Update on Pupy: Now in Quarantine!

Since we received the permits for Pupy and Kenya, both elephants have been working on the many required steps that they must complete in order to make Elephant Sanctuary Brazil their new home. We’re happy to announce that Pupy is now in her required quarantine.

Elephants traveling to sanctuary from outside of Brazil have a number of steps implemented by the government that they must take in order to be moved. First, they go through positive reinforcement training so that they learn all of the behaviors that will allow for mandatory medical testing. Pupy is already acclimated to the behaviors used for medical care, so that was a relatively easy thing to check off the list. Pupy has also been getting used to spending time in her crate and seems comfortable in the space.

All of the testing they go through must take place under a quarantine situation. That means that there are a reduced number of people that may come into contact with the elephants and other protocols are put into place. It’s a way to control the environment to ensure that the test results aren’t compromised.

One of the steps an elephant must take is a blood draw to test for a bovine disease that is a concern for agricultural departments. They must also complete what’s called a trunk wash. That’s when an elephant takes a small amount of saline into their nose, lifts their trunk, holds it there for a minute, and then forcefully expels the saline into a bag. There are also other treatments and vaccinations, but the more difficult processes are the first two. Once those steps are completed, we can move forward with more definitive plans and dates for trucks and cranes and people to assist in the transport.

Kenya has also entered into quarantine, but started early as she is still working on allowing the actual needle stick for a blood draw. Her positioning and cooperation is beautiful up until that point, she just needs a little more trust to get over that next hurdle. After all, not many beings enjoy being stuck with a needle

We’ll keep you in the loop as things progress with Pupy and Kenya. We all celebrate when either of the elephants completes any step, and this is a big one for Pupy!

Photo of Pupy, with a branch in her mouth, in her transport crate

Comments(16)

Carol says
January 30, 2025 at 2:21 pm

So excited! More the merrier…more to love and adore. Praying everything goes smoothly and our ladies are well. 👏🏻🙏🏻🫶🏻
Jeanine says
January 30, 2025 at 2:22 pm

Thank you for the update. I look forward to the day that Pupy and Kenya are released at the sanctuary and can begin their new life in freedom.❤️❤️❤️
JoAnn Merriman Eaton says
January 30, 2025 at 2:22 pm

WONDERFUL progress Pupy! Soon you will be in a sanctuary you only have dreamed about. ❤️🐘
Beji says
January 30, 2025 at 2:25 pm

Very exciting…one step closer
Nancy says
January 30, 2025 at 3:57 pm

SO GREAT !!
Pamela Hall says
January 30, 2025 at 4:17 pm

WooHoo!!!
Julie says
January 30, 2025 at 4:31 pm

Thanks for the update! We’ve been waiting and hoping for Kenya’s move for a long time. And I’m sure Pupy is just as needing and deserving of sanctuary, as well.
Zoi Flores says
January 30, 2025 at 6:21 pm

Best news! This made my day!!!
Jane says
January 30, 2025 at 6:27 pm

So exciting , baby steps but in the best direction, I wonder what the two of them think & if they enjoy the different kind of fuss they are getting .
Charlotte Hansen says
January 30, 2025 at 8:45 pm

Congratulations Pupy! Moving right along….
Bonnie says
January 31, 2025 at 1:25 am

You all got that wright needles hurt sometimes but it’ll be all worth it
Patricia says
January 31, 2025 at 6:08 am

Oh, girls! You’re in my prayers! I love you.
Kenneth B. Newman says
February 1, 2025 at 5:12 pm

very positive news!!!!
Terry says
February 1, 2025 at 9:24 pm

There is just so much red, black, and blue tape!!! My goodness!!! I know there is light at the end of this tunnel. They sure do make it Pupy…I hope my light humor is okay…😊
Maria Mabry says
February 25, 2025 at 4:51 am

For very cold weather how are the heard cared for????
- REPLY
  Sara says
  February 25, 2025 at 6:02 am
  
  It doesn’t get too cold in Mato Grosso, so the elephants will be outside all year. They do very well.

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