Argentina has reached a historic milestone in the protection of wildlife: the country officially declares itself free of elephants in captivity.
This achievement was made possible by the successful border crossing of Kenyathe last elephant living in the Mendoza eco -partwho is now in Brazilian territory.
It is expected that in the coming days she will reach her final destination: the Global Elephant Sanctuary In Mato Grosso.
The departure of Kenya marks the end of an era and the beginning of a hopeful future for these majestic pachyderms in the country.
For over four decades, Kenya lived in the former provincial zooa reality that today, thanks to enormous effort and years of dedication, is now in the past.
Kenya in the Ecoparque de Mendoza[/caption>[/caption>
A 3,600-Kilometer Journey Towards Hope
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Kenya, a 44-year-old African elephant, embarked on her epic overland journey of 3,600 kilometers last Friday.
On Friday, the elephant departed from the Ecoparque de Mendoza heading to Brazil, accompanied by her caretaker Marcos Flores, Trish London, Scott Blaise, Johana Rincón, her usual caretakers, and Leandro Fruitos from the Franz Weber Foundation.
Also accompanying her is the actor Nicolás Pauls, among other individuals involved in all the preparations for the journey.
The transfer is being carried out in a container specially designed for her species, complying with the most rigorous animal safety and welfare standards.
Accompanied at all times by her trusted caretaker and two veterinarians, the caravan makes all necessary stops to ensure her comfort and minimize the stress of the journey.
“It is the closing of a cycle regarding elephants in captivity,” stated with emotion the Minister of Energy and Environment, Jimena Latorre, highlighting the importance of this transformation of former zoos.
sanctuary.” width=”588″ height=”353″/> The elephant Kenya travels to a sanctuary.
This emotional milestone comes just ten days after the passing of Tamy, the only male elephant residing in the Ecoparque.
Tamy, 55, was the father of Guillermina, who had been moved along with her mother Pocha to the Brazilian sanctuary.
The departure of Kenya, joined by Pocha and Guillermina, confirms Argentina’s commitment to eradicating elephant captivity.
Seven Years of Dedication for a Dream Fulfilled
The operation to transfer Kenya was not a simple task; it actually required an impressive seven-year effort.
During this long period, her trainers dedicated themselves to meticulously preparing her to tolerate the journey in the transport crate.
But the preparation went beyond behavioral training. Kenya underwent all kinds of thorough health checks to ensure her health before the journey.
Kenya on a journey to a better life
Simultaneously, a complex series of national and international permits were processed, and crucial agreements were made with various organizations, all to ensure that every detail of the transfer was flawless.
In the weeks leading up to her departure, the elephant practiced entering and exiting the crate, guided by a team of experts from both the sanctuary and the Ecoparque, ensuring her comfort and preparedness for the big moment.
A New Dawn in the Brazilian “Paradise”
Once Kenya arrives at the Global Elephant Sanctuary, located in the lush jungle of Mato Grosso, she will begin a new life in what many describe as a true “paradise” for elephants that have suffered the wrath of captivity.
Brazilian Elephant Sanctuary” width=”540″ height=”243″/> Brazilian Elephant Sanctuary / Photo: Rogério Assis
This sanctuary features enclosures ranging from 40 to 400 hectares, offering an environment with natural vegetation, permanent veterinary care, and special diets designed for each individual.
There, Kenya will have the invaluable opportunity to reclaim behaviors inherent to her species that were denied to her for decades.
But, perhaps most significantly, she will finally be able to socialize with other elephants, something completely impossible during her 40 years of solitude in Mendoza, which led to her frustration and “less than friendly” behaviors.
Kenya’s arrival at the sanctuary is not just the end of her captivity; it is a powerful symbol of Argentina’s progress in advocating for animal rights and a beacon of hope for other species still awaiting their own opportunity for freedom.
Today, the country celebrates a monumental step towards a more ethical and respectful relationship with wildlife.
