Blog

How’s Kenya Doing?

July 1, 2025

It’s been a little while since we shared a check in on Kenya, so we thought we’d offer a little glimpse of how things are going at Ecoparque Mendoza. These days, Kenya is still working on her transport crate training. Like Pupy, she’s a little uncertain about having the crate’s back gate closed behind her, so the process has been gradual. We’ve had people there to work with her for the past three months and Marcos, one of our caregivers, took over for Walter, and is at the ecoparque currently. In addition to practicing crate behaviors, he is also working on foot presents while doing very basic foot care and rock removal from her front feet. He is also working on other basic behaviors to balance out her days so everything is not focusing on her crate. As with all beings, she has days where she is just not in the mood, so it’s good to be able to still have sessions with her, and for her to have the human engagement and the food rewards, even if she doesn’t want to go into her crate. As you can see here, Marcos is encouraging her to touch different targets with her trunk and present her feet when asked.

Currently in Mendoza, it’s winter and things have gotten pretty chilly. Kenya has a heater in her indoor enclosure and there’s another outside that’s working to take the chill out of her big metal box of a crate. She’s not letting the cold weather slow her down much and, though the weather is brisk, she still goes outside to bask in the sun. Although captive elephants around the world are stuck in climates that are far from ideal, we are hoping Kenya will soon be ready to come home to Mato Grosso where things are nice and warm.

Sometimes it seems that things take longer than we want them to and that can be the case with elephant relocations. But we’re hopeful as we see Kenya becoming more and more comfortable in her crate. Over time, Kenya has been showing us sides of her personality that were only hinted at before, including her independent streak and her sassy nature. At the same time, she has also opened up emotionally and is sharing more of her heart as well. She’s making progress on her terms and that’s an important part of the process.

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Comments(12)

  1. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    July 1, 2025 at 2:16 pm

    Kenya, there is a land of paradise and a friend to be made. If we could tell you. 🙏🏽🐘❤️🌺

  2. REPLY
    Sandy says
    July 1, 2025 at 2:39 pm

    The one thing we always notice about elephants in or near urban environments is THE NOISE. Elephants have incredibly sensitive hearing and the constant unnatural sounds must be deafening to them. We can’t wait for Kenya to not only experience the warmth of the sanctuary in Brazil but also the peace and quiet of a serene natural environment. May she stay healthy and confident as her training and preparations continue.

  3. REPLY
    Sue says
    July 1, 2025 at 3:32 pm

    Thank you so much for the update. As we have come to learn, these beauties move to their own time table and I give you so much respect in how you always honor their feelings! Sending love and hugs to all! ❤️🐘❤️

  4. REPLY
    Susan says
    July 1, 2025 at 3:56 pm

    As a long time dog trainer, I love seeing how other people work with animals. And just like with dogs, when you have an animal that has shut down in order to just survive their ordeal, getting them to open up and trust takes time and lots of patience. Love seeing a glimpse of that process with Kenya.

  5. REPLY
    Richard Chiger says
    July 1, 2025 at 4:20 pm

    I have had a hand drawn picture of Kenya in my kitchen for many years. It was drawn by Thyra Rutter. Thyra is a very special artist and captures the essence of the elephants she draws, and Kenya has a gorgeous face. I hope her transition to the sanctuary is smooth and easy and very happy.

  6. REPLY
    Doe Fowler says
    July 1, 2025 at 4:55 pm

    Kenya is beautiful! Praying for a safe journey to her new home soon.

  7. REPLY
    Wim says
    July 1, 2025 at 4:56 pm

    Strength and courage, Kenya. At the end of the road a beautiful home is awaiting you. 🤗🐘🫶

  8. REPLY
    Jeanine says
    July 1, 2025 at 5:33 pm

    Kenya is such a good girl.❤️

  9. REPLY
    katherine says
    July 2, 2025 at 3:13 am

    lets hope she makes it soon

  10. REPLY
    Jillyp says
    July 3, 2025 at 3:17 am

    Wonderful work, thank you GSE. I hope Kenya feels ready soon, so she can travel to the sanctuary and begin her peaceful healing journey with ele company 💜🐘 I cannot wait to see her there and watch her begin to explore, like Pupy has enjoyed X

  11. REPLY
    Julie says
    July 3, 2025 at 10:40 am

    Thank you for the update! It will help us with our patience as we hope and wait for Kenya’s relocation to sanctuary.

  12. REPLY
    Finn Jørgensen Lock says
    July 10, 2025 at 7:45 am

    Kenya💖💖💖
    Welcome😀💖

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