Elephant that crossed the border arrives at new home in Brazil

The elephant Pupy's trip was initially scheduled for February. — Pupy the elephant's trip was initially scheduled for February. Photo: SEB/Disclosure

The 35-year-old African elephant Pupy is now in her new home in Chapada dos Guimarães (MT). The journey began on Monday (14) in Buenos Aires. She entered Brazilian territory on Wednesday (16) via Foz do Iguaçu.

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Pupy in Kruger National Park, located on the border between South Africa and Mozambique, but had been in the old Buenos Aires zoo since 1993. According to the current Ecoparque, she lived there with a companion, Kuky, who passed away in October 2024.

Before the trip, elephant Pupy went through a process of adapting to the transport compartment. — *Before the trip, elephant Pupy underwent a process of adapting to the transport compartment. Photo: Courtesy of Ecoparque Buenos Aires*

Pupy's transfer to the Brazil Elephant Sanctuary (SEB), where she will be able to live in freedom, was initially scheduled for February. At the time, however, the elephant showed signs of agitation, and her caretakers decided to postpone the 2.690-kilometer journey.

Departure from the Argentine capital only occurred after checking the comfort of the special passenger. — *Departure from the Argentine capital only occurred after the passenger gave the “ok”. Photo: Courtesy of Ecoparque Buenos Aires*

Housed in a compartment specially adapted for transporting large animals, Pupy received special assistance throughout the journey.

Throughout the journey, Pupy was accompanied by his caretakers at the Ecopark. — *Pupy traveled accompanied by her Ecoparque caretakers. Photo: Courtesy of Ecoparque Buenos Aires*

According to the itinerary, the arrival in Brazil took place on Wednesday, via the Tancredo Neves Bridge, on the border between Puerto Iguazú and Foz do Iguaçu. Then, the truck with the elephant traveled along BR-277 to Céu Azul, from where it turned to Toledo, Guaíra and Mato Grosso do Sul.

Passage of the elephant Pupy across the Tancredo Neves Bridge, between Foz do Iguaçu and Puerto Iguazú. — *Elephant Pupy crossing the Tancredo Neves Bridge. Photo: Courtesy of Ecoparque Buenos Aires*

Pupy is the first representative of the species popularly known as the African elephant at SEB. The space, maintained by a private institution, already houses Asian elephants, also rescued from zoos and deactivated parks.

Arrival of the elephant at the sanctuary

According to those responsible for the expedition, the elephant arrived at its destination, located 65 kilometers from Cuiabá, on Friday morning (18).

SEB publication, celebrating the arrival of Pupy. — *SEB publication celebrating the arrival of Pupy. Photo: SEB/Disclosure*

“After taking all the time he needed to get used to the idea, Pupy took his first steps out of the transport box and onto the sanctuary floor,” describes SEB, in a post on the social network Instagram.

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A post shared by Elephant Sanctuary Brazil (@elefantesbrasil)

“This date marks the beginning of a new life for Pupy. A life in which she will be able to discover what it really means to live as an elephant, with dignity and freedom of choice,” he adds.

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