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From Michele: Thoughts on Pupy

October 13, 2025

Female African elephant Pupy stands in a mud wallow covered in mud and surrounded by green trees

Our whole Elephant Sanctuary Brazil family is continuing to deal with the loss of Pupy, who in her short few months at sanctuary, built a deep and meaningful place in our hearts. We want to share some thoughts from caregiver Michele, who spent the majority of her time with Pupy and Kenya. She has a unique perspective on Pupy’s life and is processing the loss in a way that only someone who saw Pupy every day can do. She shared the following:

The loss of Pupy was quick and devastating, creating a void that may never be completely filled. Pupy was truly one of a kind. Winning the trust of Pupy feels like one of the greatest achievements of my lifetime. 

The caregivers who knew Pupy in her former life in Argentina asked me how I felt about her, like it was, in a kind hearted way, a test to see if I noticed how special she was. I did. Pupy wasn’t a big, silly, loud personality like Kenya. She was quiet but deep, with those huge eyes unlike any other elephant I’ve ever seen. Deep pools that took in everything and that changed with her moods like the ocean, if you were looking carefully to read them. 

Those Argentinian caregivers told me they had never heard Pupy make a sound, never seen her set a boundary with another elephant, never seen her interact with a tree. Here at the sanctuary she went crashing through the woods on a regular basis, knocking down trees, exploring, coming back with her face covered in charcoal from charred stumps from a fire several years back, chewing branches and leaves as elephants were meant to do. And she found her voice. It started with quiet rumbles, only on occasion, and escalated to loud rumbles at Kenya, communicating many things to her new friend. I watched her feel and then overcome her fear that this new elephant, like some in her past, might bully her. 

The relationship between Pupy and Kenya progressed to a point where, on certain days when Pupy would lay down, Kenya would stand guard over her, the protective big sister. Sometimes she wouldn’t leave Pupy’s side even when we asked her to. Sometimes she would, but even when working with their humans, they would quietly rumble back and forth, continuing their conversation and reassurance. There were even days when, as soon as the gate separating them was opened, Pupy would walk straight to Kenya, like she couldn’t wait to get to her friend. And there they would stay, butts touching, side by side, soaking in the mud wallow or dusting, sometimes even getting a bath from us together. When they were that way, we mostly left them in peace to take comfort in each other. It was a beautiful relationship to behold, the first really positive one for both of them. 

I am heartbroken for Kenya, who at 44 found her first elephant friend, who was an amazing sister, protector, and comforter, and who now will have to readjust to her days without Pupy. Now when she calls out, it will be one of her humans who answers, but we will be listening and taking extra special care with her in the coming days, although we will never be able to replace what she has lost. 

I am so, so grateful that before Pupy left us she had the chance to really be an elephant, to explore and knock down trees, to find and use her voice, to navigate the complexities of a new relationship, and build something beautiful with a true friend. 

One of my coworkers asked me a little while ago if I was learning things from the elephants in my care, and all I could do was laugh and respond, “Every day.” Here’s some of what I learned from Pupy:

-To really look at the being in front of me, regardless of what else is happening around us. 

-To pause and be quiet. 

-That some days will feel different than others. What is ok one day might not be the next, and all of that is fine. 

-That sometimes all you can do for a friend is offer comfort, and that’s just as important as medicine. 

-To give people, friends, relationships more chances, to not let it make you hard. 

-That being a quiet badass is just as powerful, or more, than being an out loud one. 

-And of course, to use my voice.

Photo of our sweet Pupy in one of her favorite spots

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Comments(29)

  1. REPLY
    June H. says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:31 pm

    Thank you, Michele, for the beautiful words to remember Pupy by. I love that Kenya stood “guard” over Pupy. And that you are taking special care of Kenya who just found a wonderful friend and now has lost her. Again, I have tears in my eyes reading this. Thank you to everyone at the sanctuary for the wonderful work you do and the wonderful care you provide.

