Kenya at sanctuary
Female African elephant Kenya stands looking directly at the camera with large bushes and trees behind her. Her ears are both out and you can see her only tusk- the right one.

In Loving Memory of Kenya

Rescued July 9, 2025
Died December 16, 2025 at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil
Age: estimated to be 44 years old
Former zoo/ecoparque resident

Everyone who met Kenya quickly got a sense that she had an infectious spirit, with her demonstrative behaviors and silly vocalizations. When she arrived at sanctuary, she brought with her a huge energy and enthusiasm about everything she could see and hear. Because she was the second female African elephant at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, she was able to join Pupy, who had also come home to sanctuary a few months prior. Their journey as companions took some time, since Pupy was a little hesitant around Kenya at first, but their relationship eventually blossomed into one of affection and mutual respect.

Kenya was the last captive elephant in Argentina, and when she crossed the border into Brazil, she ended hundreds of years of captivity for both Asian and African elephants in the country. She served–and continues to serve–as a beacon of light for how an individual can look inside for their true self, even after years of isolation. For decades, Kenya lived in a hard, dusty enclosure, but her inner light managed to peek out, giving us a glimpse of the elephant we’d come to know better as weeks and months went by. She seemed to find wonder in simple moments at sanctuary, getting excited about things that most take for granted, like trees, grass, and fresh water. She almost immediately showed us she loved the mud wallow, and she would splash for hours, coating herself in the distinctive red mud of the African habitat.

She faced a number of challenges with great bravery. All four of her feet had severely overgrown nails, pads, and cuticles, and she had osteomyelitis (diagnosed through radiographs), which can be fatal in elephants. She was also coated with thick layers of dead skin, which had accumulated over years due to lack of a proper bath or anything to rub against to exfoliate.

Female African elephant Kenya stands facing the camera. Her skin is red from the dirt in the habitat. She is standing in front of a large swath of trees

Even on days when she showed discomfort, she was a great sport about getting treatments and working with her caregivers, who she developed a deep, trusting relationship with. Though humans are no substitute for other elephants, Kenya was often keen on affection, which we would give if she seemed to ask.

Her passing came after a few days of respiratory issues, but throughout those challenging days, she was gentle and accommodating with her care team, knowing that what they were doing was only to help her. She was a perfect princess until the end.

Our time with the elephant Scott nicknamed “big dragon” because of her silly and amazing noises and massive personality, was much too short. We wished for her many years of peaceful life and companionship with others. But she loved and was loved in return, and we’ll remember her sweet soul forever.

Tributes to Kenya

Please share your heart, your thoughts, and your reflections on this Memorial Page in honor of our beloved Kenya.