In Nairobi, the month began with a funny study in contrasts brought about by the rain. Following another downpour in the night, the stockade compound was particularly muddy. Many orphans were reluctant to leave their dry stables, but not plucky Taroha! He wanted to see his friends. As soon as a Keeper opened his door, he darted outside, wheeled around the corner, and planted himself outside Mokogodo’s stable. Hearing Taroha outside, Mokogodo shouted insistently until she too was let out. Reunited, the pair happily plodded into the soggy forest.
At first light, the Keepers prepared bottles of milk and fed the 27 orphans under their care. Emerging from their stockades happily, the orphans greeted their friends and drank from the water troughs as they waited to head out to the forest. Talek and Pardamat were in especially playful moods, rumbling and chasing each other around the stockades.
Sileita led the herd out in a straggly line to browse in the forest. Shujaa and Muridjo stayed back, standing by Maxwell's gate. They extended their little trunks through the gaps in his gate and rumbled their greeting. In response, the blind black rhino trundled over to say good morning before returning to his tasty pile of pellets. Shujaa and Muridjo jogged off to catch up with the herd. Out in the forest, Kamili was feeling hungry. When Shujaa stood on top of a tasty shrub, she firmly pushed him away. Remembering how frail she used to be, the Keepers were happy to see her assertive behaviour.
Later in the morning, the orphans headed back to the mud bath for a milk feed. They padded down the path in small groups, downed their bottles and spread out around the wallow. Nyambeni and Mzinga had a brief paddle but no one else got wet on a cloudy day.
The orphans were in subdued moods, ambling slowly out of their bedrooms in the early morning. As the sun rose in a cloudy sky, the Keepers shepherded them out to the forest. They browsed peacefully in a forest that is turning green following the recent rain. Mini matriarch Kerrio fussed over and trunk touched little Talek frequently as she stood over her. Talek may be an independent little elephant, but she still welcomes attention from gentle Kerrio. Weka ambled over to lay her trunk along the little one’s back. On some days, the Keepers can hardly recognise the naughtiest girl in the Nursery!
Shy Sholumai is also changing as she regains her strength. When she first arrived, she would choose to browse on her own and was reluctant to get close to the herd. This afternoon, rather than hanging back at the end of the line and then quietly padding down to the mud wallow, she pushed her way forward and sprinted down the path. When she ran into four babies toddling along, she trumpeted at them to get out of the way and came to a halt before a Keeper holding up a bottle of milk. She gulped down her first bottle and walked away with her trunk twisted around the second bottle. Dropping the bottle on the ground, she dared to approach feisty Weka and attempted to take her bottle. Weka saw her off with a shove and the Keepers ushered Sholumai away to avoid any risk of a confrontation.
The elephants awoke to a downpour of rain from a dark grey sky. As the rain continued to fall, the Keepers opened the doors of the older orphans’ stables. Nannies Kerrio, Sileita, Latika, Ahmed and Weka searched for the ‘blanket babies’ but in vain – Mokogodo, Taroha, Pardamat and Talek remained in their warm, dry stables, with blue blankets tied around their tummies. Reluctantly, the nannies walked out to the forest, dragging their feet as they followed their friends. Two hours later, the clouds had cleared and the babies toddled out of their rooms. As they approached the herd, Kerrio sprinted to greet them as if she had not seen them for several days rather than hours. Meanwhile, the rest of the herd was browsing peacefully on the lush green growth or playing in the many puddles.
Kamili was having a lovely time. She paddled and then lay down and rolled around in a large muddy puddle. Wandering over to join her, Nyambeni and Mzinga tried to clamber on top of Kamili. Immediately, she stood up and pushed them away from her — in contrast to Kerrio, Kamili is not strong enough to be used as an enormous toy. She also doesn’t have much interest in being a nanny. However, she was happy to hang out with the younger girls, and the three friends ambled off to browse together.
Later in the afternoon, the big boys were sparring. Taabu and Choka clashed noisily in one clearing as Kitiak and Rafiki wrestled in another. Junior boys Kitich and Mageno were also practising their sparring skills.
On a sunny morning, the orphans wandered around in the forest in small friendship groups, plucking green shoots from shrubs and trees and popping them into their mouths. As usual, Talek had planted herself in the midst of a group of Keepers, even though she is far from a clinging vine. The Keepers see her as an independent girl who has little interest in being cosseted. Rescued four months ago, she is happiest when doing her own thing so long as she is close to at least one Keeper.
Later in the morning at the mud bath, Taabu was testing the Keepers’ patience. This friendly bull is also an increasingly strong and confident one. Today, he downed two bottles of milk and then sprinted over to the wheelbarrow in an attempt to pinch a third bottle. The Keepers pointed at him to move away. Pretending to obey them, he about turned, took two steps and darted back to the tempting bottles. Eventually, he did as he was told and walked away, shaking his head in indignation.