  2. REPLY
    Ada says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:41 pm

    Thank you for this Michelle. I am so sorry. We are all grieving with you, GSE, and Kenya. I still can’t believe Pupy is gone. It’s just not fair. She should’ve lived for years and years…Please take care of yourself, GSE staff. May Kenya be alright moving forward without her little sister💔

  3. REPLY
    Wim says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:43 pm

    Thank you Michele. Your reflections are a beautiful elegy. This helps a lot for distant grieve.
    Into my empathetic world, Pupy gave a lot of magical emotions. There was another universe in her eyes. I presume she’s a very old soul. Once in a while there comes an enchanting creature.
    I will miss Pupy more than words can describe.
    Sending you strength and courage for the future.
    🫶🐘🤗

  4. REPLY
    Sue says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:44 pm

    Michele, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story of life with Pupy. It is so touching and the tears are flowing once again. Your words brought Pupy to life in my mind, picturing the experiences you had with her. I am so thankful that she had you with her at Sanctuary, a human who listened and cared for her as she was discovering her new life at Sanctuary. I am especially grateful for you sharing with us some of the interactions between her and Kenya. That brought such comfort to me, knowing they were both able to forge what I am sure would have grown into an amazing friendship and everlasting bond. The empathy, love, humor, and gamut of emotions these magnificent Girls allow us to see in them – is overwhelming to me and I continue to be in awe. Thank you again for sharing, your words touched me deeply. Thank you for all you do. ❤️🐘❤️

  5. REPLY
    Sharon says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:51 pm

    Hi Michele,
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful post on Pupy. What an amazing experience you had, caring for beautiful Pupy. She was so beautiful and she had the most gorgeous eyes. I can’t imagine how you are feeling. But remember, the sanctuary gave her the chance to be a real elephant. She probably adored you, as you did her. Kenya needs you all now. Poor girl is probably so confused as to where Pupy has gone. Such a sad situation:( Sendng you love and hugs at this heartbreaking time 💔💔😢😢 xxx

  6. REPLY
    Joyce Rasic Etter says
    October 13, 2025 at 2:54 pm

    Michele. I had my own heartache over the loss of Pupy so can’t imagine what you are feeling. Being so close giving care and offering encouragement to Pupy, you could see firsthand the progress she was making. While it is sad that she had so little time in sanctuary, knowing she could experience being an elephant and feeling joy in those months makes all the difference. She died free and happy and surrounded by love.

  7. REPLY
    Constance Harris says
    October 13, 2025 at 3:01 pm

    ❤️

  8. REPLY
    Julie says
    October 13, 2025 at 3:08 pm

    I am so sorry, Michelle, for your loss! I am so happy that Pupy and Kenya have someone like you to love them. Pupy will be waiting for you at the Rainbow Bridge, and it will be so lovely!

  9. REPLY
    Beci says
    October 13, 2025 at 3:11 pm

    Michele, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how close you got to her being with her everyday because I felt close to her and never met her. One thing that is positive about the internet is you can get to know people and animals without meeting them and feel close. Every person mourns in their own way but it is very important to do so. Make sure you give yourself time. Thanks for taking such good care of hef.

  10. REPLY
    Sherry says
    October 13, 2025 at 3:29 pm

    Thank you, Michele, for being tuned into Pupy. For being there for her and understand her needs and wants.
    You are an elephant whisperer!! I enjoyed very much reading your description of Pupy.

  11. REPLY
    Heidi says
    October 13, 2025 at 3:30 pm

    This is beautiful. Thank you.

  12. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    October 13, 2025 at 3:38 pm

    So heartbreaking. May Pupy rest in peace and Kenya heal. Thank you for your love and care of these beautiful elephants.

  13. REPLY
    Marilyn says
    October 13, 2025 at 3:45 pm

    So beautifully written. I’m crying at my desk at work. My condolences to you and all the caregivers who loved Pupy 💔💔

  14. REPLY
    Robin Vitulle says
    October 13, 2025 at 4:09 pm

    First, I am SO VERY SORRY for your loss of Pupy. Thank you for sharing all of these special moments about her with us. Tears of sorrow that she didn’t get MORE TIME in sanctuary… and the best time of her life. She deserved more time.
    Tears of joy that she had these beautiful moments with Kenya and mud and trees and all the browse she could ever dream of. Special treats and special humans that spoke softly to her.
    She finally had everything an elephant deserves… a life worth living.
    RIP precious Pupy… watch over Kenya with your beautiful spirit.

  15. REPLY
    Chris says
    October 13, 2025 at 4:29 pm

    ❤️💔🐘

  16. REPLY
    Yasmin Khan says
    October 13, 2025 at 4:33 pm

    This made me cry…again. Thank you for sharing these beautiful thoughts and words with us. May you, the GSE team and especially Kenya, have the strength of mind and body to deal with this loss that has come your way.

