Global Rumblings Podcast – Episode 49: New Elephants on the Horizon (Kenya and Pupy) Summary

Introduction

In the December 31, 2024 episode of the Global Rumblings podcast, hosted by Nadia Mari of Elephants in Japan, listeners are taken behind the scenes of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSE) as co-founders Kat and Scott Blais discuss the upcoming arrival of two new African elephants, Kenya and Pupi, to their sanctuary in Argentina. This episode delves into the complexities of relocating captive elephants, the personalities and histories of Kenya and Pupi, and the broader implications for elephant welfare and sanctuary life.

Arrival of New Elephants: Kenya and Pupi

Permitting Process

Kat and Scott elaborate on the intricate process of securing the necessary permits for transporting elephants from Brazil to Argentina. They highlight the challenges posed by CITES regulations and the meticulous documentation required for both export and import permits.

Scott [04:01]: "Everything has 8 million steps and strict time limits. So it's trying to find a way to make all of these things happen in this tiny little box."

Kat shares their experience with the Argentine authorities, noting improvements in the permitting process after their initial attempts.

Kat [05:13]: "This time they said, no, just give us the crate. So we're sending all the other goods also. But they just said list it in one item."

About Kenya

Kenya, a female African elephant, has been at the Mendoza Zoo since 1985, spending the last four decades alone. Kat and Scott describe her as "spunky," "sharp," and "sweet," emphasizing her intelligence and gentle nature.

Kat [05:33]: "She is really gentle. She loves the attention she likes, like most beings. She likes being seen, she likes being heard."

Despite her pleasant demeanor, Kenya has faced challenges with training and medical procedures, primarily due to previous staff's lack of expertise in working with African elephants.

Scott [07:29]: "They just don't have the training to really do anything with elephants aside from give them their food and clean up after them."

Health and Training Challenges

Kenya's health presents significant concerns, particularly regarding her feet and urinary issues. The Blais discuss the difficulties in diagnosing and treating her conditions due to the absence of specialized veterinary tools for elephants.

Scott [14:02]: "She has the worst African feet I've seen because they tend to be pretty good."

They express hope that upon arrival at the sanctuary, Kenya will receive the comprehensive care she needs to address these health issues.

Kat [15:29]: "We have to do what we always do is let's boost their system as much as we can, you know, boost their immune system as much as we can."

About Pupi

Pupi, another female African elephant, is slightly younger than Kenya and joins the sanctuary following the tragic passing of her companion, Kuki. Pupi's integration is particularly poignant as she adjusts to life at the sanctuary without Kuki's presence.

Scott [17:32]: "They arrived in Buenos Aires when they were three years old together. And they've been together ever since."

Kat reflects on Pupi stepping out of Kuki's shadow and finding her own identity within the sanctuary.

Kat [16:37]: "She has been in the shadow of Kuki for a long time... watching Pupi come into her own."

Integration into the Sanctuary

Behavioral Dynamics

The introduction of Kenya and Pupi is expected to bring new dynamics to the sanctuary, especially considering their African heritage, which contrasts with the existing Asian elephants. Kat and Scott anticipate behavioral interactions that reflect the natural tendencies of African elephants.

Kat [21:31]: "They are crazy, wild, trumpeting, rumbly Africans knocking down trees and wreaking havoc in the pasture and doing their African elephant thing."

They also discuss how the existing Asian elephants might react to the vocalizations and behaviors of the African newcomers.

Scott [22:35]: "They're so kooky, perfect and lovely and crazy. It's actually really fun."

Impact on Existing Elephants

The sanctuary acknowledges the potential curiosity and reactions from their current herd as African elephants join the group. Nadia Mari raises an interesting point about how different species might perceive each other within close proximity.

Nadia Mari [23:33]: "How do you think the other, your five Asian elephants will react to hearing suddenly a different species next door?"

Kat and Scott respond by emphasizing the interconnectedness of elephants and their ability to sense and respond to each other's emotions and behaviors.

Scott [24:03]: "Elephants have quote unquote names for each other and... they can understand."

Future Outlook

Sanctuary's Plans

With the arrival of Kenya and Pupi imminent, Kat and Scott outline their ongoing efforts to ensure a smooth transition. This includes meetings with local authorities at Eco Park Buenos Aires to finalize next steps and establish a supportive environment for the new arrivals.

Kat [26:36]: "We have a meeting with the folks at the Eco Park Buenos Aires to talk about next steps and what's going to happen there."

Support from Listeners

The hosts express gratitude towards their listeners for their unwavering support, highlighting the importance of community and advocacy in advancing elephant welfare.

Nadia Mari [28:20]: "Just spreading the word of the sanctuary to the whole world."

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Nadia Mari reflects on the exciting yet challenging journey ahead for Kenya and Pupi at the Global Sanctuary for Elephants. Kat and Scott reiterate their commitment to providing a safe and nurturing environment for the elephants, emphasizing the sanctuary's role in promoting holistic animal welfare.

Kat [28:51]: "Let's dive deeper into the world of captive elephant recovery."

Listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for Episode 50 in 2025, promising continued in-depth discussions on elephant recovery and sanctuary life.

Notable Quotes:

• Scott [04:01]: "Everything has 8 million steps and strict time limits. So it's trying to find a way to make all of these things happen in this tiny little box."

• Kat [05:33]: "She is really gentle. She loves the attention she likes, like most beings. She likes being seen, she likes being heard."

• Scott [07:29]: "They just don't have the training to really do anything with elephants aside from give them their food and clean up after them."

• Scott [14:02]: "She has the worst African feet I've seen because they tend to be pretty good."

• Kat [15:29]: "We have to do what we always do is let's boost their system as much as we can, you know, boost their immune system as much as we can."

• Scott [17:32]: "They arrived in Buenos Aires when they were three years old together. And they've been together ever since."

• Kat [16:37]: "She has been in the shadow of Kuki for a long time... watching Pupi come into her own."

• Kat [21:31]: "They are crazy, wild, trumpeting, rumbly Africans knocking down trees and wreaking havoc in the pasture and doing their African elephant thing."

• Scott [22:35]: "They're so kooky, perfect and lovely and crazy. It's actually really fun."

• Kate [23:58]: "They clearly know a lot of what's going on and much more interconnected than we are."

• Scott [24:03]: "Elephants have quote unquote names for each other and... they can understand."

• Kat [26:36]: "We have a meeting with the folks at the Eco Park Buenos Aires to talk about next steps and what's going to happen there."

• Nadia Mari [28:20]: "Just spreading the word of the sanctuary to the whole world."

• Kat [28:51]: "Let's dive deeper into the world of captive elephant recovery."

Final Thoughts

Episode 49 of Global Rumblings offers an insightful glimpse into the compassionate efforts of the Global Sanctuary for Elephants as they expand their family. Through candid conversations, Kat and Scott Blais share the triumphs and tribulations of rescuing and rehabilitating elephants like Kenya and Pupi, underscoring the profound impact of dedicated sanctuary work on animal welfare.