Kenya and Pupy: Easing into Things

The relationship between Kenya and Pupy is continuing to evolve at a measured pace. Both elephants are curious about each other and are communicating with rumbles (with Pupy sometimes being the louder of the two now), movements, and interactions that we can’t necessarily see, hear, or understand. We decided to open the barn up for them and see if they were interested in sharing a closer space with each other, though there would be a gate between them for now.

Pupy is the more tentative of the two elephants and when Kenya has the volume and energy turned up, Pupy tends to shy away. What we’re seeing from Kenya is not unlike what we’ve seen from other elephants who arrive with lots of energy: she’s learning to read the room and respond to Pupy in a calmer, more relaxed way. The interactions you are seeing here are very controlled for African elephants, who often put on a display of emotions and mannerisms when they communicate. There can sometimes be a lot of head shaking, trunk wrestling, or mock charging, but we’re not seeing any of that–just some cute trunk pops from Kenya, who appears to be using all of her power to keep her emotions calm and approachable. It’s a mellow interaction.

They were in the barn for about 40 minutes and could have walked away from each other if they weren’t interested, but they chose to be together. Towards the end of the encounter, Kenya would take quick breaks and return after settling herself. Eventually, her energy burst through as though she couldn’t hold it in anymore, so she rolled around in the dirt, getting extra silly. Pupy didn’t walk away and just watched Kenya get all of her energy out. But Kenya seems to understand that if she wants to get closer to Pupy, she will have to be a little more subdued and she does seem more than willing to do that to the best of her ability.

Even though she hasn’t been with another elephant for 40 years, remarkably Kenya seems to be reading Pupy fairly well and gets that she needs to make adjustments to her approach, even though it’s not easy for her. Sometimes her energy just bubbles out as she processes all the exciting elements of her new life, but if she wants to be closer to Pupy, she needs to have moments when she tones that energy down. It’s actually quite sweet and speaks to her desire to be part of something after years alone. We’ve seen her pat her face when she’s pleased with herself, and she charmingly does that here. Pupy is curious about her and willing to give Kenya a chance–but she’s still not fully comfortable, which is also understandable with the dynamics of the elephants of her past. Another day, another step forward.

Comments(19)

Barb says
July 31, 2025 at 2:12 pm

Trunks getting a bit closer 🥰
Jane Whitfield says
July 31, 2025 at 2:35 pm

Tantalisingly close to a trunk touch .
Don’t how you can bear the tension of anticipation!
Beci says
July 31, 2025 at 2:45 pm

Yes they are making baby steps. So exciting. Soon it’ll be like they were never apart. That’s how it is with the Asian girls. I remember when a few were very skittish. Now they are all good around each other with some closer than others.
Will you be bringing any male elephants? Would you ever allow the male and female to be together? I don’t necessarily mean to mate but just to be? I realize usually males aren’t in the herds after a certain age but is that for bothAsian and African?
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  Sara says
  July 31, 2025 at 3:06 pm
  
  We’re always working with individuals and organizations to bring more elephants to sanctuary, including males. As with the Asian and African elephants, the male and female elephants would have their own habitats. There is always a potential that they could meet across a fence line, but the older elephants might not be perfect candidates for sharing space with males, since the males could try to mate with them, which could potentially hurt them. Any females that share space with males would need to be on some sort of birth control regimen. They don’t generally spend time together in the wild.
Maria José Agostinho says
July 31, 2025 at 2:48 pm

Great news! Awesome scene in the video and Very clear text.
Your communication is good and efficient with us all, Far away from the Sanctuary, thank you so much!

It is beautiful to see them closer than before!
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  Bonnie says
  August 1, 2025 at 2:42 am
  
  There doing pretty good
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  Terri M. says
  August 1, 2025 at 11:13 am
  
  I am in awe of these amazing beautiful creatures
  I know I spend way to much time reading their stories, crying and smiling at their behaviors and how much like us they are. I have learned so much about them. Thanks for sharing!
Doe Fowler says
July 31, 2025 at 3:16 pm

Wonderful interaction! Kenya’s trunk waving at Pupy reminded me on an eager student raising their arm/hand at the teacher. Were they eating anything in the video or mock eating? I’ve seen Savanna Elephants in the wild exhibit similar behavior and was told that they use the mock eating as a relaxed way to size up the other being.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  July 31, 2025 at 3:34 pm
  
  There were some snacks around which can be an encouragement for staying relaxed.
Sharon says
July 31, 2025 at 3:28 pm

Beautiful! I love reading their story …. Keep it coming! 💖💖💖
Lori Hoover says
July 31, 2025 at 3:47 pm

I haven’t even watched the video yet, but the post is such a beautiful breakdown of the dynamics and your ideas on the reasons why. My heart goes out to them, both of them, and I am so proud of them. I love that Kenya is figuring out the adjustments to make Pupy feel comfortable. It speaks a lot to her wonderful spirit as well as her smarts. I love that Pupy seems to notice Kenya’s adjustments, and that speaks to Pupy’s intelligence as well as her bravery. They are both so brave, so beautiful, and now I am off to watch the two lovely ladies.
Ada says
July 31, 2025 at 3:57 pm

The beauty of all this is they have the physical space for them to feel secure and comfortable with each other until they’re both ready to be friends💖💖
Sue says
July 31, 2025 at 4:14 pm

So amazing seeing them work through it all! They are both so brave! Wonderful to see them so close to each other! ❤️🐘❤️
Patricia torrecillas says
July 31, 2025 at 7:31 pm

Oh my, how very sublime…….so exciting to see these gorgeous Ladies doing well at Sanctuary….truly each one’s Journey has been full of Miracles, and we are so grateful to be a part of this process. I understand Kenya get’s emotional, I also get emotional with every news flash, every video, just to see them safe and looking like beautiful Little Twinkly Stars always brings tears to my face, and, I also squish my face up because it is felt so deeply, the gentle care and devotion that you’all provide for them makes this world a little more liveable because of Your’all’s goodness.
Barbara L Smith says
July 31, 2025 at 8:10 pm

One day at a time.❤️❤️
Alida says
July 31, 2025 at 10:52 pm

They are both so smart, and I think there’s real interest in both girls to get to know each other, but it’s also very reassuring that they are taking one step at a time, great video 😍 both beautiful and smart girls ❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️
Beji says
August 1, 2025 at 10:37 am

I can’t remember the last time I read something so sad…..she hadn’t been with another elephant in over 40 years..just heartbreaking. Well, that’s all over, thank God!!
Johnny says
August 2, 2025 at 3:45 pm

Pupy, I think since you’ve been there the longest you should invite Kenya out for coffee.
Finn Jørgensen Lock says
August 5, 2025 at 6:00 pm

Love you, Pupy💖💖
Love you, Kenya💖💖

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