In the afternoon, most of the orphans remained close to the stockades as there is no need to walk far in search of browse at the moment. Predictably, however, Elerai, Sholumai, Loldaiga, Kitiak and Muwingu bucked the trend, heading off in a little gang for a walkabout in the wild.
It rained heavily last night — much to the Keepers’ delight and to the dismay of the babies. The pitter patter of raindrops lulls some elephants to sleep but sends many others into a tizzy. Taroha, Mokogodo and Talek were vocal about their displeasure. Their shouting worried the older orphans, leading to a cacophony of elephant chatter that lasted into the early morning. The Keepers provided lots of company and comfort throughout the frightening storm, but it was still a tense night.
By morning, the rain had stopped and the orphans headed out to the forest as always. They stood in a cluster to keep warm until they had fully awoken and the sun had come out. In the light of day, it was some of the older orphans who had mixed feelings about the wet conditions. One of the oldest bulls, Tingai, is a no-nonsense chap but, this morning, the rain got the better of him. When the orphans discovered that their forest dust bath had transformed into a pool, Tingai flirted with a swim but decided against it, despite urging from Choka and lots of stretching. A few minutes later, Tingai balanced his big body on a tiny rock, swivelling in a circle to avoid getting his feet wet. Reluctantly, he then braved the sodden ground and strode over to his friends. Meanwhile bold little Mzinga toddled right into the water. As she splashed around, Nyambeni and Kerrio paddled in to join her. They kicked their feet and swung their trunks contentedly in the pool before padding back for their mid-morning milk feed.
On another overcast morning with a steady downpour of rain, the older elephants headed out to browse in the muddy forest, but the younger ones stayed behind in their stables. When the rain eased off mid-morning, Mokogodo, Taroha, Pardamat and Talek toddled out to join the herd clad in their blue blankets. As the big boys and girls browsed, the younger orphans took shelter from the drizzle under the canopies of trees. They stood huddled together in groups of three or four. Resourceful Mzinga did her best to share an umbrella with a Keeper but no umbrella is large enough, no matter how small the elephant!
Raha, the baby rhino, needed no encouragement to also remain in her stable. She does not like the cold and had to be persuaded to go for a walk later in the morning. She waddled along in her blanket, occasionally turning around and making small squeaks in an attempt to return home. After a brief wander, her Keeper shepherded her back to her stable, into which she trotted happily.
In the afternoon, Mukutan and Muridjo were playing in the forest mud pool. They paddled around and then lay down for a mud massage against the edge, rumbling repeatedly as they rolled around.
It was a beautiful early morning of sunshine after a night of rain. Emerging from his night enclosure, Maxwell lay down in his muddy pool and covered every part of his body with thick mud before waddling around his enclosure, glistening in the sunshine.
Meanwhile, as is the case on most days, the younger orphans emerged from their bedrooms before the older elephants. They enjoy having the area to themselves for a short time. This morning, babies Mokogodo, Taroha, Pardamat and Talek were so full of confidence and energy that they ambled out towards the forest without waiting for their nannies. In contrast to the older orphans, however, they turned around obediently as soon as a Keeper whistled to them and toddled back to base. Quite a little gang!
Raha enjoyed the sunny dry morning too. Out in the forest, she toddled all over the place. Finding a patch of dry soil, she lay down and rolled around on the warm earth. The elephants were in a different part of the forest but, later in the morning when their paths crossed, sweet Mzinga abandoned the herd and followed along behind Raha. She enjoys her company and the rhino tolerates her presence. When Pardamat and Talek then made a mock charge towards Raha, Mzinga saw them off. She trumpeted, flared her ears and protected her friend.
The orphans ambled out in a cluster this morning, remaining in a huddle until the sun came out from behind the clouds. Fully awake and hungry, they spread out to browse in the forest. Sileita is not only an excellent nanny but also a fabulous playmate. This morning, she lay down quietly on the ground and wiggled around a bit, clearly inviting the little ones to climb onto her. Shujaa, Taroha and Mokogodo needed no encouragement! Over they trundled with trunks and tails waving, knelt down, and rested their forelegs on their special nanny. A lovely game ensued.
