Pupy, is on a journey to freedom, the elephant that for years was sadly an iconic figure of the Porteño Ecopark, has started a journey towards her new home: the Elephant Sanctuary of Brazil.
This transfer, long-awaited by animal rights advocates, seeks to provide Pupy with a more suitable environment and the opportunity to live in a natural habitat, in semi-freedom, alongside other members of her species. With this move, the Ecopark closes a chapter and reaffirms its commitment to animal welfare.
Who is Pupy
Pupy was not just another elephant at the Porteño Ecopark; she was an emblematic figure, a symbol recognized by generations of visitors. Pupy was the last elephant living in the Ecopark. Her presence was a reminder of the history of the Ecopark, but also raised questions and concerns about captivity and its consequences.
The elephant lived 32 years in captivity and will travel almost 4,000 km
Over the years, her image became strongly associated with the place, but the conditions of the Ecopark, which originally operated as a traditional zoo, were no longer the most suitable for an animal of her species. Elephants are social beings that need to roam large areas, interact with other individuals as they live in herds and an environment that resembles their natural habitat.
Over time, the Porteño Ecopark began a transformation towards a model more focused on conservation and animal welfare. This transition involved the relocation of many animals to sanctuaries or reserves where they could live in better conditions. Pupy, being the last elephant, became the center of attention of this transformation. Her transfer to the Elephant Sanctuary of Brazil represents the closing of a chapter in the history of the Ecopark and the beginning of a new life for Pupy, where she can enjoy an environment more suitable for her needs.
Her destination will be Mato Grosso in Brazil
The transfer to the Global Sanctuary for Elephants, located in Mato Grosso, Brazil, a distance of almost 4000 kilometers. It is a complex journey to freedom with a very special logistics, that is worth it, so she can start a new life.
Traveling with Pupy are her trainers; the director of the Ecopark, Ramiro Reyno; Tom Sciola from the Franz Weber Foundation and a representative from the city government.
ESB is the only elephant sanctuary in Latin America and is located on an incredibly diverse 11,500 km property in the municipality of Chapada dos Guimarães, Brazil.
The Elephant Sanctuary of Brazil currently houses five resident elephants: Maia, Rana, Mara, Bambi, and Guillermina. They live in the habitat of Asian females. The sanctuary’s goal is to house elephants of both species and genders. Each species will have its own habitat (due to socialization issues between species) and the males of each species will be housed separately from the females, after the journey to freedom.
Future plans include integrating males and females when disposition allows and implementing a safe contraceptive method. Males will be housed together, with the possibility of separation in case of conflict, and a reinforced moat corral (20 hectares) will be built in case it is necessary during periods of hormonal peaks.
