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Learning to Love a Hose Bath

July 21, 2025

You may have noticed that Kenya has a significant build up of dead skin all over her body. She’s got layers and layers, which will take some time to slough off. This is something that lots of dusting, mud, and rubbing on tree bark will help significantly, but we also hope to help her by giving her baths with the hose. We were told by the ecoparque that Kenya’s not wild about getting baths, but we’re working hard to make them a pleasant experience for her, letting her know that if she gets too uncomfortable, we’ll stop. Quite simply, we can get to spots that she can’t, so it can only help her to get more showers at the barn. 

This video shows how calm Kenya can be when she knows she’s in a safe place and that she’s being heard. It is a significant moment for Kenya, considering she has traditionally not been thrilled with getting bathed. Kenya seems to know that we’re here to help her, which she’s showing. We work hard to earn the trust of all the elephants, otherwise we can’t properly care for them. It’s essential that you do your best to get in touch with what they’re communicating in order to ensure that they’ll put themselves in your hands when necessary. There’s a self confidence that comes with knowing they’re in charge of what happens and we will respect their wishes.

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Comments(18)

  1. REPLY
    Ada says
    July 21, 2025 at 2:17 pm

    Not only she knows she can trust her caretakers, but she also has thousands of acres to run away from you if she wants to😌😅🥰

  2. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    July 21, 2025 at 2:36 pm

    It looks to me, Kenya is enjoying her shower. A new life changes everything. She has freedom, love, gentle care and a friend, if she chooses.❤️

  3. REPLY
    Tammy says
    July 21, 2025 at 2:55 pm

    Oh boy Kenya really likes that i bet it feels wonderful just like a massage well kinda their skin is so tough and I would think very thick i wonder how thick it is?

  4. REPLY
    Sue says
    July 21, 2025 at 3:07 pm

    Just amazing! It must be wonderful for you to see the progress and growth of each lovely Girl that has made it to sanctuary. How powerful and healing it is – learning to live life on their own terms and being respected for their choices, whatever they may be. This valuable gift you give them really sunk in for me during Lady’s time at Sanctuary – the way you honored her choices. I am so grateful and thankful for all you do!! Way to go Kenya !👍🏻🐘❤️🐘❤️

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      July 21, 2025 at 3:28 pm

      Kenya is acclimating so quickly. It’s lovely to see. Thanks for following!

  5. REPLY
    Ann-Marie says
    July 21, 2025 at 3:17 pm

    Well done Kenya, and to all who care for her 💕

  6. REPLY
    Sandy Crile says
    July 21, 2025 at 5:05 pm

    I love how she is “helping” Scott give her a bath by sucking up the puddles and spraying herself while he sprays.

  7. REPLY
    Doe Fowler says
    July 21, 2025 at 5:35 pm

    Kenya appears to be quite content with the hose bath. Nicely done team! Does she drink the water from the hose is the question? 😀

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      July 21, 2025 at 5:48 pm

      She does drink the water. We like to make sure everyone who gets a bath also gets some drinks of nice, cool water.

  8. REPLY
    Julie says
    July 21, 2025 at 6:13 pm

    Thanks ESB. It appears Kenya has more dead skin than any other elephant I’ve seen. I can’t wait to see the before and after side-by-sides in a few months.

  9. REPLY
    Terry says
    July 21, 2025 at 8:33 pm

    Im certain there is a knowingness with all the girls that everything about sanctuary is pretty safe. Trust comes to she who bathes, wallows, and rumbles!!!!

  10. REPLY
    Alida says
    July 21, 2025 at 8:40 pm

    Kenya is loving the attention and TLC, so nice to see her relaxed, she knows she’s safe ❤️🐘❤️

  11. REPLY
    Beci says
    July 21, 2025 at 10:54 pm

    We know you guys are Elephant Whispers 😁. So thankful for all you do.

  12. REPLY
    Patricia says
    July 22, 2025 at 1:47 am

    I love you all and am so grateful!

  13. REPLY
    Carmen says
    July 22, 2025 at 8:12 am

    Kenya looks to be quite content with her bath! You wouldn’t even know she didn’t like them. She’s come a long way in such a short time and that’s all because of the tremendous love, care and freedom she is experiencing. Well done ESG!

  14. REPLY
    Diane Kastel says
    July 22, 2025 at 1:41 pm

    I am wondering why you don’t attempt to use a, scrub, brush, through the bars of the barn, to ty to scrub off the, dead, skin?

    • REPLY
      Sara says
      July 22, 2025 at 6:19 pm

      We do use a brush! It doesn’t work immediately but it does help.

  15. REPLY
    Finn Jørgensen Lock says
    July 31, 2025 at 8:59 pm

    💖💖💖

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