Deep into the Habitat With Pupy

Female African elephant Pupy walks through a clearing in her habitat Pupy is seemingly becoming more and more comfortable in her habitat, and we continue to discover her finding spots to enjoy deeper and deeper into the yards. Yesterday, the caregivers went in search of her to drop off lunch, and even after about 30 minutes of looking, she was pretty far back into the space and opted not to come out to eat. After about an hour, she was still nowhere to be seen. Of course, this is more than fine and she has plenty in the habitat to eat if she chooses. It’s promising to see her enjoying her new favorite spots or exploring new areas that might be of interest.

She emerged a little while before dinner time, but wandered back and forth before finally coming back for the evening meal. It’s lovely to see Pupy’s beautiful face, but it’s even more delightful to know that she’s making herself right at home, doing things her own way. Also, as you may have noticed in past posts, it’s incredible how well a giant elephant can hide when she gets the notion to do so!

Comments(10)

June H. says
May 29, 2025 at 2:22 pm

I am so glad to know that Pupy is so happy in her new home!
Katherine says
May 29, 2025 at 2:24 pm

Brilliant progress !
Zoi Flores says
May 29, 2025 at 2:29 pm

A beautiful Pupy portrait against a fantastic sky. 💚🐘
Tammy says
May 29, 2025 at 2:42 pm

Wow, she’s really taking advantage of her new found wide open glorious spaces of freedom, you go girl!!!
Sue says
May 29, 2025 at 3:44 pm

What a wonderful update! I am so happy to see our sweet Pupy embracing Sanctuary and exploring and discovering all kinds of new and interesting things!! So proud of her!! Thank you!! ❤️🐘❤️
Barbara L Smith says
May 29, 2025 at 3:45 pm

To loose an elephant.🥰 Pupy will have many stories to tell Kenya, when she arrives.😊❤️
Lorelei Lacey says
May 29, 2025 at 7:09 pm

What wouldn’t we give to be able to hear her thoughts these days? You give me hope with these posts. Hope in an increasingly hopeless time. Thank you for all you do.
Susan says
June 1, 2025 at 3:57 am

Pupy is beautiful. This is all still so new to her after decades in a confined tight space. Do you think there is an element of fear in her hiding? Trying to be invisible so nothing bad happens to her or so she’s not pulled out to some other place like she was before? Kindness abounds in Sanctuary but she really doesn’t understand what’s going on. Does she? And, she has no one to talk to (yet, anyway).
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  June 1, 2025 at 8:43 am
  
  there is nothing in her body language or behavior that indicates fear. quite the opposite, we are seeing much more self confidence. the pasture areas in the african habitat are in the middle of the woods, so if she is going into the areas, she is going to disappear. we could send up the drone to find her, but we want to give her that peace to explore on her own without human interference. she had high buildings surrounding her on all sides at the ecoparque and would throw things at people in frustration. although sanctuary is new to her, that doesn’t mean she has to be afraid of it. falling back to a more natural state of being, after decades of artificial and sterile lives, seems to happen quite easily for most elephants. 💜
  - Susan says
    June 5, 2025 at 8:33 pm
    
    Thank you, Kat. Thrilled to hear that you see no signs of fear & stress – Scott & you would definitely be able to spot it. It’s also nice to hear that an easy acclimation to their new surroundings & true lives as elephants should live is consistent among these rescued souls. That they are happy quickly after their initial hesitation & confusion makes me happy, too. Many thanks, again. Godspeed.

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