Later in the morning, the Keepers ushered the orphans down to the mud bath for another milk feed. In the mornings, they send the younger orphans down first and then the older ones. Kerrio, Kamili, Latika, Mageno, Kitich, Nyambeni, Mzinga, Shujaa, Talek, Pardamat, Taroha and Mokogodo are in the first group. Taroha downed his bottle and made a beeline for the pool. In he paddled, reclining in the middle of the muddy wallow. He was followed by Kerrio, who is a water baby but also a responsible nanny keen to keep an eye on the babies in the water. Many others also trundled in, but not Shujaa, who rarely ventures into the water, much preferring dust baths. As Latika lay relaxing in the wallow, a Keeper shovelled muddy water onto her back (she struggles to do this because of her short trunk). When it was time to get out, kind Mageno helped a tired Taroha to stand up, giving him a useful shove as he paddled through the mud. As he reached the edge, Nyambeni took over the big sister role, supporting the little boy as he clambered out.
Even though it was pouring with rain again this morning, the big boys were in mischievous moods. As soon as Rafiki and Tingai reached the forest, the games began. Trumpeting in excitement, they pushed heads and clinked tusks in a lengthy wrestling match. Nearby, Choka and Loldaiga were playing a quieter version of the game, sparring and chasing each other around. Choka had the upper hand today but he is a kind bull who is careful not to hurt his opponents.
Later in the morning as the rain eased off, the elephants had a wonderful time in all the muddy puddles. Some paddled, swaying their trunks and splashing mud, as others lay down on their backs and rolled around with legs in the air. As usual, Kerrio was happy to be played upon. As she lay on her side in an enormous puddle, Nyambeni and Mzinga rested their forelegs on her belly, clambered on top of her, and generally had a lovely time. Kerrio has grown into a wonderful mini matriarch. Elsewhere, Loldaiga, Mukutan, Choka, Tingai, Rafiki and Taabu were cavorting in another pool. The big boys slid around in the mud and pushed against and mounted each other.
Back out in the forest in the afternoon, the orphans browsed in friendship groups. Independent Muwingu was hanging out with Weka and Kitich. So far, she has shown little interest in mothering the babies, preferring instead to spend time with her best friends and to do her own thing.
On their way out to the forest, the orphans pad past Maxwell’s large enclosure. This morning, the black rhino was sharing his breakfast with two big warthogs and four little ones. The very large animal and the collection of small ones stood side by side as they nibbled on tasty pellets. The pigs lent on their knees as if browsing in the forest. Meanwhile, little Raha pottered out to the forest as usual in the company of two Keepers. As she settled down to browse in a rocky area, several impalas gathered around her. The tiny rhino and the antelopes also stood side by side to browse. Raha was feeling so comfortable that she walked right up to one of the impalas, startling the antelope who then scampered away closely followed by her herd.
Not far away, gentle Latika was with little Talek. She was walking behind the younger orphan as she browsed and followed her lead, expertly uprooting shrubs with her distinctively tiny trunk. Latika is a lovely nanny but, with her quiet nature, unlikely to push her way into the top role.
In the afternoon, Mzinga padded over to spend time with Raha in the forest with Mokogodo trundling along behind her. The rhino welcomed Mzinga but not Mokogodo, making a little mock charge. Rather than go after Mokogodo, Mzinga chose to remain with Raha, extending her trunk in a friendly gesture. The rhino soon calmed down, reassured further by the presence of her Keeper.
Following another downpour of rain in the night, the area around the stockades was especially muddy this morning. Several orphans were reluctant to leave their dry stables, but not Taroha! He wanted to see his friends. As soon as a Keeper opened his door, he darted out and rounded the corner to Mokogodo’s stable. He stood there waiting for her on one side of her door as Mokogodo shouted insistently from the other side. She wanted out. Minutes later, the two best friends were reunited. They rumbled repeatedly to each other and entwined trunks before ambling off trunk-to-tail with the elder in the lead and the younger keeping close contact. In contrast, Mukutan and Mageno stood stubbornly in their stables, refusing to come out. They did not want to walk on muddy ground and stood with their backs to the doors, pretending to browse on leftover branches of lucerne. Eventually, the Keepers cajoled them out and they jogged off to catch up with the herd.
In the afternoon, the sun came out and the forest became less muddy. The elephants were in playful moods and many were slipping and sliding in the pools of standing water. Big bull Kitiak (who has the largest tusks in the Nursery) was hanging out with little bull Shujaa. The well-behaved bull slung his trunk along Shujaa’s back and then tried to trip him up by putting his front leg between Shujaa’s legs. Shujaa stood still with no idea how to extricate himself! But Kitiak was just playing and soon removed his leg. Despite being much bigger, he was not rough towards Shujaa.
Translocation training began today for undergraduates Kitiak, Rafiki, Elerai, Ahmed, Taabu and Tingai. The five boys and one girl are three years old and are outgrowing the Nursery. In the wake of lots of wonderful rain, Tsavo has been transformed into a lush green paradise and their graduation is approaching. But first, they have to feel safe and comfortable in the truck. For the next few weeks, therefore, they will be fed in the truck.
