Sunday Smile: Kenya and the Night Sky

November 9, 2025

Female African elephant Kenya leans her head up against the habitat fence with her trunk placed on top of the top bar. The sky is dark and star-filled.

This week’s Sunday Smile photo catches Kenya in what seems like a pensive moment, just after her late-night snacks. Nighttime at sanctuary has a magical quality, especially on clear nights like this one, when the stars stretch across the neverending sky. We can only imagine what it must have felt like to Kenya when she slept her first nights at sanctuary, finally free from big city noises. Now, she gets to fall asleep to the sounds of the wind in the trees, the bugs chirping, and the bats flying overhead. It’s a whole different world for Kenya, but she’s certainly taken to it.

Comments(19)

REPLY
Wim says
November 9, 2025 at 2:27 pm

What a beautiful moment. Blessings, Kenya.
Hope you’re rebalancing after the difficult weeks.
🤗🐘🍉
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Zoi Flores says
November 9, 2025 at 2:29 pm

Thanks to all the supporters, and the magnificent team led by Kat & Scott Kenya is able to enjoy the nature gifts. 💚🐘
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Johnny says
November 9, 2025 at 2:35 pm

Your work gives me a glimmer of hope for humanity.
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J Johnson @jmjinsincity 🇺🇸 says
November 9, 2025 at 2:45 pm

Speaking of magical….what a photo!

The Asian girls have all been @ Sanctuary for more than 5 yrs now so they are well established in their forever home knowing they are safe & have their sisters with them.

I especially felt the world changed dramatically for both Pupy & Kenya. Pupy arrived @ freedom’s gate at the end of April 2025 & went over the rainbow🌈 @ arrived at heaven’s gate less than 6mos later, but in that time she experienced a world of experiences she had not known for 30+ years since she was a baby. How extraordinary that must have been for her.

Kenya arrived in July 2025 & only experienced the joy of a sister, someone who looked & talked like her, for an unfortunate short amount of time. However, it must have been supreme joy for her as she was so many years without that companionship.

Sara, you asked the question on X “what ele quirks we found endearing?” Pupy was so charming in discovering her new world, knocking down trees, making her puddles, charcoal streaks on her trunk & finally developing her confident swinging African strut. Kenya does her little toe dances, trunk taps, gets over the top excited with her enthusiasm, & all her vocalizations & she’s not a morning person. Bambi, Maia & Guille, Rana & Mara with their pink polka dot ears & freckled trunks… always touching, trumpeting, squeaking & the two making sure Bambi is well looked after. Rana & Mara with their adventures & swims & the quirky stiff leg walk & even tho, due to injuries, it is endearing.

You all at GSE & especially all those who work @ ESB have the best jobs in the world & I am truly envious of the magical experience you participate in ✨️🎩🪄🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘
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  Sara says
  November 9, 2025 at 2:50 pm
  
  What wonderful observations! And all of them so true. ❤️ We are so lucky to see them flourish!
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Kenneth B. Newman says
November 9, 2025 at 2:48 pm

How about rescuing another couple elephants to keep Kenya company? What otherSouth American Zoos, private ownership, or circuses, etc..have elephants to rescue and bring to GSE?
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  Sara says
  November 9, 2025 at 2:57 pm
  
  As you know, there are always conversations going on behind the scenes about bringing other elephants to sanctuary. There are many in South America in need of rescue and some of those elephants are African elephants. It can take years to see results from these efforts, but we’re always trying.
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Ada says
November 9, 2025 at 2:50 pm

A world where she’s always belonged. A world of freedom where she and other wildlife freely roams. A world where kindhearted humans who cares for them are🥰
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Doe Fowler says
November 9, 2025 at 2:54 pm

Glorious! Enjoy new life Kenya, love you. 🐘💖 Have a week full of smiles all. 💛
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Karen says
November 9, 2025 at 3:40 pm

As soon as I saw this picture I felt the serenity washing off Kenya!
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Barbara L Smith says
November 9, 2025 at 5:16 pm

I imagine Kenya’s thoughts on her first night at GSE were, I should have let Scott lock the transport gate on his first attempt. It was my ride to this paradise.🥰
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Jeanine says
November 9, 2025 at 6:07 pm

I wish she had another elephant friend.🙁
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Eileen L. says
November 9, 2025 at 6:32 pm

I would love to sleep there as well – it’s peaceful and so beautiful!
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Linda says
November 9, 2025 at 7:46 pm

That photo should be a large poster. Beautiful.
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Bonnie says
November 10, 2025 at 12:22 am

Kenya from the picture looks ok how’s she doing and what kind of snack did she get something yummy
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  Sara says
  November 10, 2025 at 12:30 am
  
  She’s doing better and better every day. And she got a few of her favorite fruits and a little hay for her snack.
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Sharon Klesse says
November 10, 2025 at 7:29 am

That is a beautiful photo. Wondering if there is a specific African elephant you are trying to rescue at this point in time who could be a companion for Kenya. Wishing she could now enjoy the wild life with a friend.
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  Sara says
  November 10, 2025 at 11:57 am
  
  There are many elephants in South America in need of rescue and some of those are African elephants. We are always in conversations with individuals and organizations on how we can bring more elephants to sanctuary, so things are often happening behind the scenes.
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Susan says
November 10, 2025 at 11:34 pm

That sky is beautiful and there is nothing better than living in the natural world. Enjoy Kenya!

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