Maxwell began the month in a playful mood. Rather than spending the early morning hours nibbling on lucerne pellets, as is his usual habit, he trundled around the perimeter of his spacious stockade. When it started to rain, the rhino cavorted in the mud, reclining in the goop and then trotting around before repeating the whole ritual. He kept this up for several hours, only retiring to his sleeping stockade when the rainfall grew heavier.
As dawn broke on a cool cloudy day, the orphans stood in their stockades contently eating greens. The Keepers opened the doors of the older orphans’ rooms wide, but no one emerged for some time. Eventually they plodded out and hung around, in no apparent hurry to head out to the forest. The Keepers whistled at their young charges and led them out for a wander. The blanket babies – Nyambeni, Mzinga, Muridjo, Shujaa, Mokogodo and Taroha – remained behind in their stables.
Out in the muddy green forest, Bondeni, Ahmed and Rafiki lay down on the wet ground, rolling around with legs aloft and trunks waving. They rubbed up against each other and slid their round bodies down a riverbank before Bondeni stepped over a fallen branch for a vigorous scratch. Mukutan decided to imitate his friend, stepping over the same branch to itch his belly and backside. He then played a slippery pushing game with Sileita. Meanwhile, Kitiak and Elerai sensibly led the rest of the herd into some thick shrubs to feast on green browse.
Maxwell began the month in a playful mood. Rather than spending the early morning nibbling on lucerne pellets in his stockade, he trundled around the whole of his enclosure. When it started to rain, he rolled around in the mud and stood up and had a little walk and then lay down again. He kept this up for hours before eventually returning to his sleeping stockade when the rainfall grew heavier.
The orphans were full of energy this morning and headed out to the forest with minimal encouragement from their Keepers. They browsed and played for a time, although Choka spent very little time eating as he was too busy rubbing his face and torso in the mud, before returning to the mud bath for their mid-morning milk feed.
As the Keepers sent the orphans down in groups, normally obedient Loldaiga veered off the path and sprinted for the stockades. Despite being a no-nonsense sort of a boy, he trumpeted in alarm on finding himself all alone in the area outside the stockades. Perhaps he thought he might find some extra food. A Keeper came to the rescue and ushered him back to join the herd at the mud bath. As he was drinking his milk, Mageno plodded up to him. Feeling ill at ease after his escapade, Loldaiga gave him a large shove as he gulped down his bottle. Little Mageno was taken unawares and fell over onto his side, climbing back onto his feet cheerfully. Grumpy Loldaiga then accosted his friend Weka, who retaliated with a loud trumpet and a strong shove. Peace was restored as a Keeper took the instigator for a cooling off walk in the bush.
The older orphans plodded out of their rooms quietly this morning and gathered in friendship groups – the toddlers, however, were not so peaceful. Muridjo was the first to potter out, followed by Nyambeni and Mzinga. The three little ones entwined their trunks in greeting as they stood outside in the early morning sunshine. When sweet Shujaa walked out to join them, Muridjo did her best to shove him away rather than welcome him. Shujua stood his ground and shoved her back with an indignant trumpet. The Keepers intervened to diffuse the rivalry and the four toddled off to the forest at the back of the herd.
Out in the bush, the orphans wandered around for several hours, feasting on fresh green browse. Kerrio stayed close to the four youngsters, keeping a close eye on their antics and gently telling off anyone who overstepped the mark. This morning, she came to Mzinga’s defence when Muridjo was play mounting her. As the older girl clambered on top of the younger one, Kerrio deftly pushed her off, flaring her ears sternly. Muridjo had no choice but to accept the rebuke and wandered off to play with someone else.
On an overcast morning, the orphans downed their bottles of milk in the stockades and headed out to the forest. First, they browsed and then they played. Sholumai mingled peacefully with members of his new herd as they browsed. He has settled well into his new life and is a friendly chap. Kindani, Shujaa and Weka paddled in a waterlogged area of the forest, drinking as they splashed around.
When it was time to return to the mud bath for milk, a Keeper wandered over to good friends Ahmed and Elerai, who were hanging out together at a distance from the herd. Elerai trotted over obediently as Ahmed scampered skittishly away into the bush. Although Ahmed has calmed down since her arrival at the Nursery, she is not always at ease around human beings. As self-contained Elerai plodded along sensibly at the back of the herd, several Keepers set off to round up Ahmed.
In the afternoon, Choka had a fabulous time playing in a little stream in the forest. He paddled around splashing and waving his trunk around – he drank from the flowing water and happily hosed himself all over.