Rafiki, Ahmed and Kitiak began their training earlier in the year. Remembering that the truck contained a pile of his favourite cubes, Kitiak sauntered in this morning. Rafiki and Ahmed needed some persuasion but did walk up the ramp quite calmly. The other three were far less biddable. Initially, Taabu, Tingai and Elerai completely refused to go near the truck. With lots of reassurance and the temptation of bottles of milk, Taabu and Tingai did tiptoe up the ramp but Elerai would not relent and so was given his bottles outside the truck. In the afternoon, the Keepers shepherded the six elephants back to the truck from the forest. Five plodded in but Elerai continued to be suspicious of the truck.
Out in the forest in the afternoon, best friends Kitich and Mageno were having a fabulous time. They slid down a slope into an enormous puddle and then tumbled around in the mud together. The dip was followed by a sparring session in a clearing. Kamili stood nearby in a smaller puddle, enjoying a quiet paddle, before ambling over to stand close to Kerrio. The two girls flapped their ears in unison as they pulled up tasty soft browse with their trunks.
The rains have set in. It poured during the night and in the early morning before easing off. Nonetheless, Raha woke up in a jovial mood. As she plodded out to the forest with her Keeper, she darted ahead and then about turned and sprinted back doing a sweet little mock charge. She was so full of energy that she did this several times, in contrast to some days when she walks slowly behind her Keeper.
The younger orphans were also in playful moods. As the older orphans filled their bellies with delicious green browse, the babies went mud bathing in a pool of stagnant water. Some paddled in the middle as others rubbed their torsos along the edge or kicked the water with their big pads. When feisty Muridjo almost jumped over Talek in the water, the younger elephant cried out in alarm. (Not only is she smaller than Muridjo, Talek is also apprehensive of boisterous play.) Moments later, Sileita and Ahmed came to the rescue. The two older females rumbled to reassure her, shepherded her out of the water and sandwiched Talek between them, making for a touching sight. As they calmed down the baby, the others kept playing. Mzinga was showing off her impressive swimming skills as Mokogodo and Taroha knelt down and messed around along the muddy edge.
In the afternoon, the forest was green and glistening in the sunlight. As most of the herd browsed or relaxed, Muridjo was making her own fun. The first activity was some trunk acrobatics followed by a game of sticks-and-stones football and an elephant yoga session. Her self-sufficiency is in keeping with her character. Although she is one of the youngest, she hates being babied and has always wanted to be treated as one of the big kids.
Elephants do embody kindness. This morning, little Talek let out a big shout as the herd headed out to the forest. Ahmed and Mushuru, who were several metres ahead, about turned and whirled back to their small friend. They proceeded to check on her with a flurry of rumbles and trunk touches until they were satisfied that nothing was wrong. It was much ado about nothing as she was just complaining to a Keeper that the ground was muddy!
Translocation training is going well with Kitiak setting an excellent example to his friends. Already, he strides into the truck confidently, spurred on partly perhaps by his love of pellets. (He is also making the most of the regular visits to the truck by scooting in and out of stables on the way in the hope of finding leftover lucerne.) Rafiki, Tingai, Taabu, Ahmed and Elerai are all making progress. Rafiki plods up the ramp calmly, Tingai needs less persuasion, Taabu seems to have an idea of what is going on and behaves erratically, Ahmed is nervous but does enter the truck, and Elerai is going closer but not yet venturing up the ramp.
Maxwell does not always welcome the warthogs. This afternoon, he was resting in his outer enclosure when the pigs trotted in for a snack of lucerne. He lumbered to his feet and chased them away. Then he jogged up and down his enclosure, making sure that they did not return as the warthogs stood around the corner watching and waiting for an opportunity. Their persistence paid off! Half an hour later, Max welcomed them and the friends settled down for their evening snack.
Although Kitich is still a small boy, he thinks he is a big boy. The chubby chap challenges older boys like Choka and Mukutan to wrestling matches and is showing signs of dominant bull behaviour. As he is one of the younger orphans, he belongs to the first group sent down to the mud bath by the Keepers for the mid-morning milk feed. This morning, Kitich rebelled! He dug in his pads and attempted to dart back to the second group of older orphans, shaking his head indignantly. For now, the Keepers have kept him in the first group but may move him soon.
In the forest in the afternoon, Weka was walking along behind Pardamat, touching him at every opportunity and browsing where he browsed. She is becoming such a caring nanny and learning lots from Sileita and Kerrio. An independent boy, Pardamat tolerated her adoration but was also determined to keep doing his own thing. So, he kept walking and she followed along in his wake. Not far away, budding nannies Nyambeni and Mzinga were wandering along behind Mokogodo who, as usual, was glued to Taroha. Sweet Mokogodo and gentle Taroha continue to be devoted to one another. Shaking off the nannies, the pair spent much of the afternoon with Sileita, doing their best to suckle her armpits.
