Day 4: No More Elephants in Argentina!

Kenya and the team are going through immigration, but they are on Brazilian soil. There are officially no elephants in Argentina. 136 years of captivity ended this morning at 6:59 AM.

Our ESB team is joining the caravan now, along with PRF (Brazilian police escort), and will bring Kenya home. She continues to do very well. She is expressive, eating well, and had her first coconut water, which essentially makes her officially Brazilian. 😉 The Brazil team brought all new hay, fruit, and fresh greens (grass, palms, bamboo, and sugar cane). Once everyone is cleared, they will begin their drive through Brazil and home to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.

Welcome to Brazil, Kenya!

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This is an update on Kenya’s relocation from Ecoparque Mendoza, Argentina, to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, a 2,800-acre natural sanctuary. Kenya was brought to Mendoza at 4 years old and has lived her entire life alone in a sterile zoo environment. Now, at 44 years of age, her life is about to change dramatically. She will have the space to roam, make her own decisions, and explore natural behaviors like foraging for food and bathing in the mud. In addition, for the first time in decades, she’s going to have the opportunity to have a new friendship with another elephant, Pupy.

Comments(19)

Pam says
July 7, 2025 at 11:26 am

So exciting. Thank you, GSE and all who have cooperated with this mission.
Wim says
July 7, 2025 at 11:30 am

That’s a wonderful achievement, the whole team must be very proud.
Sue says
July 7, 2025 at 11:45 am

Amazing to hear that there are no more captive elephants in Argentina! All the work that everyone there has contributed to accomplishing that is priceless. Loving the updates on our sweet Kenya and so excited to get to witness another arrival of a Queen to ESB!!! ❤️🐘❤️ Thank you to everyone 🥰
Kathryn Sechler says
July 7, 2025 at 11:46 am

What a historic day. Fabulous for everyone who has worked hard & long to make it happen. But especially Fabulous for Kenya, soon to start a beautiful new life. Congratulations & Thank you to the team.
Terry says
July 7, 2025 at 11:50 am

Oh how exciting!!! A moment in history never to be forgotten. The freedom of elephants in Argentina!!! Big shout out and applause to the Argentine government who recognizes what all the world needs to see- Elephants need space. Elephants need freedom. Elephants thrive at Sanctuary. Im so excited for Kenya and ESB. Pupy and Kenya will adore each other!

Thank you guys! You are the best!
Doe Fowler says
July 7, 2025 at 11:54 am

God bless Argentina! Thank you for setting the example for others to follow. Exemplary action!

Blessings Brazil for welcoming our 🐘 friend!

Muito love to Kenya & Team Kenya! 💛
Andrea says
July 7, 2025 at 11:54 am

Argentina!!! Thank you for being a world leader!! Your compassion is remarkable and may all other countries learn from you and follow your lead. xoxoxoxoxo
Nelson Courser says
July 7, 2025 at 12:15 pm

elated – my thoughts go with you all!
Tatiana says
July 7, 2025 at 12:45 pm

Thank you, Argentina. Let’s hope other countries follow the example.
Very exciting to see Kenya finally in Brazil! 💙
Barbara L Smith says
July 7, 2025 at 12:48 pm

Thank you, Argentina. Thanks to everyone involved in the process and transport of Kenya. There is hope for us. All mankind must understand all species have a right to a free life on this earth. No dominance and enslavement of another being. 🙏🏽
Tammy says
July 7, 2025 at 12:54 pm

God bless you all for what you’re doing and what you’ve already done for captive elephants! It’s a brand new day for Kenya and all those other captive elephants past and present this is a massive victory never again will they suffer from those chains that bound them to relentless pain and loneliness they are finally free! 🕊🐘🦋💞
Linda says
July 7, 2025 at 2:11 pm

Argentina has led the way, now other countries need to step up to the plate. Thank you Argentina, for having the wisdom to see that this needed to happen and then for following through and MAKING it so it could happen, with Scott, crew and so many more as well!
Welcome to Brazil Kenya, and miles closer to a better and more natural life!
Julie says
July 7, 2025 at 2:43 pm

We’re so excited! We can’t wait for Kenya’s first steps, sniffs, and rumbles in her new home!
Karen says
July 7, 2025 at 3:58 pm

Wonderful news. We are all falling in love with Kenya already, with her personality, enthusiasm and chatter 😀
Hugo and family says
July 7, 2025 at 7:21 pm

A big round of applause to everyone involved in this rescue operation. So much emotion must run through you all after achieving this milestone: NO MORE CAPTIVE ELEPHANTS IN ARGENTINA!!!
Kenya? We are wishing you many and many years of freedom in this beautiful sanctuary. You are loved around the World. We cannot wait to see live your freedom steps. xoxo
Alida says
July 7, 2025 at 8:55 pm

Unbelievable team effort! What an amazing achievement! What you are doing for Kenya and have done for Pupy and the other beautiful eles in your care is nothing short of outstanding 🙌 Right now I feel very proud to be from Argentina, born in Mendoza 😊 I just hope and pray other Latin American countries follow this example. Vamos Kenya!! You’re nearly home sweet girl! 🐘💕
Bonnie says
July 8, 2025 at 1:06 am

Kenya your almost home and everyone from Venezuela and Brazil Thank you Thank you Thank you
Rachel says
July 8, 2025 at 9:59 am

One of the best posts yet!! And you have a lot of wonderful posts. But wow – what a fabulous, spirit- lifting post to receive. There are no words except a HUGE THANK YOU for your determination, dedication, and commitment to these beautiful creatures. It’s time to dance people!! 🥳🙏💕
Audrey says
July 9, 2025 at 8:07 am

HIP HIP HOORAY

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