The orphans pottered out of their stockades on another cool overcast morning and, without wasting time, set out to wander in the lush green forest and to play in the mud and puddles. Sileita started paddling and ended up rolling around in a large muddy patch. Mukutan strolled over to play with her and the two friends rolled around together for a time. Then the young bull became rather rough, climbing on top of Sileita and refusing to clamber off when the Keepers whistled at him. He dared to disobey the Keepers — but mini-matriarch Kindani was another matter. She sprinted over, gave him a shove, and helped Sileita to her feet. Mukutan walked off in a sulk and Kindani wandered back to continue browsing with Shujaa. All was well!
As the day became warmer, the elephants plodded back to the mud bath for their mid-morning milk feed. The Keepers sent them down in small groups, with the younger ones going first and the older ones second. Little Mokogodo is growing in confidence – today, she was in an especially playful mood. First, she trotted along the rope cordon greeting the visitors and laying her trunk along the rope. Then, she nipped under the rope to mingle with the visitors whereupon a Keeper whisked her back to the herd. Finally, she frolicked around in circles, waving her trunk with her tiny tail aloft.
In a sunny afternoon, the orphans returned to the forest where they browsed together in a herd. The older ones stayed close to the little ones, trunk touching them regularly. Close by, Taabu and Choka sparred noisily, clashing and breaking apart and clashing again. The big boys are evenly matched and can keep up their games for hours.
The elephants set out to the forest in a straggly line this morning. The Keepers were at the head, followed by the blanket babies, including newbies Mokogodo and Taroha, with the older ones bringing up the rear. On a cloudy breezy morning, the herd spread out to browse on the abundant greens. Little girls Mzinga and Muridjo were playing and paddling together, trunk touching each other affectionately.
Soon, they headed back to the mud bath for more milk. The younger ones plodded down first. Nyambeni sprinted down with Mokogodo and Taroha. Now that she is no longer the youngest in the herd, her behavior has subtly changed – she is still a baby with caring nannies, but she is also tending the tiny newbies. Today, she followed behind Mokogodo along the rope cordon, staying so close that she could touch her, with Mzinga in her wake. The smallest members of the herd have become firm friends. No one was tempted to swim today and instead stood around enjoying supplementary lucerne.
In the afternoon, they browsed deep into the forest before returning to the safety of the stockades. They paddled round the corner and down the small slope cheerfully. The Keepers greeted them with bottles of milk as they ushered their charges into their bedrooms for the night.
It was a peaceful morning in the forest with the orphans happy to stay close to the stockades. As there is so much browse, there is no need to wander far. Kindani led the little ones out this morning – they toddled along behind her, pausing when she paused and trotting faster when she did.
Out in the bush, the older orphans were hanging out together as two or three nannies tended the babies. Weka and Sholumai browsed next to each other as Kinyei, Bondeni, Ahmed and Tingai stood side by side almost like soldiers. Kinyei was looking after Shujaa, allowing the little boy to stand between her forelegs as she wrapped her trunk around him affectionately. Only Muwingu and Weka were playing - Muwingu got down on her four knees to rub her belly against the ground and hose herself with thick mud as Weka lay on her side and rolled around.
Returning to the mud bath later in the morning, the orphans downed their bottles of milk and pottered around quietly. Some drank from the water trough as others stood quite still next to each other. The Keepers stood around protectively, keeping a close eye on the herd.
The orphans were padding at their gates and rumbling to each other this morning soon after dawn. As soon as the Keepers opened the doors, they popped out to greet their friends and headed out to the forest led by Kindani and Kinyei. They wandered at a steady pace, making almost no sounds with their flat feet pads. Nyambeni and Mzinga were following around the tiny newbies – Mokogodo and Taroha – tending their little charges like responsible big sisters. Taking a break from being a big sister, Nyambeni had a roll around in the mud with Weka – the two girls lay bottom to bottom as they massaged their bodies against the soothing soil. Nearby, Ahmed, Tingai and Rafiki were also playing in the mud, albeit in a slightly more restrained manner. Rafiki loves getting wet – he does not care if it is muddy water or watery mud!
In the afternoon, the orphans gulped down their milk and hung out around the mud bath. A couple sparred half-heartedly as others browsed on supplementary lucerne. Shujaa and Muridjo had a small squabble over a bottle of milk – when they began to push each other in earnest, Kerrio and Latika reacted immediately, rushing over to separate the toddlers and restore harmony.
In the early evening as the Keepers were shepherding the herd back to the stockades, four independent-minded orphans went walkabout. Quietly, Ahmed, Kitiak, Elerai and Loldaiga padded away from the others and into the bush, disappearing in seconds. The Keepers followed their tracks and brought them back to the stockades. They may think they are big and strong, but they are too young to spend the night out!