On a cool and misty morning, the orphans headed out to the forest. They spread out to browse on the abundance of green shoots. Most of the herd enjoyed their morning milk in the bush but the Keepers brought the six undergraduates back to the training truck. The big boys and girl are getting used to the truck – only Elerai is still reluctant to go up the ramp but usually can be cajoled in. Today, Ahmed gave Taabu a shove as she was feeling jittery and Elerai drank his bottles on the ramp, rather than in the truck.
Loldaiga has settled in well but remains a background player in the herd. Although he is growing more confident, he rarely asserts himself, preferring to spend time with friends like Kitich and Mageno. This morning at the mud bath, he was showing off his new skill of holding his own bottle. He likes the Keeper to hold it for a while and then, sure that he has a secure grip, he toddles off on his own with his trunk twisted around the bottle.
Although Elerai is apprehensive about the truck, he is ready to graduate from the Nursery. Following the example of many bulls before him, he is pushing the boundaries with the Keepers — it is time for him to be one of the youngest members of a herd rather than one of the oldest. Today at the mud bath he was being especially naughty. First, he tried to grab Muwingu’s bottle of milk and then Mushuru’s bottle. When his attempts failed, he rolled around on the pile of earth and then chased after Loldaiga, grabbing his tail with his trunk. Loldaiga shouted for help and mini matriarch Sileita disciplined the Tingai, pushing him away.
As the nannies fussed over the little ones at first light this morning, Mushuru and Shujaa were feeling peckish. In plain sight of the Keepers, they clambered over the fence to browse on the patch of shrubs next to Maxwell’s enclosure. There they remained until it was time to head out to the forest, whereupon they clumsily climbed back over and jogged after the herd.
Out in the forest, Choka and Taabu quickly filled their bellies and got down to some serious playing. After the two friends entwined their trunks in greeting, the contest of strength began. They pushed against each other and twisted around and clashed again. Not far away, Kitich and Mageno were also enjoying a sparring contest as Kamili browsed quietly next to the safe space that is Sileita.
Later in the morning, the Keepers sent the first group of younger orphans down to the mud bath for another milk feed. Kerrio is the chief nanny of the group with Latika as her second in command. The two girls have hearts of gold although Latika tends to prioritise milk over nannying. While she is drinking her bottle, she prefers to be left in peace. Today, the gentle girl wandered along the rope cordon greeting the guests.
As the Keepers shepherded the six undergraduates back to the training truck this morning, they spotted two small but determined followers – Talek and Pardamat. The two babies toddled along at a distance behind Ahmed and would not be sent back to the herd! Instead, they stood watching as Ahmed, Rafiki and Kitiak drank their milk in the truck and ambled back down the ramp. Ahmed then escorted the babies back to the forest.
Later in the morning, the orphans padded down an extremely muddy path to the wallow. The second group gulped down their bottles and spread out to browse on the scattered lucerne. It was a sunny day and several had already enjoyed a paddle in the standing pools in the forest. Only Mushuru went swimming in the mud wallow. First, she paddled, then she rubbed her chest against the edge and finally she lay down in the cooling water.
Returning to the stockades in the early evening, the orphans padded around the corner in groups of two, three or four and into their stables. Weka, the mischief maker turned mini matriarch, led young Pardamat in today. She swerved off in one direction as her small friend swerved in another. He is perfecting his bedtime routine. The newbie loves having a secure stable and a Keeper’s company every night. He drinks his milk quickly, dribbling drops all over the ground, and settles down happily for the night.
The elephants headed out to the forest in a straight line this morning with Mzinga bringing up the rear. She had stopped to greet Maxwell. As she stood at his gate, the rhino lumbered over to greet her and Mzinga wrapped her trunk around his horn. He loves this morning ritual and stands happily until she decides that it is time to join the herd.
Out in the forest, mini matriarch Sileita was surrounded by a bevy of babies toddling around after her as she browsed. She touched each of them occasionally, just checking that all was well. Not far away, Shujaa, polite boy turned naughty boy, was playing the pushing game with Muridjo. They were having lots of fun until Shujaa gave Muridjo an unwarranted shove as she turned away. He had chosen the wrong orphan. The no nonsense girl trumpeted and challenged him to a serious contest, knocking him to his knees. The contrite boy walked away with his tail between his legs and kept his distance for the rest of the day. There is no messing with Muridjo!
