Having a Blast With Dead Trees

About four and a half years ago, a fire swept through the sanctuary property. Those of you who followed us then will remember that no people, elephants, or other sanctuary animals were harmed, but the female African habitat saw heavy damage. We allowed the fire to run through that area because there were no elephants living there at the time, and we wanted to do our best to stop the fire in a safer place. As a result of the fire, there were a number of dead trees in the area, which we left in case the African elephants wanted something fun to destroy–and Pupy has been having a bit of fun with them. She seems to be getting a kick out of pushing the burned trees and knocking them over so easily.

We decided to walk along the fence line to see what the paths she’s making look like and what she’s knocking down. So far, she’s only downed one large tree and she’s definitely making trails, though she doesn’t always stick to them. For those of you who are worried about the number of trees she’s knocking down, she’s definitely going to remodel a bit. Pupy has about 13 acres of land right now and will soon get half of the 80 acre expansion more. With the new welding team, they are making great progress. None of the trees, except for a few large old growth trees (which we are protecting with fencing) in the female African habitat even existed when the sanctuary was opened; it was almost all pasture grass for cattle. When the land is given time to recover, it flourishes, so there’s plenty for Pupy to have fun with now.

We’re also taking note of what Pupy is eating inside the habitat. She will occasionally bring branches up to the barn, so she’s definitely not wasteful. We’ve also discovered that she has a favorite type of tree, and are drying out a sample to have it officially identified. But she’s having a ball stripping the bark off these specific trees to eat and also eating full branches. Aside from knocking around the dead trees, she’s mostly sticking to smaller trees for the time being. She seems to be discovering that all of this greenery is hers for the taking.

Photo of Pupy snacking on a tree branch

Comments(11)

Tammy says
May 5, 2025 at 2:22 pm

Well it sounds like smorgasbord time to me for Pupy shes enjoying all that Sanctuary life has to offer her which by the looks of it is alot and exactly what she’s doing! 🦋💞
Barbara L Smith says
May 5, 2025 at 2:57 pm

Message from Kenya, “Pupy save a few trees for me.”🥰🌲
Sue says
May 5, 2025 at 3:12 pm

She is truly amazing!! I love to hear about how their elephant instincts manifest themselves and it just blows my mind!! Nature is truly amazing and getting to witness her self discovery is a real gift. Thank you once again for sharing – I appreciate all you do more than I can ever express. Love and hugs! ❤️🐘❤️
Charlotte says
May 5, 2025 at 5:42 pm

I’m so enjoying her new life!C
Zoi Flores says
May 5, 2025 at 7:10 pm

Precious is throwing a 🌳 🌳 🌳 party 🎉 . Pupy deserves this and more.
Alida says
May 5, 2025 at 8:16 pm

Keep enjoying your new life Pupy❤️🐘❤️ it makes my heart so happy to see her settling so well into Sanctuary life ❤️
Thank you all at GSB for changing her life for the better, you are angels 🙌
Jennifer says
May 5, 2025 at 8:50 pm

She’s definitely having a blast! She looks so much better or maybe happier? Or both? I’m just so very happy y’all saved her from the awfulness she was living in. ♡
Bonnie says
May 6, 2025 at 1:34 am

Hey a girl has to do what a girl has to do food good
Carmen Dalziel says
May 6, 2025 at 7:26 am

Yes I remember the big fire you had and scared you all and us viewers were of where and how far it would burn to. I’m glad it was stopped at a safe fire space. Pupy is having the time of her life! This must be pretty amazing to her that she has all these new natural things that she gets to do what she wants to. I wonder if she’s ever had a thought of “will I get in trouble by my keeper? Her being able to be in bush and forestry tearing down trees she’s never been able to touch must excite her to no end. 13 acres is big but when she’s in 53 acres Scott and Katt will be out searching for a while perhaps. She’s is so in her element and I love her. You go and do your natural thing girl and I’ll be hear from the sidelines watching and smiling. Thank you to Scott, Katt and for making this happen. Soon comes Kenya and I can’t wait for her to start Her new life!
Ada says
May 7, 2025 at 11:57 pm

Redecorating is one of their tasks when these beautiful elephants are finally home. Not bad since they have plenty of snacks while working hard at ‘fixing’ their forever home
Finn Jørgensen Lock says
May 12, 2025 at 7:43 pm

💖Pupy 💖

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