A Step Closer for Pupy and Kenya

Kenya and Pupy continue to roam the habitat, both knowing that the other is near, but often doing their own thing. Each one is getting closer to interacting with the other, but in a slow manner. Kenya seems more enthusiastic about their potential meeting, while Pupy still appears uncertain about this new face in the habitat. She’s getting braver and, as you can see here, decided she felt safe enough to stay close to Kenya during dinner time.

Pupy was eating facing the fence, slightly in the direction that Kenya was walking toward. Kenya stopped at the fence and started eating. This was her first day in Yard 2, and Pupy was in the neighboring Yard 3. Scott thought he’d take a quick video, and Pupy stopped by to see what he was doing. As she walked over, at the last minute she came near and realized that Kenya was close. Pupy lifted her head, had big, surprised eyes, and seemed unsure of what to do for a second. She turned back and walked a few feet away before stopping, staying in the same general area.

Meanwhile, Kenya was also startled and hurried forward, but in a respectful way, keeping her distance while staying as close to Pupy as she reasonably could. We are trying to encourage them to get a little more comfortable around one another, though they are still in their own little spaces. Both seemed surprised to see another elephant right there, but it is another promising advance that may bring them closer together with time.

Comments(14)

Linda Charles says
July 25, 2025 at 2:21 pm

Hello Team ! Wondering how the Asians are divided up, if at all. I love reading about the progress between Pupy and Kenya. Know that you all have my love and my deepest respect. (the girls too)
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  July 25, 2025 at 2:30 pm
  
  they are self separated- maia, bambi, and guille stay together and mara and rana stay together.
Barbara L Smith says
July 25, 2025 at 2:22 pm

Kenya is happy seeing a living creature like her. Remember the painted elephant on the wall at the zoo. I imagine Pupy thinks, “she is so big and over the top.” One day at a time.🐘🐘🥰🥰
Maureen says
July 25, 2025 at 2:25 pm

Little by little, no matter how long it takes. It certainly appears that every little step they both take is another step forward in the right direction, and that is all that matters. It may take time but as we know, elephant time is very different than human time, LOL. I have to say, I absolutely love watching Kenya walk. That big rolling gate of hers is mesmerizing.
Ada says
July 25, 2025 at 3:32 pm

I almost laughed when you wrote they were both surprised to see each other. I’m sure in due time, they will be much comfortable in each other’s company🥰
Julie says
July 25, 2025 at 4:01 pm

Keep it coming. This is very encouraging. It scared me for a moment to think about where Scott was, but at the end it appears he was in Yard 1, right?
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  July 25, 2025 at 4:39 pm
  
  there is a human triangle where the yards meet so caregivers can access those areas safely. so he’s in a fenced off triangle between yards 2 and 3. we have them in multiple places.
Johnny says
July 25, 2025 at 7:33 pm

Thank you to Scott for allowing us to watch this. How beautiful that they get a chance to develop a friendship, considering what they’ve gone through in the past.
Jane Sauter says
July 25, 2025 at 7:38 pm

I read most articles on the ellies but don’t recall reading any history on these 2 ellies
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  July 25, 2025 at 8:09 pm
  
  all of the elephants have their own pages on the website. this one is pupy’s https://globalelephants.org/pupy/ you can find kenya’s in the dropdown menu under ‘the elephants’.
Terry says
July 26, 2025 at 12:42 am

YES!!!!!!
Bonnie says
July 26, 2025 at 1:43 am

That was nice to see one day they’ll be even closer takes time it will happen
Lili says
July 26, 2025 at 11:51 pm

Después de la triste vida que han llevado ambas grandotas es hermoso que se sientan libres de deambular, comer cuando tienen ganas, caminar grandes distancias, darse baños de tierra, en definitiva SER ELEFANTAS! Las “amistades” con sus congéneres vendrán a su tiempo. Bendiciones al equipo humano maravilloso que las cuida y las protege!
Cindy Lee Schmidt says
July 27, 2025 at 1:47 pm

I absolutely love elephants they represents everything I would want any friend that I actually had until she passed away and a significant other I’m 60 now and I still hope to find elephant characteristics in a lifetime mate

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