLY
    Cintia says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:26 pm

    What if you put a dirt mound like when they arrive?

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      December 15, 2025 at 6:29 pm

      We fluffed up the dirt and sand piles in her yards already, so she’d have some soft places to lie down. She’s always enjoyed sleeping in dirt piles, but she hasn’t been interested in the last couple of days.

  8. REPLY
    Suzanne Eaton says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:27 pm

    Sending love to the care team. I know you are all very concerned and doing everything you can to keep Kenya comfortable and back to good health.
    ❤️❤️❤️

  9. REPLY
    Sue says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:28 pm

    Thank you so much for your updates on our beloved Kenya. Continuing to send positive thoughts and prayers to all of you. Thank you for doing all you can to take care of her and keep her as comfortable as possible. Love all of you very much. ❤️🐘❤️

  10. REPLY
    Amy Bessen says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:30 pm

    Fingers crossed she gets better soon!

  11. REPLY
    Jeanine says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:34 pm

    Please get better Kenya.❤️

  12. REPLY
    Tammy says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:46 pm

    Sweet Kenya, I sure hope she gets some rest soon you know us ladies we always want to look our best! I’m happy she’s doing well all things considered and as you were saying Scott you will pass on a super big hug and lots of love to Kenya and the other beauty queens! All my love from cold snowy Minnesota 🙏🕊💞

  13. REPLY
    Zoi says
    December 15, 2025 at 6:56 pm

    Thank you! Thank you so much for the update and everything you do. There are so many beautiful beings around the world sending love to Kenya. She’ll be healthy soon. 💚🐘💚

  14. REPLY
    Terry says
    December 15, 2025 at 7:30 pm

    Sending as much Love, healing and Light to this incredible, resilient, and strong young lady. The care team at ESB is phenomenal. Trust in them sweet Kenya. Trust that you are so deeply loved …❤️❤️❤️

  15. REPLY
    Rocío says
    December 15, 2025 at 7:37 pm

    Mandando buenas energías 🥺 que se recupere pronto ♥️ está en excelentes manos.

  16. REPLY
    Sherry Panick says
    December 15, 2025 at 7:41 pm

    Sending you all strength and love from California. And of course, big big hugs for a big big girl. 🥰🥰🥰

  17. REPLY
    Doe Fowler says
    December 15, 2025 at 7:54 pm

    Sending light and love to the Care Team. Thank you for helping our Kenyasita with watchful care and compassionate, healing hands. To the GSE/GSB community, together we love Kenya and may Kenya feel the special vibes we send to her in Brazil from our homes around the world. Kenya, you are strong. You are special. You are loved. May healing angels be with you to provide you relief and comfort. All my heart with love!

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      December 15, 2025 at 7:56 pm

      Thank you ❤️

  18. REPLY
    Pamela Hall says
    December 15, 2025 at 8:07 pm

    Sweet girl. Praying for miracles for her and all you who care for her

  19. REPLY
    Elizabeth says
    December 15, 2025 at 9:45 pm

    Poor thing… I hope she (and all of you) are able to get some healing sleep.❤️❤️❤️

  20. REPLY
    Gina Garcia says
    December 15, 2025 at 11:08 pm

    Thanks so much for the evening update on sweet Kenya. I’m so glad she was cooperating with all her treatments. It really seems like she knows you’re only trying to help her and she wants to feel better. We will continue to pray for her. The airways will be crowded with all the healing and loving vibes coming her way. We are also so very thankful she is in the best place she can be for the care she needs. Hang in there sweet Kenya, we love you. 🙏♥️

  21. REPLY
    Bonnir says
    December 16, 2025 at 1:48 am

    Thanks for the update Sara isn’t there like some type of padding you all could put on her elbow so she can lay down maybe that’s really got to be uncomfortable I hope things get better with her elbow

  22. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    December 16, 2025 at 1:49 am

    Bonnie

  23. REPLY
    Wim says
    December 16, 2025 at 5:24 am

    Thank you for this detailed update. You’re truly being Kenya’s angel squad. Unbelievable heavy task with hopefully positive results. Wishing you all strength, love and courage to help her in this difficult period of her life. 🫶🐘🤗

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