More Pupy and Kenya Interactions

Female African elephants Kenya on the left and Pupy on the right, facing each other while standing in the treatment barn eating snacks

Pupy and Kenya are still gradually getting used to each other, and have been sharing neighboring stalls in the barn many mornings, eating breakfast near one another. We want to encourage them to be physically close if they want, showing both elephants that it’s their choice to share space with another, and that a companion might be someone who could bring joy and comfort. But no matter what, the final decision lies with the elephants.

Kenya was approaching Pupy with sweetness and excitement–but not too much excitement as to startle Pupy. Kenya offered Pupy her front foot as a welcome, then her bottom, her side, her trunk–just about anything she could think of. Pupy would gradually step closer, but never took Kenya up on her varied submissive postures or other signs welcoming friendship. Several times, the two elephants got really near to each other, with Kenya almost touching Pupy’s tusk before pulling back. Perhaps like Rana when she met Ramba, Kenya was holding her energy inside a little to avoid overwhelming Pupy.

After everyone was done eating, it was time for some practice with Kenya’s training behaviors. She successfully did some exercises where she leaned in toward her caregivers–an essential part of treatment. She also lifted her feet voluntarily, allowing the care staff to touch and lightly examine them. As we mentioned last week, Kenya’s feet will need lots of attention over an extended period of time, likely throughout the rest of her life. Until they indicate it’s not what they want, we’ll continue to encourage opportunities for the two elephants to connect, even though they can go to a common fence line at almost any time. Building relationships is difficult enough without having unnecessary outside forces weighing in on what a friendship should look like. When trust is built organically, the elephants’ lives are enriched in ways of their own making.

Photo of Kenya (left) and Pupy (right) facing each other while eating inside the barn

Comments(10)

Chris says
August 19, 2025 at 2:39 pm

Seeing that photo is just beautiful. In their own time. Both have been through so much. The fact that they have made progress like this is heart warming. Sending so much love to both girls and all the staff.
Barbara L Smith says
August 19, 2025 at 2:45 pm

At least Pupy and Kenya realize they are not alone. They are living in a beautiful natural place, they see, hear and smell other creatures like them. Nature is all around, hopefully they will stand together, absent a fence.❤️
Terry says
August 19, 2025 at 3:34 pm

Great progress! We all look forward to the moment the trust clicks in…
Beci says
August 19, 2025 at 3:58 pm

Exactly because just like people we wouldn’t want anyone telling us who we need to be friends with. If either one is like me that would make me want to do the opposite because I’m very independent. So happy you are so knowledgeable in how to allow them to live their way but use a cautious encouragement to each other. This is why I choose to donate to you, follow and try and help because you are very kind and have worked so long with elephants you’ve learned a lot about how to be there for them. Ty again
- REPLY
  Sara says
  August 19, 2025 at 4:02 pm
  
  Thank you so much ❤️
Patricia Richardson says
August 19, 2025 at 5:35 pm

So wonderful to hear Kenya is trying with all she has (but not TOO much) to begin to create a connection to sweet Pupy! Brings me nearly to tears — such hopeful news! Thank you!💜🌺🎉
Bonnie says
August 20, 2025 at 12:19 am

like you said Sara it will take time to bad you didn’t video Kenya doing all that cute stuff for Pupy
Johnny says
August 20, 2025 at 7:35 am

A good reminder that there is “human time” and there is “elephant time”. All will be well, in due time.
Sarah Finlayson says
August 20, 2025 at 7:13 pm

When the right time come. They will except each other. I believe they just need more time. They are very smart and careful animals.
Finn Jørgensen Lock says
September 29, 2025 at 9:51 pm

Pupy 💖🐘💖Kenya

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