Kenya and Pupy Make Progress

Female African elephant Kenya walks through a corridor of grass and trees

For the past day, Kenya has been spending time in Yard 1 of the female African habitat and Pupy has had access to Yards 2 and 3, with separate areas of the barn being open to each. They’ve had the ability to share a fence line and could meet at any time, if that’s what they chose to do. We’re not sure how much they are “talking,” but elephants communicate in lots of ways, so they could be sending each other information as days go by.

This afternoon, Pupy followed Scott towards the divider between Yards 1 and 2, and he put some hay in two spaced-out piles near the dividing gate, which is where Kenya was standing. Each elephant got her allotment of hay, and when Pupy walked over to her pile, Kenya rumbled. It was a big, soft rumble. In return, Pupy rumbled as well. It was so low and soft that Scott initially thought it might be some sort of a machine, so he turned the 4-wheeler off. Of course, it was just Pupy rumbling back to Kenya–big, big rumbles between them both.

At that point, Kenya turned her back a little, then Pupy did the same. Pupy walked away, but didn’t stay too far. There was no social or physical interaction, but there was lots of verbal interplay. There was actually a lot of communication going on between the two African elephants in this moment, though not in the way we’re used to seeing with the Asian elephants in terms of how quiet and gentle interactions can be. Here, not only were there rumbles, but there was also a physical posturing that indicated they were having some sort of conversation. This is the first time we’ve seen them be so calm and vocal in this way, when they were so close together. Scott didn’t stay long, but kept an eye on the two girls as they went their own separate ways.

P.S.: Kenya might not be as gentle on the landscape as we initially thought. We’ve discovered two large downed trees in the habitat, so she’s clearly gotten to work on those African elephant instincts!

Photo of Kenya walking through a corridor of trees

Comments(19)

Ada says
July 18, 2025 at 2:13 pm

Love that they’re having their verbal communications. Maybe someday, they’ll be comfortable enough to ‘hang’ out and be bff’s🥰
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  Beverley Schmidt says
  July 19, 2025 at 2:21 am
  
  Soo beautiful to be present in the surroundings of these majestic elephants..what a blessing…I do pray that God will continue blessing you all….thank you for taking care of them . 🐾🐾🐾🐾❤️❤️✝️🙏🙌
Patricia Richardson says
July 18, 2025 at 2:48 pm

Oh, intriguing to say the least how this new relationship is forming up! I have very good feelings that they will find a balance of satisying their own needs and acts of respect and, hopefully, gestures of generosity!
Barbara L Smith says
July 18, 2025 at 3:52 pm

Wonderful they are having conversations and Kenya is developing her lumberjack skills. I imagine it is a comforting feeling not to alone.
Maureen says
July 18, 2025 at 4:01 pm

Maybe Kenya is realizing that her big personality is a little scary for Pupy, and Pupy is starting to figure out that while Kenya is very forward, she means no harm by it. Little by little they will figure each other out. All in their own good time, elephant-time!! Whether they turn out to be friends or not is entirely up to them. I think they both want to be friends and to interact, they just have to figure out the best way how. I have faith that they will!
Terry says
July 18, 2025 at 5:18 pm

It won’t take long for a physical meetup and it’s going to be amazing as their communications grow in ways only they know…how exciting! 😃 I’m so happy for Pupy, Kenya, Scott, Kat, Sara, everyone at Sanctuary Brazil for this moment you all have worked so hard and long for! 🙌 My deepest of GRATITUDE TO YOU ALL!!! 🙏 #SoulSharing #Gratitude #SanctuaryBrazil #WorkHard #AllTheLove
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  Sara says
  July 18, 2025 at 5:27 pm
  
  Thank you! Life has changed at sanctuary but in the very best ways.
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  Shelly says
  July 20, 2025 at 1:06 am
  
  What happened to Kenya’s tusks? One is missing and the other is broken.😢
  - Kat Blais says
    July 20, 2025 at 8:50 am
    
    from what we know, she never had a left tusk. her right one is worn, from rubbing it on cement, which is common in captive african elephants. but it grows through her sulcus, so we’re not sure what will happen once it has the chance to grow out.
Jeanine says
July 18, 2025 at 5:55 pm

Thank you for the update. I have been thinking of those 2.🐘🐘❤️❤️
Doe Fowler says
July 18, 2025 at 6:48 pm

Fantastic news on the calm communication between Pupy and Kenya. Thank you for all your efforts. Good vibes to all!
Zoi Flores says
July 18, 2025 at 7:16 pm

Glad to know Kenya finally started to decorate her “house”, and also very happy with the improvement in her interaction with Pupy. 💚🐘💚🐘
Irene says
July 18, 2025 at 7:47 pm

What happens to the downed trees? Thank you for the info. I look forward to your daily updates.
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  Sara says
  July 18, 2025 at 7:51 pm
  
  A lot of times they get snacked on!
Vanessa Maria greenlee says
July 19, 2025 at 12:03 am

I’m glad,to know that.i love elephants and I care deeply about they’re well being.and I’m going to continue to spread the good word,that way,more elephants can be rescued in Thailand,Africa,India,Sri lanka,and Asia.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🌏
Katherine says
July 19, 2025 at 5:48 am

lovely photo of Kenya in trees, more of these please!
Ruth says
July 19, 2025 at 9:48 pm

Thanks for the news!! Ifollowed the whole trip from Mendoza. I feel proud of they decission Argentina Made,
. Thank You for making all this possible!!! My heart is with Kenya and with all the Team there un Brazil.
carey says
July 20, 2025 at 11:17 am

good to hear, thank you
Alida says
July 20, 2025 at 10:31 pm

Kenya just looks so radiant! Welcome to your new life in paradise sweetheart 🐘❤️ and hopefully with a new friend. I’m sure you and Pupy will work it out, both precious girls 🐘💕🐘

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