This morning in the forest, Bondeni, Kindani and Kinyei were playing together, entwining trunks and pushing each other in a gentle game. They have been friends since they were tiny babies. Nearby, Choka and Tingai were engaged in a feisty contest, clashing heads and clambering on each other as they trumpeted in excitement.
Returning to the mud bath two hours later, Kerrio and Nyambeni stood side by side to drink their bottles of milk. In a grumpy mood, Nyambeni gave her big sister a series of small shoves. Lovely Kerrio ignored her little friend, continuing to drink placidly rather than retaliate. She may only be a year older. but she is more than a year wiser! Nyambeni then toddled off to find someone who would react to her prodding – Muridjo. She gave her a shove and her friend shoved back and so on until Kinyei walked between them. She told off the toddlers and scooped up sweet Mokogodo, who had been watching from a distance. Kinyei placed her between her forelegs to keep her safe from any rough behavior.
Later in the afternoon, everyone had a roll around in the still sticky mud. Kinyei and Shujaa started the trend of lying down and climbing on top of each other and rolling around. Kindani and Muridjo were the next two to join the party with Latika, Rafiki, Ahmed and Kerrio joining the fun minutes later.
On a bright sunny morning, the orphans wandered out to browse in the forest. Bondeni, however, stayed behind to play with Maxwell. As the two friends stood on either side of the rhino’s gate, Bondeni popped his trunk through a space and grasped Maxwell’s horn. He swung his trunk up and then back to the rhino and the up in the air again. Maxwell loved the attention. Deciding it was time to join the herd, Bondeni twirled around and sprinted off after his friends.
Out in the thick forest, the orphans settled down in the open areas, browsing quite close to a troop of monkeys. Mzinga was glued to her new friends Mokogodo and Taroha – the three little elephants were so close that they were almost eating the same clump of grass. When she noticed the monkeys, she charged towards them, trumpeting impressively – no one was getting close to her friends! The monkeys scampered into the nearest tree, hooting indignantly.
In the afternoon, the orphans returned to the bush after drinking their bottles at the mud bath. Mokogodo has settled in so well to her new life but is still wary of many of the older orphans. She feels safe with big sisters like Kerrio, Sileita, Kindani and Kinyei, but is nervous around big boys like Loldaiga or Tingai. When Loldaiga sauntered up to her in the forest today, she made a series of urgent trumpets and Kerrio rushed over to protect her.
The orphans were in playful moods again today. They gulped their milk in the stockades, padded impatiently around, and scampered out as soon as the Keepers opened their doors. On a bright sunny morning, they sauntered off to the forest, walking almost in time with each other behind the Keepers. The big ones ambled as the little ones trotted.
Several pairs of friends — Choka and Mukutan, Taabu and Bondeni, Tingai and Kitich, Kindani and Kinyei — wasted minimal time eating and were soon sparring. As they twisted and clashed, the forest was filled with excited trumpeting. The small ones wandered a distance away as they did not want to risk being tumbled over by a large, round elephant. Nyambeni stood close to Mokogodo as little Taroha curled up her trunk and rubbed it against the bark of a tree.
The orphans enjoyed their milk at the mud bath but were not tempted to swim on a cool and blustery afternoon. It was Kinyei’s turn to look after little Mokogodo, who is so small that she fits between her legs. She used her trunk to gently push the newbie under her body. Mokogodo stood calmly as she was cosseted by another big sister.
Bondeni was feeling feisty in the early evening. When three giraffes made the mistake of coming too close to him in the forest, he lifted his trunk to smell them properly, flared his ears and charged, while trumpeting as loudly as he could. His over-reaction attracted his attention of his mates — soon, the poor giraffes were being chased by Bondeni, Taabu, Choka, Tingai and several younger bulls.
The orphans spent a few quiet hours in the forest before pottering back to the mud bath for their mid-morning milk feed. After emptying their bottles, it was playtime! Muwingu challenged Loldaiga to play the pushing game on the edge of the mud bath. As they clashed heads and entwined trunks, Kitich and Mageno started sparring on the other side followed by Muridjo and Weka. The others stood around watching the contests.
On a sunny afternoon in the forest, some browsed as others paddled and swam in the pools resulting from recent rainfall. Mageno, Nyambeni, Mzinga, Muridjo and Kamili found an especially gloopy puddle – the babies lay down and waved their little legs in the air and all five ended up covered in lovely mud. Nearby as several older orphans browsed, a lioness walked out from behind a bush. They were so surprised that they stood completely still, only raising their trunks towards the perceived intruder. As the Keepers shepherded the group away from the lioness, Bondeni decided to take charge of the situation, abruptly facing the lioness, flapping his ears, trumpeting loudly and charging. The lioness was so surprised that she sprinted back into the dense bush. Bondeni trotted back to the herd with his head held high.