  17. REPLY
    Sharon Klesse says
    October 13, 2025 at 5:07 pm

    I’m heartbroken 💔. I first read about your sanctuary when Kenya was transported to it. I’ve read your many blogs from that point on as Kenya and Pupy became acquainted with one another to their friendship, smiling after each read. I’m sad that her life was so short and Kenya lost her friend. I tear up every time I think about it. Are there other elephants Kenya can become friends with now? I know you keep African and Asian elephants separated.

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      October 13, 2025 at 7:26 pm

      There are many elephants in need all over South America and some of them are African elephants. We’re always in various stages of bringing new elephants to sanctuary, so we are hoping that we will be able to bring Kenya a companion in the future, but we don’t have a timeline.

  18. REPLY
    Charlotte says
    October 13, 2025 at 5:30 pm

    Beautifully said!! Thank you.

  19. REPLY
    Savanna says
    October 13, 2025 at 5:40 pm

    I followed Pupy’s journey from day one, as I did Kenya’s. When I realized that Kenya was saved by the same group as Pupy, I was overly excited. To watch their growth, both individually, and together was just remarkable. When I picked up my phone the other day & read abt Pupy, I couldn’t stop crying & especially now that it’s really set in. I have to believe that while Pupy was going through those last minutes, hours, days before her loss, that Kenya knew & she comforted Pupy. I did not know you personally & for that reason, I never got to look into those beautiful eyes starring back at me. I never got to physically touch any part of you. I never got the chance to tell you how much I love you, but I felt you Pupy, I feel you. Now, go be everything you were ever meant to be & know I will carry you in my heart forever.
    ❤️🐘❤️

  20. REPLY
    Tina says
    October 13, 2025 at 8:50 pm

    Thank you for sharing your time with her, I’m so sorry for the loss of Pupy. Iam thankful that you and your team gave her a chance to be free and have a friend.

  21. REPLY
    Lori Hoover says
    October 13, 2025 at 9:00 pm

    I just want to say thank you Michelle, for sharing the Pupy you knew with us and at such a close, raw time. I can honestly say, you have me bawling, and that Scott and Kat and company chose well and wisely in choosing you. I thank you for thinking of Kenya here, too, and for your unwavering love and appreciation to them both. I hope not only are you and others there a help to Kenya through this, but that Kenya is a help to you and everyone else as well.

  22. REPLY
    Cheryl Gern says
    October 13, 2025 at 10:29 pm

    I have waited to post my comment until I could do so without tears. I can only imagine the sadness of all at sanctuary who cared for and loved Pupy. Please keep us aware of how Kenya is. Thank you all for being the voice of these majestic beings.

  23. REPLY
    Maggie Shrimpton says
    October 14, 2025 at 10:01 am

    Such a beautiful post Michele, thank you for sharing. We’re all devestated at Pupy’s passing away.

  24. REPLY
    Eileen L. says
    October 14, 2025 at 1:01 pm

    Beautiful words that express Pupy’s personality perfectly. And thank you for sharing Pupy’s “words of wisdom.” They do indeed, teach us much.

  25. REPLY
    alana says
    October 14, 2025 at 2:17 pm

    Thank You Michelle! Beautifully written and means a lot to me to hear.

  26. REPLY
    Doe Fowler says
    October 14, 2025 at 6:52 pm

    Dear Michele, your connection with Pupy is heartfelt and a beautiful testament to how lives intertwine to create everlasting bonds. Pupy was called home by her Creator. Thank you for helping Pupy along the way!!
    And the dust returns to the Earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7

    Sending love from Florida, USA.

  27. REPLY
    Gloria (Secretariat Girl) says
    October 15, 2025 at 10:55 pm

    I am stunned by the loss of Pupy! Thank you for this loving remembrance. I feel so sorry for Kenya, but happy that at least they had some time to become closer….

  28. REPLY
    Finn Jørgensen Lock says
    October 19, 2025 at 7:07 pm

    what pupy is dead?! how can she be dead? no no.
    i have been very busy with a sick hen, we lost two – I just read this. no. no
    no.
    I am very sad.
    Doesn’t seem God want’s love to rule here.

    Pupy 💖💖🐘🐘💕💕❤🐘💖😢😢
    Virkelig forkert det her.
    Kan ikke rigtigt forstå det.. Så mange dør.

    All love to you and to beautiful Kenya 💖💖

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