Kenya Gets Used to Training

Female African elephant Kenya dusts herself with red dirt as she faces right. The sunlight shines directly on her face.

We knew when we first met Kenya that she would have some medical issues that needed attention; she has layers and layers of dead skin, her tusk has periodic flareups, and her feet will require extensive work. In order to prepare Kenya for medical care, we are trying to get her to feel safe in the treatment chute in the barn. While it’s important that she explore her new home, we also need to have the ability to address deeper health issues in a way that makes her comfortable.

Kenya isn’t particularly food motivated, which can make it somewhat challenging to do treatments. Normally, the elephants get extra snacks for performing the needed behaviors, and Kenya doesn’t always seem too interested in that approach. When she’s willing to stop in the chute (as opposed to the training wall in the habitat) and work with caregivers there, she appears to focus more. It can initially be easier with some elephants to get some treatments done in a zoo setting, since there’s not much excitement to draw the elephant’s attention away or stimulation during their day. Luckily, Kenya seems ready to take a few moments for care in the midst of her exciting explorations. Finding what works for each individual is part of the process we go through for all new elephants.

So far, we’re doing basic behaviors and practicing different techniques, but we haven’t done any major treatments yet. We want her to get used to being touched in various areas of the body that might be necessary for an exam and we’re closing different gates around her to get her used to the movement and sounds. She’s already comfortable with allowing caregivers to wash her problem tusk, so that’s one step in the right direction. She is also allowing bathing, scrubbing, and using a medicated spray on the layers of dead skin on her back. Kenya has communicated that she needs time to explore her new space while building up trust with her new team and our job is to give her what she needs in order to open up. Unlike Pupy, who immediately seemed to recognize the benefit of everything her new caregivers do (like bug spray reducing the number of annoying pests), Kenya is still working on figuring things out while embracing nature in her new home.

Photo of Kenya dusting herself in the sunlight

Comments(15)

Ada says
July 28, 2025 at 2:07 pm

I love how you and your team always do not only what’s best for them, but the amount of respect you give them🥰
J Johnson says
July 28, 2025 at 2:37 pm

Kenya is only 20 days post “prison” & I think the lure of endless days & nights exploring is proving extremely enticing. You guys are so patient & gentle with them & it may take a little more time for her to feel comfortable. She’s just getting started on her fitness routine & sometimes it takes a bit longer for fat girls to get used to the gym & discover the spa! @jmjinsincity
Ann-Marie says
July 28, 2025 at 2:42 pm

Well Done with your Care, Patience and Understanding 💕
Doe Fowler says
July 28, 2025 at 2:58 pm

You all are an amazing, intuitive, talented group of caregivers… Kenya will be a willing participant at the spa soon. Thank you for all you do and who you are! 💛
Tammy says
July 28, 2025 at 3:25 pm

Kenya is such a good girl and as with every elephant one day at a time her time which I know will happen quickly especially being surrounded by all that love and support from her caregivers and the girls who could ask for anything more? Much love and big hugs from Minnesota 💞🤗🦋🪷
- REPLY
  Terry says
  July 28, 2025 at 11:10 pm
  
  Im in Minnesota too! Northern Mn.
Katherine says
July 28, 2025 at 3:32 pm

Positive progress
Barbara L Smith says
July 28, 2025 at 3:36 pm

Kenya is excited to see the many different places, sights and smells of her new home. I imagine she finds it difficult to stand still for medical treatment. All in good time the pretty girl will settle in for treatment.❤️
Terry says
July 28, 2025 at 11:09 pm

My first thought that came in was MUSIC for her…
- REPLY
  Sara says
  July 28, 2025 at 11:35 pm
  
  Since she wouldn’t hear music in nature, we try to preserve the environment as much as possible.
  - Sarah Finlayson says
    July 30, 2025 at 2:29 pm
    
    People should treat all animals with respect. Kenya and Pupy are such a pair of magnificent animals. Many thanks to those people who love them .
Julie says
July 28, 2025 at 11:34 pm

Thank you for the Kenya update. Things seem to be moving along just fine.
Lilias Gordon says
July 30, 2025 at 7:16 am

It is all so new and exciting for her but she will settle and realise the benefits of a good spa day. 🤞♥️🙏
Alida says
July 30, 2025 at 8:40 pm

Kenya is finally getting the care and compassion she desperately needed, I imagine she still can’t believe her new life at sanctuary, hopefully one day, her old life will be a very distant memory. Keep exploring and enjoying being free sweet nugget, love you so much! ❤️🐘❤️
telerism says
August 24, 2025 at 7:22 am

A legacy of impact across education, leadership, and public health—truly admirable.

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