Elephant Kenya died on Tuesday (16), five months after being moved from Mendoza's Ecoparque in Argentina to the Brazil Elephant Sanctuary in Chapada dos Guimarães, Mato Grosso. She was estimated to be 44 years old. The sanctuary claims she received top-level veterinary care but refused to release autopsy reports.
Kenya's death comes amid successive fatalities at the Brazil Elephant Sanctuary, which specializes in receiving elephants rescued from captivity. From 2019 to 2025, four animals died less than a year after transfer to the site. Pupy, for instance, arrived in April from Buenos Aires and died in October at about 35 years old. Pocha was transferred in May 2022 and passed away in October of that year, around 57 years. Ramba died in December 2019, two months after arrival, aged 60 to 65.
On the other hand, Guida lived nearly three years at the sanctuary, from October 2016 to June 2019, at 44 years, and Lady stayed from 2019 to 2024, at 52 years. Currently, five Asian females reside there: Maia, Rana, Mara, Bambi, and Guillermina.
The sanctuary refused to show Folha the autopsy reports and did not respond on death causes or veterinary protocols. After inquiries, it posted a note on social media: "We know that many of you support the sanctuary, understand the devastating impact of captivity, and recognize that the elephants at the Brazil Elephant Sanctuary receive a level of veterinary care not offered anywhere else in South America".
Preliminary data suggest a high probability of advanced tuberculosis in Kenya, while Pupy's necropsies did not indicate the disease. The UFMT Pathology Laboratory, handling analyses, cites confidentiality and may take up to 90 days for reports. Kenya had joint issues, with clicks in her right front leg, and was receiving antibiotics, with acupuncture scheduled.
Biologist Igor Morais, former member of the Brazilian Association of Zoos and Aquariums, states: "To date, there is no evidence of medical error or negligence. They were animals with really problematic health conditions". He criticizes the sanctuary's communication but notes that Brazilian zoos also do not disclose medical procedures.
The death reignites debates on transfers, such as Baby's from Beto Carrero zoo, opposed by legal team: "There is deep concern for Baby's future; we cannot allow more deaths to happen," said lawyer Murilo Varasquim. Elephant Sandro from Sorocaba may also go to the sanctuary after IBAMA's fine for mistreatment. The Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries supports the institution since 2020.