Kenya and Pupy: An Update

Female African elephant Pupy looks directly at the camera, her left ear flapping out Both Kenya and Pupy are taking baby steps in building their relationship with one another. This weekend, they met up briefly and are beginning to build an understanding of each other that will hopefully grow with time. In this instance, Kenya was coming out of the bushes and Pupy was along the fence line. Both seem to have startled the other, so they walked away without any sign of real drama. In this instance, Kenya was the first to ease away from Pupy, instead of the other way around. That was the only close interaction we witnessed. There was curiosity, but still some uncertainty on both parts.

The two ladies share a fence line where they can meet and they can both go into the barn at the same time, though they have different stalls opened up to them, so they’re not sharing a small enclosed space. There are areas where they can walk and see each other and look around from a distance, but they haven’t made an attempt to approach each other and say hello again. This is all absolutely okay–an essential part of sanctuary is having choice and making the decisions about who you interact with. Moving forward, it will be all on their terms.

What we’ve seen so far has been incredibly positive, especially for Kenya who hasn’t been around an elephant for four decades. It might seem like a slow process, but that’s all understandable. Each day may bring more progress, even if that just means that Pupy starts understanding that many of Kenya’s big noises are part of her personality, not something to be startled by. But Kenya is also gaining an appreciation for the fact that big rumbles might intimidate another elephant. They’re learning how to interact in ways that make them feel comfortable, and taking a slow approach could help them build a solid foundation, if they want to be friends. We’ll be sure to share important updates as they come, but we predict comfort may come with time.

Photo of Pupy, who you can identify because she has two tusks!

Comments(18)

Johnny says
July 14, 2025 at 1:29 pm

All I can say is you guys are amazing! And so are the inhabitants of your sanctuary!
- REPLY
  Sally R. says
  July 15, 2025 at 12:39 am
  
  They both are curious and cautious~ May I ask how long to took the Asian Elephants to put their guards down and be companions? ~ This is all so new to Pupy and Kenya. One day at a time. ~ Baby steps. ~ They now know they have a choice to be friends ~ God bless~
  - Sara says
    July 15, 2025 at 12:14 pm
    
    The Asian elephants were a little more gentle in their approaches, which is common. It took varying lengths of time, depending on the individual, but we always introduce them slowly. But both Bambi and Rana needed some time on their own before their energy could settle enough to stay with the larger group.
- REPLY
  Danielle Marshall says
  July 16, 2025 at 8:32 am
  
  Yes you all are amazing 👏 caring for the ladies,showing them the kindness ,love from all of us.
JoAnn Merriman-Eaton says
July 14, 2025 at 1:53 pm

Kenya is a rock star. It is incredible how much progress she has made when one thinks of her background. It will take time for both Pupy and Kenya to become acclimated to each other. Everyone is anxious for Kenya and Pupy to become friends, but we must have patience. As Scott says, it is on elephant time now, and completely their decision. 🐘🐘❤️
Julie says
July 14, 2025 at 1:54 pm

Wonderful! Everything seems to be progressing swimmingly. And that is a gorgeous photo of our Pupy!
Maria José Agostinho says
July 14, 2025 at 1:55 pm

Thank you! I loved the news! The text is clear and pleasant to read!
I feel honored by receiving news!!!!
Muito obrigada!
Barbara L Smith says
July 14, 2025 at 2:42 pm

I hope a friendship develops. 🐘🐘❤️❤️
Zoi says
July 14, 2025 at 2:53 pm

Absolutely! I think these two precious ladies will become friends step by step. So far it’s very interesting that Kenya realizes big rumbles might intimidate another elephant.
- REPLY
  Rene Lachance says
  July 15, 2025 at 12:52 pm
  
  Precious elephants. Love can conquer all, even the inflicted cruelty by humans onto earth’s other inhabitants.
Ada says
July 14, 2025 at 3:17 pm

What matters is they’re not forced to be with each other. At their own time and that’s lots of time they have living in their fabulous home😌🥰No rush
Katherine says
July 14, 2025 at 4:01 pm

Lovely post
Doe Fowler says
July 14, 2025 at 7:21 pm

Time will tell how the relationship unfolds. One certain truth, Pupy and Kemya have many humans cheering for them. Love these two lovelies! Thank you for the updates. 🫶
Jeanine says
July 14, 2025 at 9:00 pm

I have my f8ngers crossed that they become good friends.🐘🐘❤️❤️
Mark Skipsey says
July 14, 2025 at 9:57 pm

It’s so lovely to see the two of them, both enjoying their new lives at sanctuary. I’m hopeful that Kenya’s big personality won’t deter Pupy from befriending her. Pupy, after all, is used to playing the submissive role in relationships. I remember that when kuky was alive, it was she who had the dominant personality.
Beci says
July 14, 2025 at 10:23 pm

Can you imagine being locked away in a cell all by yourself never seeing another human then you get to a nature place where you have freedom and this other being shows up looking like you? That would be a very difficult situation and you’d be curious but very unsure. Think of moving to a new school and you have to adjust to new people. All of that is probably what’s she’s going through. It will be fun to watch them adjust to each other. Also remember how it went with the Asian girls getting to know each other.
Terry says
July 14, 2025 at 11:04 pm

Comfort, time, patience, and developing trust and these two will be bonded 💪⏰🙏 #TrustBuilding #TimeIsKey #PatienceIsKey
Finn Jørgensen Lock says
July 24, 2025 at 6:39 pm

💖💖💖💖💖

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog