Kenya, the last captive elephant in Argentina, embarked on a remarkable journey that symbolized hope and compassion. After seven years of preparation and training, Kenya bid farewell to her enclosure at Mendoza Zoo, which closed its doors in 2016. The emotional moment when Kenya set foot into the elephant sanctuary in Brazil marked a significant milestone not just for her but also for animal welfare advocates across the globe.
“Vamos princesa,
” echoed amidst tears of joy as Kenya tentatively explored her new surroundings. Ignacio Haudet, the director of Biodiversity and Ecoparque de Mendoza, expressed his elation by saying, “
Feliz de compartir este Día de la Independencia Argentina… Sos hermosa.
” His words captured the essence of this transformative journey that brought Kenya closer to freedom after decades of captivity.
Kenya’s relocation process was carefully orchestrated, starting with extensive training sessions since 2017 to ensure her cooperation during veterinary check-ups and the long journey ahead. Leandro Fruitos from the Fundación Franz Weber highlighted their collaborative efforts over eight years to facilitate the transfer of elephants from Mendoza to the Elephant Sanctuary in Brazil. This relocation was not just about moving an elephant; it marked the end of 136 years of keeping elephants in captivity in Argentina.
The meticulous planning extended to every detail of Kenya’s travel arrangements. She traveled 3,600 kilometers from Mendoza to Rio da Casca, accompanied by dedicated caregivers and experienced veterinarians. The container designed specifically for Kenya met international standards set by CITES for transporting live animals safely. Only three individuals had direct contact with Kenya during transit – Scott Blais, Trish London, and Marcos Flores – ensuring her well-being throughout the journey.
As Ignacio Haudet emphasized, “
Se utilizó el método de condicionamiento operante con refuerzo positivo,
” highlighting their commitment to respecting Kenya’s will throughout this process. The Subsecretaría de Ambiente de la Nación played a crucial role in authorizing Kenya’s exportation through Paso Internacional Puerto Iguazú-Foz de Iguazú as part of this complex intercontinental operation.
The Elephant Sanctuary in Brazil stands out as a beacon of hope for captive elephants across South America. Established through an international partnership led by Elephant Voices and Scott Blais, this sanctuary provides a natural habitat spanning 1,500 hectares where elephants like Kenya can socialize with their kindred spirits freely.
Jimena Latorre affirmed their ongoing commitment by stating, “
Vamos a seguir trabajando para que nunca más animales como Kenya tengan que pasar por la experiencia de vivir en cautiverio.” This sentiment reflects a broader shift towards prioritizing animal rights and welfare globally.
In conclusion, Kenya’s odyssey from captivity to liberation embodies resilience, compassion, and humanity working hand-in-hand towards creating a better future for all sentient beings.
Leave feedback about this