Naisula's Story

13th October 2010, the day that the 33 Chilean Miners were rescued from the bowels of the earth, beautiful little Naisula was also rescued, an orphan from the Archers’ Post Area close to Samburu National Reserve, an area where the Chinese road constructions works are based, and which has seen a great deal of Ivory Poaching of late. The KWS men who rescued her drove the calf to Lewa Downs, the closest airstrip and the rescue plane and Keepers arrived there in the late afternoon.

Naisula's Story

For us, she was, indeed, another miracle because as an orphan nearer two years old than one, she was friendly and trusting of the Keepers right from the very start, whereas most elephant orphans of her age, and especially those that originate in an area where elephants have been so badly persecuted by humans, want to exact revenge. However Naisula was different. From the moment of her arrival she accepted milk frist from a bucket and later from a hand-held bottle, slept that night with the Keeper beside her, and woke up in the morning to be welcomed into the fold by all the other orphans who came to the Gate of her Stockade to greet her. The following day, having been de-wormed, she was out and about with all the other Nursery elephants, instantly forming a strong bond of friendship with another Nursery newcomer named Kitirua who is also grieving for her lost elephant family and came into our care shortly before Naisula. They have become absolutely inseperable which is heartwarming to see.

Naisula’s name is a beautiful Samburu girl’s name, chosen by our Keepers, who were so impressed by her gentle and friendly disposition. It means a victorious girl. She has distinctively large eyes shaded by long lashes – eyes that are far bigger than usual and lashes that are far longer than normal. She is, indeed, a remarkable and beautiful elephant who, only two days after coming in as a wild orphan, was at the noon mudbath amongst all the others, watched by hundreds of spectators, which she must have found very alarming, but did not display anxiety, although she was careful to be in the midst of all the others.

Whilst Naisula has been warmly welcomed into the Nursery fold by Olare and Suguta, the two Mini Nursery Matriarchs, Melia and Murka have not been so accommodating, resentful because she and Kitirua now occupy the stockades they were once in!

Adopt Naisula for yourself or as a gift.

Important Note: Thank you for considering an adoption. Each orphan needs more than one foster parent: your adoption donation will be processed by the SWT UK and Kenya to help all the orphans in our care.

Adopt Naisula for yourself or as a gift.

Important Note: Thank you for considering an adoption. Each orphan needs more than one foster parent: your adoption donation will be processed by the SWT UK and Kenya to help all the orphans in our care.

Current Age

15 years old

Gender

Female

Rescued date

13 October 2010

Rescue Location

Samburu, Archers Post

Date of Birth (approximate)

15 November 2008

Reason Orphaned

Poaching

Age at Rescue

22 months old (approx)

Current Location

Living Wild

Naisula's featured photos

Our digital adoption programme includes the following:

Personalised adoption certificate.

Monthly email update on your orphan and the project.

Monthly watercolour by Angela Sheldrick.

Access to special content; latest Keepers' Diaries, videos and photos

Give Naisula the gift of life by adopting today.

Naisula's Calves

Meet Naisula's wild born offspring.

Nyx

Female

Nyx is the firstborn calf of Naisula, who was rescued in 2012. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, Nyx made a memorable nocturnal debut at Ithumba within hours of being born.

Latest updates featuring Naisula

Tumaren Introduces Us to Her First Baby, Tembo

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Naisula Gives Birth to Nyx

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Removal of arrow and treatment of Orphan Makireti - Ithumba

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Naisula's latest photos

Naseku Naisula and Nyx

Nyx and Naisula at the mud bath

Naisula Nyx Naseku

Naisula and her herd

Naisula and team waiting for friends

Naisula followed by Nyx

Naisula with Nyx

Naisula, Nyx and nannies, Mteto, Esampu, Maramoja