Later in the day as the rain started to fall, the elephants stood happily together in a herd enjoying the cooling drops before meandering back to their stockades for the night.
After an overcast wander in the forest this morning, the herd browsed contentedly next to a large pool of water. They filled their tummies and then some decided to paddle in the deep puddle. Nyambeni tiptoed in daintily as Kamili paddled quietly and Choka strode around up to his belly in the water. Kitich and Muwingu also plunged into the water, sucking up trunkfuls and hosing their backs.
Plodding back to the mud bath for a milk feed, the first group of small orphans gulped down their bottles and settled down to eat some supplementary lucerne. Shujaa was feeling playful again today and was soon embroiled in an energetic pushing and shoving game with Nyambeni and Muridjo on the edge of the mud bath. At one point he toppled into the water but clambered out to continue the game. As he and Nyambeni chased each other around, Murijdo broke away to spar with Loldaiga.
In the afternoon, the older members of the herd browsed peacefully with a herd of impalas. The Keepers were walking nearby with the blanket babies when they came across the lioness again. Although she was strolling away and posed no threat, the Keepers turned around to take Kerrio, Nyambeni, Mzinga, Muridjo, Shujaa, Mokogodo and Taroha closer to the stockades. As they did so, Mzinga and Kerrio went on the offensive, trumpeting at the lioness and mock charging her – they were determined to protect the two tiny babies. Hearing the alarm, Kindani and Taabu sprinted over to join the charge. The lion ran away and the orphans gathered together in a herd, small ones on the inside and older one on the edges.
The orphans headed out in two lines to the lush green forest this morning, splashing through small puddles as they went. They were led by the Keepers followed by the younger orphans with the big girls and boys bringing up the rear. Nyambeni would not be separated from the newbies today – she toddled around after Mokogodo and Taroha, playing the adoring big sister role to perfection. She was also showing them how to play in a muddy puddle, popping in first herself, before darting around and waving her trunk at them to join her. The two babies were most impressed and tiptoed around the edges of the water. At this point, Shujaa toddled over to join his new friends but was not allowed anywhere near them. An overprotective Nyambeni pushed him firmly away. He had no choice but to find someone else to play with.
On a breezy sunny afternoon, the herd was content to browse rather than play. They meandered silently through the long, lush grass, pulling up clumps with their dexterous trunks as they went. Choka, Kerrio and Kindani were hanging out together on one side of a clearing with Tingai and Kitich on the other side. As the day grew cooler, the Keepers ushered their charges back to the stockades, whistling and calling to the stragglers.
The sun was rising in a cloudless sky as the orphans emerged from their bedrooms and wandered out to the forest. They settled to browse either on their own or in small friendship groups . Everyone except Weka was enjoying a quiet peaceful time. The impish girl was playing with the warthogs, doing her best to dart like a pig rather than plod like an elephant. As she was chasing them away with ears flared and legs flailing, the pigs turned around and trotted back towards her. This was not her plan! She skidded to a halt, about turned, and sprinted back to the herd, screeching in alarm and generally making an enormous fuss. The Keepers whistled, her friends rumbled, and she calmed down, eventually. It is hard to believe that Weka used to be polite and shy!
Later in the afternoon, the elephants padded down to the mud bath for milk and more greens. Bottles emptied, close friends Muridjo and Shujaa were playing the pushing game – initially, they frolicked like puppies but then the game became a contest of strength. As they pushed heads, Muridjo lost her footing in the mud and slid onto her side – whereupon her friend clambered on top of her. She trumpeted in indignation and he bashfully climbed down. Game over, they toddled off to browse together. Nearby, little Mokogodo was amusing the Keepers – she slowly drank down her bottle and then pleaded for a second bottle, touching the Keeper with her trunk as she stood close. The men smiled at the tiny orphan.
This morning, the orphans were in a boisterous mood. Rather than meandering peacefully out to the forest, they walked purposefully at a fast pace. The older orphans browsed only briefly before getting stuck into some serious sparring as the little ones watched from a safe distance. Several pairs were chasing and pushing each other around. Evenly-matched Rafiki and Mukutan were one such pair – the game started slowly and then heated up until Rafiki gave Mukutan a powerful shove, making him lose his balance. He called out and Kinyei responded, chasing away Rafiki and calming down Mukutan. As Rafiki plodded off and settled down to browse, he bumped into Tingai, another orphan who used to be reserved but has become confident and feisty. Tingai challenged him to a contest, but Rafiki was matched-out and turned his back to browse, picking up some greens with his trunk. Nearby, Bondeni and Kindani were also playing the pushing game, trumpeting in excitement as they shoved each other. Soon, Choka and Taabu were playing too. Rafiki wandered off and kept his head down — he had had enough playing for one day!
