A Look at Pupy From Above

It’s sometimes hard to picture the size of the different habitats without a view from above. We’ve been able to share some drone footage of the female Asian habitat, but now we’re able to let you see what the sanctuary looks like to Pupy in the female African habitat. This glimpse of her new home gives some perspective on part of what she has the ability to traverse over the course of a day, and just how many trees she has access to in this space.

The current female African habitat covers about 13 acres and the expansion will eventually add another 80 acres. The construction and welding teams are working hard to complete that part of the project so that it can eventually be opened to both Pupy and Kenya, once she arrives.

It’s both exciting and amusing to witness Pupy making her way through Yard 1. Initially, you can only see trees shaking and have to assume an elephant is the cause of the disturbance. Once the camera zooms in, it becomes apparent that Pupy is thrashing trees around and making herself right at home. And this is just one section of the three yards she has access to.

P.S.: We know the video isn’t as smooth as it could be. Scott is a little out of practice on using the drone, but we are sure things will get better with time. Enjoy the view from above!

Comments(22)

Karen says
May 19, 2025 at 2:12 pm

What’s the red spot on her back? When does she get to be with the other girls?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  May 19, 2025 at 2:19 pm
  
  The red on her back is dirt. She will
  Not be sharing space with the Asian elephants since they are different species. We are working to bring Kenya, another female African elephant, to sanctuary soon.
- REPLY
  Jane says
  May 20, 2025 at 11:34 am
  
  Great views! Thank you!
Susan Hunt says
May 19, 2025 at 2:38 pm

This view is amazing and helpful. I love this for her!
Linda says
May 19, 2025 at 2:55 pm

She is having such a great time! Beautiful to see, and a wonderful perspective from this view. Thank you!
Carmen says
May 19, 2025 at 2:58 pm

Thank you Scott…. I can’t even count how many times I’ve watched and grinned through this video to see the beauty and imagination of Pupy in the ‘wild’! Thank you so much for giving this wonderful girl a new lease on life. She can at least have a taste of what she’s been missing all these years. I am just so thrilled for her!
GO PUPY GO!
Maria José Agostinho says
May 19, 2025 at 3:04 pm

It is awesome! Thank you so much! It a delight to see this! Great Job! Thank you all!!!!!
Nelson Courser says
May 19, 2025 at 3:35 pm

WOW – love it and thank you – enjoyed this new perspective!!!
Kitty Galore says
May 19, 2025 at 4:21 pm

Those poor trees! It seems Pupy has fairly seamlessly taken to her new life. Good for her!!
Sandy Crile says
May 19, 2025 at 5:05 pm

Fantastic! You did good, Scott!! She looks quite like a butter ball from above. She is having a ball knocking around the trees, even if she doesn’t knock them down! What a love.
Patricia says
May 19, 2025 at 5:25 pm

Love the video! Love Pupy! She looks like she’s having a great time! 💖🐘💖
Sue says
May 19, 2025 at 5:38 pm

What a great perspective to get to see Sweet Pupy living her best life and showing those trees who is boss!!! 👏🏻👏🏻🥰❤️🐘❤️
Terry says
May 19, 2025 at 5:45 pm

Do African elephants tend to eat and take down more trees than Asian elephants, do we know? She is doing this for food or, because she can?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  May 19, 2025 at 6:27 pm
  
  Yes, African elephants definitely take down trees more often than Asian elephants. Asian elephants don’t often snack on trees and bark, though Guille has done it. And it’s for food and just because. It’s part of the African elephant nature.
  - Terry says
    May 20, 2025 at 9:05 pm
    
    Thanks for the answer Sara! Got it. Much appreciated!
  - Sara says
    May 20, 2025 at 9:08 pm
    
    😉
Bernadette Rey says
May 19, 2025 at 6:29 pm

Absolutely love the drone view. It is hard to imagine where any of the Ellie’s are in the habitat. Even what the habitat looks like. Look forward to more flights 😊😊😊😊👏👏👏👏
Bonnie says
May 19, 2025 at 10:25 pm

she’s having a good time Sara what’s that black mark on her left side
- REPLY
  Sara says
  May 19, 2025 at 10:33 pm
  
  The only things I see on her back and side are dirt and brush!
Bonnie says
May 19, 2025 at 10:29 pm

Oh Scott you did a good job Thank you
Julie says
May 20, 2025 at 4:49 pm

Fantastic! She’s having a great time at sanctuary!
Beji says
May 25, 2025 at 9:39 am

If you are a tree, be afraid….very afraid….you will be turned into firewood….you have been warned!! Ha

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