In the afternoon, the herd wandered far afield despite the abundance of browse. As usual, the Keepers sent them home in groups, with the smaller ones padding in first and the big boys bringing up the rear. Tingai and Kitiak were engrossed in a sparring match and had to be persuaded to return to their stables.
When the Keepers opened the gates of the orphans’ stables this morning, Ahmed ambled over to greet Talek and Pardamat. She laid her trunk along their backs, rumbled several times and escorted them out to the forest. Meanwhile, Kerrio was walking out with Nyambeni and Mzinga, and Sileita and Weka were with Taroha and Mokogodo. Out in the bush, the nannies browsed in the same area, almost in a protective circle around the babies. This morning, Talek did not want to share a shrub with Pardamat and gave her friend a little shove. Knowing that she had been naughty, she immediately ran over to the safe space that is Ahmed. She toddled almost under her armpit and stood still. Not far away, Shujaa was also misbehaving. He uncharitably shoved Taroha, then immediately got a taste of his own medicine when the sapling he was standing on sprang back and gave him a smack. Shujaa is that pesky little brother who drives everyone crazy but is loved to the moon and back!
Later in the morning, the herd came across two male buffaloes blocking their path. Kitich and Muwingu flared their ears and ran towards them but came up short when they realised that the buffaloes were not moving. The toddlers about turned and trundled back to the safety of the herd as the buffaloes stared at them. Catching sight of several Keepers moving in their direction, the buffaloes disappeared into the thick bush.
Although the rain was falling steadily this morning, the Keepers decided that it was warm enough for the whole herd to head out together, so long as the babies kept their blankets on. Three orphans, however, had other ideas. When the Keepers opened the doors of their bedrooms, Shujaa, Mzinga and Nyambeni paused deliberately on the threshold (in contrast to most days when they charge out to greet their friends). The three babies stood quite still and looked out at the rain. As they did so, Taroha, Mokogodo and Muridjo, who are made of sterner stuff, plodded placidly past on their way to the forest. Reluctantly, Mzinga and Nyambeni then walked extremely slowly out of their rooms and after the younger elephants. But not Shujaa! The crafty boy had used his trunk to close the lower half of his stable door and was hiding inside, hoping that he had outwitted the Keepers and would not have to get his feet wet. His reprieve was short-lived as he was soon discovered by a Keeper cleaning out the stables. With a pointed finger and a stern whistle, Shujaa was sent out to the forest, once again with his tail metaphorically between his legs.
Out in the forest, the rain was continuing to fall and most of the herd were standing under the canopies of trees. After standing quietly for a time, Talek, Mzinga and Nyambeni trundled off to play. Coming across a very large puddle, the three small orphans decided that it was time for a mud bath. They lay down and slid up against each other as the drizzle continued. Talek was waving her tiny trunk excitedly as she loves playing with Mzinga.
Translocation training is ongoing for the six orphans. Rafiki, Tingai, Kitiak, Taabu, Ahmed and Elerai are used to having milk feeds in the truck and amble up the ramp happily, except for Elerai. He is still hesitant and pushes up against the others while they are drinking their milk. This morning, as the Keepers were shepherding the elephants into the truck, he gave Taabu a nervous shove.
It rained for most of the night and the forest was awash with puddles this morning. To the Keepers’ surprise, the orphans strolled out happily to the forest, full of energy and playfulness. Choka, Kitich and Mukutan started their day with a wrestling match, clashing heads and twisting around. As the rain continued to fall, the big boys slid all over the slippery ground while pushing against each other. Mukutan found the situation especially challenging. Every time he tested his strength against Choka or Kitich, he lost his footing and ended up on his backside! Many of the others played in puddles, splashing the water or massaging their bodies in the thick mud.
Later in the morning, Raha toddled around the mud bath, completing her lap of honour and then lying down on the special pile of wet soil made by her Keeper. She rolled around as the Keeper shovelled wet mud all over her torso.
Ten minutes later, a small black rhino wearing a thick coat of mud walked back into the forest and the first group of younger orphans took her place. They drank their milk in groups and spread out to drink from the trough or pick up pieces of lucerne. When they left, the second group took their place. Taabu was at his most mischievous today. Blatantly disobeying the Keepers, he kept trying to cross the rope cordon. He made a beeline for one place, a Keeper ordered him back, he darted to another place, a Keeper whistled him back and so on! This boy is ready for graduation as he will be kept in line by the older boys in Tsavo.
This morning, the orphans were in subdued moods. In contrast to most days, there was no wrestling or pushing or mud bathing. Instead, the elephants padded around quietly, browsing as they went. Ahmed, Latika, Kerrio, Sileita, Muwingu, Mzinga and Nyambeni meandered along behind Taroha, Mokogodo, Talek and Pardamat, keeping a close eye on them. This week, Mokogodo seems to be favourite baby of Kerrio, Sileita and Latika; Taroha the favourite of Mzinga, Muwingu and Nyambeni; and Talek and Pardamat are Ahmed’s favourites.
Later in the morning at the mud wallow, independent Talek gulped down her milk and then tried to pinch Pardamat’s bottle. The Keepers intervened, told off the little girl and took her to the other side of the wallow so that the other orphans could drink their milk in peace. Returning to the forest in the afternoon, the orphans encountered a herd of impalas. Feeling feisty, Mushuru, Loldaiga, Sholumai, Kitiak, Choka and Weka were not going to share their clearing. The little gang charged at the unsuspecting impalas, chasing them away with tails and trunks aloft and then padding back to the herd, looking very pleased with themselves.
Little Raha is well. Today, she walked far into the forest with her Keeper and came across a pile of dung produced by an adult wild black rhino. Carefully, she sniffed around and then defecated on the mound. Her behaviour is an encouraging sign – indirectly, she is introducing herself to the wild rhino by leaving her scent on his territory.
In the early morning, the Keepers opened the doors of the blanket babies’ stockades one by one. Talek, in a naughty mood, darted out of her stable and round to Pardamat’s. As her friend began to walk out, she nudged the door closed with her trunk and body. Pardamat pushed and Talek pushed back. Then she went up on her hind legs and leant on the door, making it almost impossible for Pardamat to open it. The contest continued as the Keepers were opening the other doors. Talek was holding Pardamat hostage! Smiling at their antics, a Keeper took Talek away and a very disgruntled small elephant waddled out. Pardamat was cross. He pushed Talek and head butted her to the ground, trumpeting his displeasure, whereupon two Keepers separated the toddlers and calmed them down.
During the first milk feed at the mud bath as the orphans settled down to browse, Kamili led Muridjo, Loldaiga, Weka, Mageno and Kitich away into the woods. The mini herd travelled some distance before returning to the main herd. Kamili used to spend most of her time on her own but, as she has become physically stronger, she is daring to socialise with her friends and even to be mischievous on occasions!
Later in the morning, Sholumai led the second group of older orphans down to the mud bath for another milk feed. On her way, she was startled by a group of impalas grazing near the wallow. The shy girl trumpeted in alarm and veered off in another direction. In response to her call, Mukutan, Mushuru, Choka and Loldaiga chased after her, also shouting out in solidarity. Once again, the Keepers intervened to reassure the group of excited elephants.
This morning out in the forest, the big boys were causing trouble. Rafiki, Elerai, Tingai, Taabu and Kitiak were chasing several older females. Ahmed, Sileita, Mushuru, Sholumai, Weka were settling down to browse when their peace was disrupted by the bulls. Rafiki and Kitiak charged after Ahmed as Tingai, Taabu and Elerai pestered Sholumai, Sileita, Mushuru and Weka. The pesky bulls chased the girls in circles and tried to mount them when they got close. Clever Weka knew what to do. She found refuge in a clearing where Kerrio, Latika and the babies were browsing close to the Keepers. The big boys did not dare approach Kerrio and the Keepers. They came to a halt and walked away to browse.
Later in the morning at the mud bath, no one was misbehaving. Usually, the Keepers have to reprimand at least one member of the second group. But today, they were as good as gold! Weka wandered calmly along the cordon, greeting the visitors. Tingai and Taabu were also quiet and obedient.
Wandering in the forest in the afternoon, Mzinga, Nyambeni, Shujaa, Muridjo and Weka came across two female warthogs and seven piglets. The temptation to give chase was irresistible and off they charged after the poor pigs. As the warthogs trotted away, they uttered a series of high-pitched squeals. Alarmed by the squealing, the big brave elephants called off the chase and ran for refuge with the Keepers. Hearing apparent cries for help, nannies Sileita, Ahmed, Kerrio and Muwingu sprinted over to discover that the shouting was a lot of fuss about nothing.
As the orphans wandered out to the forest this morning, three undergraduates took a detour. Kitiak, Rafiki and Ahmed veered off the path and jogged back to the training truck, because they knew that tasty snacks of cubes and sugar cane could be found within. They went straight up the ramp and settled down to chomp on sugar cane. The Keepers called their names but to no avail. They could only be tempted out with the promise of more milk. As the Keepers waved (empty) bottles near the truck, Kitiak and then Ahmed and finally Rafiki plodded down the ramp. The headstrong elephants were ordered out to the forest with stern whistles.
Muridjo may have met her match with Mageno! The feisty (but kind-hearted) young boy does not often push the envelope but today was one of those days. Out in the bush this morning, Mageno climbed on Muridjo’s back. She started walking away and he frogmarched in her wake, his front feet on her back and his hind feet struggling to keep up! Eventually, she shrugged off her annoying friend and sprinted around him in circles, celebrating her triumph.