In contrast to the morning, the afternoon was peaceful. The sun shone and the elephants wandered through the lush green grass, foraging deep into the forest as they drifted together and then apart. The older females kept close eyes as always on the little ones. Towards dusk, the Keepers gathered the orphans in groups of three or four and sent them back to the safety of the stockades for the night.
The orphans set out in the early morning to browse in the forest as usual. They browsed for a time and then played or socialized and then browsed again, almost with a rhythm. Some chose to eat the soft green grass and others were pulling succulent branches off shrubs and trees. Good friends Bondeni and Rafiki were hanging out together, standing by a very large puddle, trunk touching and entwining trunks and drinking. Great mates Mageno and Kitich were in a playful mood – one pushed the other and the other pushed back and then they ran around, darting between the bushes. It was a tough but good-humored contest. Feeling left out of the action, Bondeni then sprinted over to the younger boys. He gave them such a surprise that they sprung apart and headed off in opposite directions, leaving the big bull nonplussed. That was not the outcome he had wanted! Mageno and Kitich settled with the herd and Bondeni wandered over to join the others – it was not his day for playing.
The herd strolled back to the mud bath for a milk feed before returning to the forest. Mokogodo and Taroha are settling in well to their new family – in the afternoon they toddled around browsing while a Keeper and several nannies watched over them. The two tinies are growing in strength and making many new friends.
As the sky lightened, the Keepers stood next to the stockades, giving the older orphans their early morning bottles of milk, as other Keepers fed the younger ones in their rooms. Several minutes later, they opened the doors and the orphans trundled out to begin another day. After a few rumbles and touches, the herd gathered to set out to the forest. Mushuru waddled into a deep puddle to paddle as Mageno played a roll around game with Nyambeni and Mzinga.
Returning to the mud bath later in the morning, the orphans stood around in clusters after gulping down their milk. Today, the Keepers observed a shift in Sholumai’s behavior. Rescued several weeks ago, he was formally introduced to the herd last month. Although he has settled in well to his new family, he has remained anxious around the Keepers, tending to keep his distance. Today, he finished his milk and then asked a Keeper for a second bottle, coming close and raising his trunk and trumpeting his demand. He checked that all the bottles in the wheelbarrow were empty and then walked over to play on the edges of the mud bath. He is becoming one of the gang!
As there is still lots of surface water in the forest, the orphans seldom swim in the mud bath, preferring their wild dips in the bush. When the herd reached the forest this morning, they gathered around a large body of water – some browsed as others played or paddled in the sunshine. As most settled next to the pool, Kamili and tiny Taroha waddled off for a small wander on their own. They disappeared behind a bush for a few minutes before trumpeting in alarm and sprinting back to join the herd, ears flared and tails aloft. They ran to a Keeper who whistled softly and called their names to calm them down. The cause of the commotion turned out to be two baboons who had jumped from a tree onto the ground in front of them, giving them a fright. Kamili regained her composure quickly, but Taroha was jittery for the rest of the morning.
Later in the afternoon at the mud bath, it was Elerai’s turn to assert himself. Rather than standing quietly eating greens, he started running around, challenging Kamili and then Kerrio and then the babies to play the pushing game with him. No one accepted his offer, but the Keepers smiled to see another orphan growing in confidence and strength.
Translocation training has started again for Kindani, Kinyei and Bondeni in preparation for the Kaluku trio to leave the Nursery and return to Tsavo. All three orphans are going to the Ithumba Reintegration Unit on the next stage of their journey back to wild lives. Kindani and Kinyei were obedient today, walking into the truck for their bottles without any fuss. Not so Bondeni! He was reluctant to even approach the vehicle, refusing to get in and trumpeting loudly when he saw his two friends enter the truck.
On a clear dry morning, the elephants meandered out to the forest with their Keepers. The bigger blanket babies were at the front of the line but the tinies – Mokogodo and Taroha – stayed in their rooms as it was a chilly morning. They settled down to browse, spreading out in a forest that is still muddy and green. An hour later, a Keeper shepherded out the newbies to join the herd. As they toddled towards their friends, Nyambeni and Mzinga sweetly dashed over to meet them, swaying their trunks from side to side. The slightly older orphans rumbled and trunk touched and hugged their two new friends. Nyambeni was especially affectionate, following in Kerrio’s footsteps by displaying signs of matriarch behavior.
The temperature rose steeply in the afternoon and, for the first time in weeks, the orphans plunged into the mud bath. Bottles emptied, they wasted no time clambering in to cool off and swim. Kinyei, Kindani, Rafiki, Kitiak, Ahmed and Sileita floated happily in the water, dipping their heads under and rubbing their bodies against one another. Their peaceful dip was soon disturbed by a rowdy bunch of boys as Bondeni, Tingai, Taabu, Choka and Elerai got in and clambered on top of them. Kindani did her indignant best to chase the boys out, with a degree of success.
