Kenya Saves Her Energy

Female African elephant Kenya walks toward the camera, highlighted by the setting sun Pupy and Kenya continue to interact with each other, though at this point Pupy is communicating through her mood, vocalizations, and body language that she’s still not ready to share space directly. Pupy is finding her voice here at sanctuary, so it’s our responsibility to honor what she’s telling us.

Kenya’s excitement is palpable, but she’s doing her absolute best to contain herself so she doesn’t push Pupy away. Kenya will show initial excitement when she sees Pupy, but she is trying to be soft and quiet because she seems to understand that her exuberant approach may be intimidating to Pupy. That’s a pretty remarkable realization for an elephant who previously lived on her own for 40 years.

In the morning, the two elephants might start out the day eating face to face. Pupy will sometimes rumble fairly loudly at Kenya, giving her a sign that she’s either getting comfortable or needs more space, depending on the moment. Kenya is taking the calmest approach she can most of the time, but after being calm for some time, occasionally Kenya leaves the area to have a mini explosion, releasing the bottled up energy she has been containing in Pupy’s presence. She takes a couple of moments to vocalize, sometimes kick, spin, or splash around, and then when she’s more grounded she returns to her friend. Most of the time, she stays calm but eager around Pupy, but has to let it fly when Pupy walks away. They are both doing their best and are finding different levels of comfortability as they move forward.

Photo of Kenya on a walk in the golden hour

Comments(13)

Linda says
August 25, 2025 at 2:18 pm

I wish so much they could be together in the same space, especially for Kenya who has been without that forever. I think they will get there, hopefully, although my concern is that it will eventually be ‘accepted’ by them that this is the way it is. Totally understand that Pupy needs to be respected for her comfort zone. So close and yet so far!
Ada says
August 25, 2025 at 3:38 pm

No on can ever deny how intelligent eles really are. Kenya knowing how to ‘read’ Pupy’s hesitation and Pupy ‘showing’ she’s not quite ready. Mutual respect🥰
Jane Whitfield says
August 25, 2025 at 5:33 pm

Oh poor Kenya , how marvellous she is being towards the reticent Pupy .
I do so hope that will be friends soon , it will be heartbreaking if it doesn’t work out .
What will you do if that becomes the situation ?
Kenya seems to want company , is it feasible for African & Asian eles to intermingle ?
- REPLY
  Sara says
  August 25, 2025 at 6:57 pm
  
  It’s possible that they may never share space and that’s okay. Just like with humans, both parties have to want a friendship or it doesn’t work. But just because they haven’t spent time in the same yard doesn’t mean they are alone. Elephants communicate in ways that humans can’t, and they may very well be “talking” to each other. We would not place an African elephant in the same habitat as the Asian elephants. There’s too great a history of conflict between the two. Scott talks about this in this short video: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/x3ZLV-HHJHs
Doe Fowler says
August 25, 2025 at 5:35 pm

All smiles here! This is wonderful news. Love Pupy and Kenya so much. 💖
June H. says
August 25, 2025 at 5:49 pm

Fascinating behaviors from Pupy and Kenya as they navigate their new friendship. Love reading about these two and their new life at the sanctuary!
Jeanine says
August 25, 2025 at 6:33 pm

The explosion made me lol! Poor Kenya. She wants to be friends.❤️❤️❤️
,
Zoi Flores says
August 25, 2025 at 7:26 pm

Elephants are extremely sensitive and intelligent, and Kenyasita is showing us she can be patient as well. Those golden hours in the sanctuary are a poem! 💚🐘💚🐘
Alida says
August 25, 2025 at 8:19 pm

It’s so lovely to read they are interacting with each other, they are such different personalities and so smart, Pupy being cautious and taking the time she needs and Kenya giving Pupy that time and being calm, precious girls, both of them ❤️🐘🐘❤️ Kenya looks stunning against the blue sky! 😍
katherine says
August 26, 2025 at 2:08 am

great to read this. patience is key it seems
Johnny says
August 26, 2025 at 11:27 am

Living on elephant time.
Terry says
August 26, 2025 at 11:29 am

The time will come…patience.😁❤️
Julie says
August 26, 2025 at 1:52 pm

I understand, Pupy, but please get comfortable. Kenya wants to show you so much Ellie-sister-love. I am praying you’ll get there someday, at your own time, of course.

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog