Kenya in the Refreshed Mud Wallow

Kenya has been emerging from her shell after a few weeks of being quieter than usual. She’s surely been processing the loss of Pupy, but is now sleeping less and exploring more, which is good for her mentally and physically. Wandering stimulates her mind and, by walking on natural surfaces, her sore pads are ever-so-slightly wearing down a little.

In addition to during her regular mealtimes, Kenya’s caregivers are visiting her early in the morning and later at night. Sometimes she wants to interact and other times she wants to be by herself, and that’s perfectly fine. Kenya has been much more vocal lately and her energy is up significantly. We’re seeing her lighter side more, with some silly noises and a few little tap dances here and there.

Her mud wallow, Club Mud, recently got a glow up. We scraped out the bottom layer of mud and covered it with a new layer of clay. The mounds outside of the pond were also built up, creating cushier piles for laying on and dusting. This particular mud is extra colorful, so Kenya is often wearing a full-body coat of sanctuary red. The wallow is plumbed, so fresh water flows in to keep the area cool, soft, and not stagnant. Here it’s in the process of refilling, so the water level will get higher the more the water runs. Kenya has been spending lots of time there, giving herself extra sprays of mud to keep the bugs away and shield herself from the sun. When this video was taken, it was about time for her post-meal nap, so she was definitely a little sleepy. But as the wallow continues to get muddier, Kenya will get right to work keeping herself dirty and content.

Comments(9)

Barbara L Smith says
November 12, 2025 at 2:16 pm

So happy, Kenya is healing and adjusting to her new life and home. ❤️
Bonnie says
November 12, 2025 at 2:29 pm

Kenya is such a muddy little girl and she likes it she’s having a good time
Shelley Wolinsky says
November 12, 2025 at 4:07 pm

Will Kenya find another best friend eventually? I hope so🥰
- REPLY
  Sara says
  November 12, 2025 at 4:08 pm
  
  There are many elephants still in need, including African elephants. But it can take years of negotiations and legal intervention to get them home. It’s uncommon for an organization like a zoo or circus to willingly give up an elephant to sanctuary, since they are generally considered big money makers. Once people understand that sanctuary provides significant space, natural world, and specialized care, they come to believe that zoos just aren’t appropriate environments for elephants. But conversations are constantly going on behind the scenes.
Wim says
November 12, 2025 at 4:53 pm

She looks rebalanced, hopefully the mourning process is leaving slowly.
Wonderful to see her enjoy the mud bath.
Terry says
November 12, 2025 at 8:51 pm

What an amazing being!!!
- REPLY
  Johnny says
  November 13, 2025 at 9:35 am
  
  Isn’t it something that we live on a planet with these creatures?
Joey says
November 13, 2025 at 1:23 am

Is she favoring the right front foot because of the condition of her foot pads? Is that the “worst” of the four? I’m happy to hear she is doing better. Grief doesn’t have a time limit; she needs to take as much time as she feels necessary to process losing Pupy. I still miss Pupy every day too. I’m glad the caregivers spend extra time with her but give her the space to be alone when she wants to. I love her and Pupy so much.
- REPLY
  Sara says
  November 13, 2025 at 10:05 am
  
  Yes. All four of her feet are in bad condition but the right front one is currently in the worst condition.

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