The herd headed out in a long line this morning. Despite their size, they made almost no noise as they padded into the forest. They settled to browse in a cluster – today, the priority was eating rather than playing. Usually, the big boys cannot resist wrestling and pushing and chasing each other but not today. Bondeni, Tingai, Taabu and Choka love playing games – Rafiki and Elerai join in sometimes but are often content to wander. Usually, other orphans cannot resist walking deep into the forest. Today, Kamili, Muwingu, Kitich, Mageno, Ahmed and Sileita remained close as the herd browsed calmly in the field.
They returned to the mud bath for their mid-morning milk feed. After the first group had emptied their bottles, they trundled over to eat the supplementary greens. Kerrio and Mzinga padded into the mud bath for a swim. They lay down and rolled over together in the soothing mud. At one point, little Mzinga got stuck in the thick mud and did not seem able to stand up – until Kerrio came to the rescue! The caring nanny cleverly turned around to position her hind legs against Mzinga’s neck and shoulders. The younger orphan leant on her older friend, pushing against her body, and was thus able to stand up. The Keepers were so impressed with Kerrio’s thoughtful reaction.
Later in the afternoon, Kindani and Shujaa had a wallow in a large pool in the forest. Shujaa lay down and submerged his body in the water as Kindani stayed standing so she could watch over him. The little boy was able to be adventurous in the water because he felt safe in her care.
Kitich and Mageno woke up in playful moods this morning. Emerging from their neighboring stockades, they touched trunks and immediately started wrestling against each other, twisting around as they trumpeted in excitement. A few minutes later when everyone was out and about, the herd headed out to the bush.
On reaching the forest, the two boys decided it was time for the chasing game. They trundled after Kerrio, Nyambeni and Mzinga, doing their best not only to catch them but also climb on their backs. When the Keepers whistled at them to stop, the grumpy boys waddled over to Shujaa, planning to clamber on top of the little boy. Wily Shujaa quickly sought refuge with Kindani, standing so close that he was almost between her legs. Not daring to challenge the mini-matriarch, Kitich and Mageno abandoned their antics and settled down to browse.
Early in the afternoon, Choka was hanging out Nyambeni, Mzinga, Taroha and Mokogodo. He was not exactly fussing over them, but he was being gentle and protective. The Keepers smiled to see Choka standing close to the babies as the behavior is unusual for a bull. At one point, he lay down on the ground and invited them to climb on top of his enormous body. He was playing with them, posing as a toy! Nyambeni and Mzinga bravely did their best to clamber up but he was too big! The newbies watched with fascination.
Later in the afternoon, the orphans plodded down to the mud bath for more milk and greens. No one was tempted to swim on a cloudy day – instead they stood around drinking from the troughs or picking up small branches with their trunks.
Just after dawn, the Keepers opened the doors of the stockades and the elephants trundled out in dribs and drabs. Some trotted out with a sense of urgency, while others stayed in their rooms. Taabu strutted out of his stockade and over to Tingai’s door, which he closed with his trunk — leaving his friend inside! Tingai pushed it open and Taabu pushed it shut again and Tingai pushed it open and so the game went on until a Keeper intervened, ordering naughty Taabu to move away. A disgruntled Tingai marched out of his room and over to his captor. He challenged him to a serious wrestling match, getting his own back for being shut in his room. Taabu’s reaction to this situation was fascinating. Rather than react aggressively, he turned his back to his friend. He repeated his gesture of respect several times. Tingai calmed down, the two boys made up and they headed off to browse shoulder to shoulder in the forest.
After the morning visit to the mud bath, the orphans meandered back out to the forest. They browsed alongside a family of warthogs. All was peaceful until Taabu, Bondeni, Choka and Sileita decided to chase the pigs. They had a great time charging around after their little friends. The pigs indulged them for a time before trotting away into the bush.
Bondeni was still in a feisty mood later in the afternoon. When he charged towards a group of impalas, the impalas sprinted towards Rafiki, Elerai and Kitiak as they browsed quietly. Startled, Rafiki sprinted off, in turn upsetting Elerai and Kitiak who headed off in other directions. The whole herd ended up getting a fright! The impalas wandered on, leaving the Keepers with a herd of skittish elephants. Rafiki, Elerai and Kitiak often choose to hang out together with Kitiak trundling along behind Elerai almost every day.
