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Pupy’s Adventure in the Yard

April 19, 2025

After spending the day in the barn with the gates wide open, Pupy waited for nightfall to begin her first adventure. In a moment of bravery, she stepped out into Yard 3, leaving the cameras behind. Soon after, she returned to the barn, ventured into Yard 1 for a few minutes, and paused by the mud wallow. On the security cameras, you can see her standing by the mud wallow and looking out toward the distant storm. Surrounded only by the sound of the quiet, gentle rain hitting the lush grass and foliage around her, Pupy is finally in a place that is reminiscent of where she was meant to be. As she starts to reconnect with herself and what it means to be an elephant, we can only imagine the profound thoughts and feelings that she will move through in the coming days.

Now, she’s back inside and racing toward Yard 3 once more. While we would love to get her first explorations on video, we respect that she chose to wait until she was alone and we are allowing her to explore at her own pace. We’ll be going back around 10 p.m. to check on her and give her some more food for the night.

There are many meaningful ways to support her journey — from adopting her to donating a welcome basket, or contributing in other ways that make a difference. Learn more here: https://globalelephants.org/project-pupy/

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Comments(16)

  1. REPLY
    Beji says
    April 19, 2025 at 9:42 pm

    Sweet, brave girl! You’re home now. Rest easy and sweet dreams, Pupy.

  2. REPLY
    Bill Simpson says
    April 19, 2025 at 9:49 pm

    I am sure that she’s overwhelmed by the vastness of her surroundings. Or, maybe like a child on Christmas morning, she’s overwhelmed.

  3. REPLY
    Pamela Hall says
    April 19, 2025 at 9:50 pm

    She is free! Hope it doesn’t overwhelm her

  4. REPLY
    Audrey says
    April 19, 2025 at 10:08 pm

    I love that Pupy is acclimating herself to her new surroundings. Listening to all the different sounds, the new smells, the flashes of lightening. She is going to love it there.

  5. REPLY
    Andy says
    April 19, 2025 at 10:15 pm

    It must be both wonderful and a little anxiety producing for her as she discovers her new surroundings. But she is oh so brave which will help along with the staff by her side

  6. REPLY
    Tammy says
    April 19, 2025 at 10:35 pm

    Thank you, just seeing Pupy in her element really brings tears to your eyes knowing she is truly home now and living the life she’s been robbed of for so many years but today is a brand new day! God bless and have a Happy Easter everyone!

  7. REPLY
    Jeanine says
    April 19, 2025 at 11:56 pm

    It will take a while for her to feel at home. It is a good start. ❤️

  8. REPLY
    Susan says
    April 20, 2025 at 12:15 am

    Following this story has been so inspirational to me. As a camper and hiker who has always loved the outdoors and being in nature, I can only imagine what this beautiful creature is experiencing for the first time. Knowing that there are wonderful human beings in this world that care so much and have made this happen makes me believe in humanity. I can’t even express how much it means to me.

  9. REPLY
    Barbara L Smith says
    April 20, 2025 at 12:49 am

    Brava, Pupy.👏🏽🐘❤️🌹

  10. REPLY
    Bonnie says
    April 20, 2025 at 1:00 am

    That’s a really good picture of her standing there with the lightning well maybe tomorrow she’ll go out and explore even more Again Thank you all for giving her the best place to live in comfortably

  11. REPLY
    elaine richard says
    April 20, 2025 at 8:39 am

    Your description of Pupy’s first night exploration brought tears to my eyes. Wishing her a long and fulfilled stay among friends, 4- and 2-legged, in her final home.

  12. REPLY
    Lynne Russert says
    April 20, 2025 at 8:58 am

    I love that she is slowly exploring her new home!!! Take your time sweetie & relish every moment!!🩷🩷🩷

  13. REPLY
    Terry says
    April 20, 2025 at 11:12 am

    Pupy has a lot to absorb! I am so grateful for GSE Brazil for the rebirth of Pupy!
    I am so happy for her!

  14. REPLY
    Sir Richard of the Elephants says
    April 20, 2025 at 12:32 pm

    I am so happy for her to be out of that zoo and in a sanctuary kind of environment. I can’t wait until she has a companion. Elephants are not meant to live alone. African and Asian elephants have lived together in captive environments without issue. I hope Kenya arrives soon. If not, perhaps she can have Asian friends.

  15. REPLY
    June H. says
    April 20, 2025 at 12:33 pm

    Pupy must think she is in heaven! So happy that Pupy is in a wonderful, caring sanctuary!

  16. REPLY
    Finn Jørgensen Lock says
    April 20, 2025 at 5:57 pm

    Wow – I don’t know Pupy’s story that much, but if this is her first time free❤
    Rain and silent flashes.. Wow ❤❤

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