After years of hardship and isolation, two female African elephants, Kenya and Pupy, are preparing to begin a new chapter of their lives–one that offers the possibility of connection, healing, and a more natural and fulfilling existence at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil.

Kenya has lived for decades with a concrete wall as her backdrop, a painted elephant mural her only companion. She is the lone African elephant at Ecoparque Mendoza. We have seen a gentle side of Kenya, which seems to emerge when she senses she’s being heard. But with little to distract her from the monotony of each day, Kenya has a reputation for stone-throwing and somewhat demonstrative behaviors—actions that likely served as expressions of frustration and isolation. Looking at her, it’s hard not to be enamored with her magnificent ears; they are large and make dramatic swishing noises when she flaps them. Though she remains tentative with people, her trust is slowly being rebuilt, one interaction at a time. One of our caregivers, Marcos, has been working with her to establish that trust, which is a vital step for her transport to the sanctuary.

Pupy’s life at Ecoparque Buenos Aires is also in need of change. Pupy is now the only African elephant at Ecoparque Buenos Aires, having recently lost her companion Kuky, with whom she was deeply bonded. From what we can tell, Pupy has a somewhat gentler nature. We have been told she is patient and calm, and is used to humans interacting with her. We still need to get to know her more, but she definitely has a sparkle that shines through, despite her circumstances. Her enclosure is surrounded by tall city buildings, but soon she’ll enjoy the abundance of nature that will greet her at sanctuary.

Life now is solitary for both elephants, but it won’t be that way forever. Soon they will be getting to know each other. They can explore their new home together, or on their own; the choice will be theirs. They’ll also need to get to know their sanctuary caregivers and establish relationships based on mutual respect, which we hope will only grow as they find they are listened to with each encounter.

Though the process of bringing them to sanctuary has been a long one, we look forward to introducing them to their new life, surrounded by greenery, water, mud, and sand to dust with. Sanctuary can be a rebirth for each of the elephants and we can’t wait to learn more about their personalities, their likes and dislikes, and discover what the future holds for them.