As the sun rose in a clear sky, the herd headed out in a winding line to the forest. They settled down to browse and to play and then to browse some more. Some paddled in the standing water pools left after last month’s rain as others rubbed their trunks and backsides against large rocks and rough tree bark. Weka and Choka found a particularly suitable rock for this purpose – it was so large that they could lift their hind legs off the ground. Tingai was completely part of the herd today, browsing and playing with different friends and not wandering off on his own for even a moment. He has tended to be a loner since his rescue but has changed in recent months, becoming a fully-fledged member of the herd and growing in confidence.
Soon, the Keepers sent the orphans down to the mud bath in small groups of three or four. They drank their milk and browsed on supplementary greens contentedly. Most were peaceful but not Bondeni. He was full of mischief today, shoving his friends and nipping behind the rope cordon and making lots of noise. The Keepers concluded that somehow Bondeni had sensed that the next day would bring a great change — translocation to Tsavo. Elephants have excellent memories and communicate in ways that we do not fully grasp. Somehow, clever Bondeni knew what lay ahead. In contrast, Kindani and Kinyei were calmer, trundling around after the blanket babies as usual.
Early, early in the morning, Bondeni, Kindani and Kinyei left the Nursery to begin their new lives at the Ithumba Reintegration Unit. All the Keepers were there to load the three babies in the truck and bid them farewell. With encouragement from the Keepers and tempted by bottles of milk, Kindani and Kinyei walked slowly into their sectioned-off areas and stood quietly. Bondeni resolutely refused to enter the truck. Many men were needed to coax him into his area. After the Keepers closed the doors, the truck set off with its very special cargo – the Kaluku Trio.
The rest of the herd was a little unsettled by their departure but soon settled down. As always, the pecking order shifted almost immediately. Rafiki and Kitiak, as the newfound oldest boys at the Nursery, became more assertive over the course of the day. Tingai showed signs of stepping into the role of dominant bull. Sileita and Kerrio also stepped up with the departure of mini-matriarchs Kindani and Kinyei. Both were observed tending the blanket babies all day long. Kerrio stuck close to Nyambeni, Mokogodo and Taroha, protecting them from real and perceived threats. None of the older orphans were allowed near them today. The Keepers believe that Kerrio is following in the responsible footsteps of lovely Naleku. Weka was at her naughtiest in the absence of the restraining influence of the two older females. At the mud bath, she demanded an extra bottle of milk first from Mukutan and then from Kitich. Both boys were subjected to a shove as she attempted to wrest their bottles away from them.
Maxwell had a restless night and did not sleep. The Keepers heard him lumbering around his enclosure and knocking on the gate. They checked on him during the night but could not find the source of the problem. Some Keepers stayed behind in the morning when the orphans headed out to the forest to investigate the situation. To their surprise, they found some lion prints around the stockades. On tracking the prints, they came across two large male lions in a thicket close to the mud bath. They had been the cause of the commotion. Maxwell is protected in his stockade from other animals, but he had been reacting to their presence.
Out in the forest, the orphans were also unsettled by Maxwell’s behavior and the presence of the lions. They browsed sporadically, frequently lifting their trunks and flaring their ears to sense what was going on around them.
In the afternoon, they calmed down and gathered around a large pool of muddy water. Even though it was not sunny, it was a swimming day. They plunged into the water and lay down and rubbed against each other. Choka and Mukutan were playing together — first Choka climbed on Mukutan and then Mukutan scampered away and then he turned around and climbed on his friend. Kerrio got involved in the game for a time, lying her trunk along her friends’ backs, before Choka trundled over to Taabu and challenged him to play. Taabu lay down as Choka splashed around him in the thick water. A motley crew of muddy, tired orphans pottered back to the stockades in the late afternoon.
The orphans set out early as usual on a cool clear morning. They wandered deep into the forest, even though there is still lots of green browse closer to the stockades. Soon, the Keepers shepherded them back to the mud bath, sending them down the slope in small groups. Muwingu trundled in at the back of her group — this sweet girl prefers not to lead. She drank her milk slowly and walked over to the mud bath. In contrast to several of her friends, she is a polite girl who never tries to grab extra bottles. As the orphans spread out around the mud bath to drink from the trough and eat lucerne, Muwingu and Weka plunged into the water for a paddle. They played the pushing game together and then lay down in the mud next to each other. The Keepers were happy to see Muwingu having fun with Weka as she often chooses to be on her own. This little elephant is becoming stronger and growing in confidence.
In the afternoon, the orphans gathered again around the large pool of water in the forest. Some browsed as others swam. Latika and Taabu entwined their trunks as they played together with Taabu lying in the water and Latika standing next to him. When the game was over, she rubbed her trunk against the edge before slowly getting out of the pool. Weka and Rafiki paddled around in the deepest part of the pool, completely submerging their bodies in the mud. Mukutan soon joined in the fun, play mounting Weka, as Kitich rolled around on the edge.
