Upon arriving at the Elephant Sanctuary in Brazil and beginning to live in freedom, Pupy is in perfect health. It took her many hours to muster up the courage to leave the transport crate, a common occurrence in these cases, as she faced the unknown to explore the environment and feel safe.
The African elephant, 35 years old, had arrived at the former zoo in May 1993 and became the last large animal transferred from the Ecopark.
After five days of travel, Pupy, the last elephant remaining at the Ecopark in Buenos Aires, arrived at the Elephant Sanctuary located in Chapada dos Guimarães, in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.
The journey, covering a distance of almost 4,000 kilometers, was made by land, concluding successfully and without any complications.
Pupy, of African origin, 35 years old, arrived in excellent health and did not need any sedatives.
The complex logistical transfer was made possible thanks to coordinated work between the Government of the City, the Franz Weber Foundation, and the Elephant Sanctuary in Brazil.
Tomás Sciolla, from the Franz Weber Foundation, who accompanied Pupy throughout this process and the transfer, sends us an exclusive video testimonial for Environmental News from the Elephant Sanctuary in Brazil.
He has known Pupy for many years because Tomás worked at the Buenos Aires City Zoo and began working on the Ecopark process, mainly in charge of finding sanctuaries for all the animals. Later, Tomás started working at the Franz Weber Foundation some years ago and has always been in charge of the management related to the elephant transfers to sanctuaries. He helps with the documentation, both for the exit from Argentina and entry into Brazil, CITES documentation, procedures with SENASA to obtain the international medical certificate, and is responsible for directing the entire process.
A journey of almost 4,000 kilometers to live in freedom
To carry out the transfer, Pupy was transported in a specially designed crate, her behavior was excellent, as she remained calm throughout the journey and showed a positive attitude.
The journey included multiple stops to check on her condition, provide water, food, and moments of entertainment, always considering her needs and well-being.
Upon arrival at her destination, Pupy had as much time as she needed to observe her new surroundings from the safety of her crate. She was never forced to come out. She was offered bamboo and watermelon – her favorite fruit – and refreshed with a hose bath. Thousands of people followed the emotional moment through a live broadcast by the Ecopark.
The beginning of a new life living in freedom
Pupy, before her transfer, underwent a preparation process that included medical exams and gradual training to approach the transport crate.
These activities are what allow the transfer to take place with the least possible stress for the animal.
Now, Pupy is in an outdoor enclosure within the sanctuary, where she begins an adaptation phase. Over the next few days, the elephant will be able to explore her new habitat, try different types of food, and start interacting with the technical team at the site, all of this will happen gradually and at her own pace.
The reconversion of the Buenos Aires Zoo
Following the closure of the old zoo in 2016, the Ecopark conducted 1,010 animal transfers, all successful, with the contribution and collaboration of specialized organizations.
This latest transfer represents the move of the last large animal, as the remaining exotic specimens are elderly or have conditions that prevent their transfer.
The Elephant Sanctuary in Brazil, managed by Global Sanctuary for Elephants (GSF) in collaboration with Elephant Voices, is the first refuge of its kind in Latin America.
The place provides a natural and safe environment for elephants that have lived in captivity their whole lives, allowing them to regain their natural species behaviors and form social bonds.
Currently, the sanctuary houses five Asian elephants: Mara, Guillermina, Rana, Maia, and Bambi. Pupy, being African, will not live with them due to the inherent differences of each species, as the sanctuary is divided respecting these particularities.
The enclosure has strict security measures, such as double fencing and a perimeter fence, to protect both the animals and the environment.
