UPDATE

It is with deep sadness that we share Kenya passed away on December 16, 2025. Visit her memorial page.

Kenya was the second female African elephant to join us at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil in July 2025, a few months after Pupy arrived. Once her transport crossed the border from Argentina to Brazil, it was official that Argentina had said goodbye to its last captive elephant. For years, Kenya couldn’t see far beyond her enclosure and had no natural elements to engage with. Immediately after her arrival, she began to embrace her new home, taking down trees and getting nice and muddy in the wallow.

We don’t know much about Kenya’s past before she arrived at the ecoparque, only that she came to Argentina by way of a German zoo when she was about 4 years old. She spent the next 4 decades alone in a dusty enclosure, her only companion a painting of an elephant on the surrounding cement wall. While Kenya could not see the other elephants at the ecoparque–Tamy, Pocha, and Guillermina–they could communicate if they chose.

When we first met Kenya years ago, we learned that she had a big personality, but wanted so much to be heard for who she was. She’d throw stones when she wanted more food, and her keepers seemed slightly intimidated by her, so they’d give her what she wanted. Kenya might have been demonstrative, but she was also showing off her shining eyes and impressive ears. She had a sweet way of patting herself on the face, perhaps to show off her delight, and we’ve seen her continue this behavior at sanctuary.

Kenya arrived at ESB with severely overgrown feet. It was unlikely that she ever had footwork done before she reached sanctuary. Standing on improper substrates for decades contributed to an incurable bone infection, osteomyelitis, a degenerative disease that is often eventually fatal. In humans, osteomyelitis is usually treated with amputation, but Kenya’s care plan includes specialized treatment that we hope will slow the infection’s progress. She also arrived with a thick layer of dead skin from years of not being bathed. Luckily she took to water almost immediately at sanctuary.

After her arrival, she was quick to exit the barn and explore the yards that were now open to her and that enthusiasm remains. We still hear her rumbling in apparent contentment throughout the day.

Kenya met Pupy, the first African elephant to live at ESB, on her first day, as they looked at each other from across the barn gates. Pupy was initially uncertain of sharing space with Kenya, but Kenya understood that she needed to temper her energy a bit when Pupy was around, eventually allowing Pupy to open up and welcome another elephant into her life. Though Pupy’s time at sanctuary was short, she made an impact on Kenya, who was able to let her nurturing side shine. Kenya is simply sunshine embodied and she brings joy to all who meet her.