The orphans hung around outside the stockades for some time at dawn this morning before the Keepers led them out to the forest. They browsed contentedly on the thick green grass before returning to the mud bath for the mid-morning milk feed.
Sweet Latika was in charge this morning! Recently the Keepers have noticed her leading the little ones rather than pottering around by herself on the fringes of the herd. Today, the Keepers sent a group of three babies down to the mud bath with Latika at the front. They took a few steps down the slope before Latika noticed that Nyambeni was not in her group. She turned around and sprinted to her friend. The Keepers relented, allowing Nyambeni to join Latika’s group. The group of four with Latika firmly in charge trundled down for their milk. Arriving at the mud bath, Latika waited patiently for her milk rather than grabbing like some of the others. Today, she held the bottle with her short trunk all by herself! This is harder for her because of the length of the trunk.
On a hot afternoon, the elephants found a patch of dry red soil in the forest that was perfect for dusting. Loldaiga, Muridjo and Elerai hosed every part of their bodies with the soothing dust and ran around pushing each other as they waved their trunks happily.
On a crisp clear morning, the orphan herd meandered out to the forest led by Sileita and Kerrio. They settled down to enjoy the fresh green browse in small groups or by themselves.
Later in the morning, Mageno led the orphans down to the mud bath for their milk feed. He ran down ahead of the others with his head held high. Bottle empty, he popped over to the mud bath where four warthogs were enjoying a dip. Mageno flared his ears and lifted his trunk, making himself as big as he could, while striding forward to chase them away. Three of the pigs retreated but one did not, refusing to get out of the pool. In response, the elephant trumpeted loudly and charged at the pigs, leaving them with no choice. They trotted away and he strolled into the water, determined to swim despite the cloudy weather. A few minutes later, Mukutan joined him for a wrestle in the water.
In the afternoon, the orphans wandered far in the forest, returning to the same dusting spot as yesterday. Shujaa, Mzinga and Muridjo played a gentle version of the sparring game before rolling around in the dust. All three have learned to hose themselves with soothing soil, with varying degrees of expertise. Nearby, Mushuru was also enjoying a dust bath.
On a cold windy morning, the herd headed out to the forest. Nyambeni, Shujaa, Mzinga and Muridjo were with their older friends, but Taroha and Mokogodo stayed in their stables because of the weather. The two babies are becoming stronger every day but were only rescued recently.
The newcomers joined the herd later in the morning at the mud bath. Mokogodo plodded calmly down the slope. She finished her bottle and made a half-hearted attempt to drink someone else’s. Feeling full of energy, she then frolicked around the mud bath, waving her tiny trunk as she darted between her friends.
In the afternoon, water babies Choka and Taabu enjoyed yet another swim in the large pool of standing water in the forest. Choka ran around in the water, with his stout legs making big splashes, before challenging Taabu to a wrestling match. After the games, Taabu, Choka and Sileita lay next to each other sunbathing on the edge of the pool. Meanwhile, Taroha and Mokogodo went for a little wander back to the mud bath at the Nursery under the watchful eye of a Keeper – the newbies are growing in confidence and were hoping to find an extra bottle of milk!
The orphans plodded out of their stockades and out to the forest on a clear sunny morning. The Keepers led the way followed by the blanket babies (including Taroha and Mokogodo, as it was a warmer day).
Since mini-matriarchs Kindani and Kinyei graduated and left for Ithumba a few days ago, Weka has been in an especially naughty mood. This morning, the Keepers held her back until all the other orphans had paddled down to the mud bath for their mid-morning milk. Much to her annoyance, she arrived after they had all finished their bottles so there was no chance to grab a bottle from one of the babies. She drank hers in a sulk and plodded quietly over to join the others, on her best behavior for a change!
By the afternoon, the demure Weka had disappeared and been replaced by the naughty one. The orphans clustered around the mud bath with no one tempted to swim even though it was a sunny day. Some were browsing on greens and some were standing quietly, as others squirted dust over themselves and each other. Weka cantered over to little Shujaa, feeling so boisterous that she knocked him over from behind. He stood up, trotted over to Muridjo and gave her a shove. He thought she had shoved him rather than Weka. Muridjo responded and the two friends clashed heads. As always, a Keeper calmed the situation and told off Weka with a pointed finger and a whistle. Nearby, Loldaiga was enjoying the sunshine.
Returning to the forest, the orphans were feeling playful. They ran around and dusted themselves and played the pushing game. Young bulls Taabu and Tingai enjoyed several sessions of sparring. As the evening approached, the Keepers gathered up their little charges and sent them back to the safety of the stockades for the night.