Two Trunks Over the Fence

Female African elephant Kenya lifts her trunk up and over the bars of the gate in the treatment barn

This Sunday Smile comes courtesy of a brief moment between Kenya and Pupy. We were keeping an eye on the two of them as they both stood in separate treatment chutes in the barn. Pupy walked over to the gate between them and leaned in toward where Kenya was standing. Kenya, for her part, put her mouth up over the gate and was swirling her trunk in the air. Pupy then put her mouth on top of the gate, right next to Kenya and was flopping her trunk around. Their faces got closer than ever before they both finally walked away. Another successful interaction in the books.

P.S.: Many of you have asked for more videos of Pupy and Kenya together. As things evolve between them, we want to give them both the opportunity to make a connection without human interference and cameras do come into play. A lot of our observations are made via security cameras or from a distance to prevent our presence from interfering with the natural progression of their relationship. Kenya is especially sensitive to being filmed and will very often stop whatever she’s doing and shut down a bit when she sees someone insert a phone or camera into a moment with her. The last thing we want to do in a situation where the two elephants are successfully interacting is provide a distraction. As things progress, we’ll share more information, but for now we’re going to be careful not to disturb a relationship in process.

Photo of Kenya demonstrating how she lifts her trunk over the gate

Comments(13)

Sandy Labowitz says
August 31, 2025 at 2:36 pm

This makes me so happy! 💜🐘💜
J Johnson says
August 31, 2025 at 3:20 pm

This is very exciting news! Of course, this is all new to them as Pupy has only been at sanctuary 4 mos & Kenya barely 2 months. It does look like we are getting much closer to actually touching! Interesting how Kenya does not like being photographed. Perhaps at Ecoparque & before that she was done with paparazzi 📸

@jmjinsincity 🇺🇸
Chris says
August 31, 2025 at 3:49 pm

Oh my gosh I love this. I have a vivid imagination so saw it in my mind while reading and grinning. Thank you for the update!
Maureen says
August 31, 2025 at 4:03 pm

These 2 girls are moving at their own pace, but they are definitely moving forward!!! This sounds like a sweet interaction, they acknowledged each other and sounds like they were a little silly with each other, that is so awesome. While we all want to see the girls interact, their lives do not revolve around us! They have both had more than enough human intrusion into their lives and their lives at the sanctuary is all about them, not us! I am glad that you are so sensitive to all of their needs and I love the updates you provide as you are very detailed and descriptive! Thank you for caring for all of our girls!!!!!
Ann Stewart says
August 31, 2025 at 6:40 pm

So glad to hear this encouraging news. It’s another small step on the road to the development of an enduring relationship.
Like everyone else, I look forward to the day when I see the video showing Pupy and Kenya happily wandering off together to explore all the wonderful things that GS E sanctuary has to offer them.
Lynne Russert says
August 31, 2025 at 7:06 pm

Progress!! Yeah!!!
Doe Fowler says
August 31, 2025 at 7:23 pm

Wonderful news! 🐘Have a super week all. 💛
Jeanine says
August 31, 2025 at 7:33 pm

You know what’s best. There is no rush. We all want what is best for Pupy and Kenya.🐘🐘❤️❤️
Ada says
August 31, 2025 at 7:37 pm

Slowly, but surely😌I totally understand about not interfering with their interaction. They’ve been ‘gawk’ at all their lives, so it’s good for them to have be able to do a lot of things without being filmed🥰
Beci says
August 31, 2025 at 11:24 pm

Love it 👏🏻👏🏻❤️. So happy for a good closer step. It seems in our world today everyone wants things right now. I’m older and patience is what we all need to have for a successful friendship to develop.
Johnny says
September 1, 2025 at 10:13 am

Days of Our Elephant’s Lives….. As the Elephant World Turns?
Alida says
September 1, 2025 at 8:56 pm

This is great! So happy to read that there is progress, they will get there, love these two precious girls ❤️🐘🐘❤️
Finn Jørgensen Lock says
October 1, 2025 at 1:54 pm

Good choice.
You are very nice people 💖

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