Later in the afternoon, Pardamat was sticking like glue to her favourite nanny. She stood almost between Ahmed’s legs, occasionally making a half-hearted attempt to suckle. She loves being with Ahmed and feels safe – Pardamat knows that Ahmed will protect her from feisty boys like Tingai, Rafiki, Elerai and Taabu.
On an overcast morning, the orphans greeted each other after emerging from their stockades. Nannies fussed over babies as friends stood around together. Kitich and Mageno were popping in and out of all the stables, searching for leftover lucerne to fill their growing bellies. Initially, they ignored the Keepers’ whistles but then, accepting the inevitable, the rebellious boys about turned and tagged along behind the herd, swinging their trunks in unison.
As usual, Choka and Taabu were playing the pushing game out in the forest. After several rounds, Choka was clearly overpowering Taabu and the loser had had enough. He whirled around and ran towards the Keepers. Mukutan then appointed himself a peacemaker – he walked between the two bulls, distracted them from the contest and restored the peace. The boys wandered over to a stagnant pool of water, stood with trunks entwined affectionately, and began a new game. First, they play mounted each other and then they lay down and rolled around on the edge of the water, splashing as they rubbed their torsos vigorously. Finally, Choka invited the babies to play on top of him. He lay on his back with his legs in the air pretending to be asleep. Reading the signs, Taroha, Mzinga, Nyambeni and Muridjo immediately toddled over to play on their favourite bull.
As it rained heavily in the night and was still drizzling in the morning, the Keepers kept Taroha, Mokogodo, Talek and Pardamat in their warm dry stables. The rest of the herd headed out to the forest where some took shelter under the canopies of trees as others browsed in the rain. Realising that the blanket babies had not arrived, Sileita took matters into her own hands. With several young babies following along in her wake, she quietly walked back to the stockades to find them. Ignoring the Keepers’ whistles, this determined mini matriarch marched up to their doors and parked herself and her entourage. The Keepers, taking stock of the situation, opened the four doors. Mokogodo, Taroha, Talek and Pardamat toddled out in their blue blankets and Sileita rumbled in pleasure. She scooped up her little herd and headed back out to the forest.
Sileita is the mini matriarch of the Nursery herd but she is assisted by several able second in commands! Kerrio is a nanny with a heart of gold, Latika is quiet but caring and Weka is learning fast. Although Nyambeni and Mzinga are still young, they are blossoming into capable little nannies. In the forest in the afternoon, Mzinga was imitating Sileita – she was lying on the ground, wriggling around a little, and inviting Mokogodo to play on her!
The herd ambled out happily this morning, knowing that they would find a forest of lush green browse. They settled down in small groups to fill their bellies and then to play in the many pools following the recent deluge of rain. Taabu, Tingai and Ahmed sneaked away from the herd, sprinting back to the training truck and the tasty sugar cane. The three-year-olds are pushing the boundaries almost every day – they are used to the truck and more than ready to graduate! Three Keepers ran after them, ordered them out of the truck, and frog marched them to the mud bath to join the herd.
Kamili is continuing to thrive and is becoming patient with the little ones. Although she does not seek them out, preferring still to do her own thing, she is being kind to them. After enjoying her milk at the mud bath in the afternoon, she walked a small distance away, as is her habit, to avoid any risk of being pushed by feisty members of the herd. As the orphans wandered back to the forest, gentle Kerrio led Talek, Mokogodo and Taroha off for a stroll. Just two years ago, Kerrio was a frail baby and now she is a mini matriarch in her own right.
Once again, it poured with rain in the night with interludes of thunder and lightning. Talek was quite upset by all the noise – she would not settle and even tried to climb into her Keeper’s bed. He comforted her and kept her calm until the morning. Worn out by the night, a subdued little Talek toddled out and snuggled up to a Keeper for most of the morning, remaining as close as she possibly could to his reassuring leg. When the sun came out, Talek cheered up and joined the other babies.
Mokogodo, Taroha, Pardamat, Mzinga, Nyambeni, Shujaa and Muridjo were playing in a large muddy puddle, slipping and sliding in the mud and climbing on top of each other. Sileita was standing close to the bevy of babies, not joining in but just keeping watch in case older bulls like Choka and Taabu tried to spoil their fun.
After a subdued time at the mud bath, the orphans returned to the forest in the early afternoon. Mushuru, Muwingu, Weka and Sholumai wandered deep into the woods despite the abundance of browse near the stockades. Kerrio and Kamili stayed close to home. Heading back in the evening, Muridjo staged a mini protest outside her stable block until a Keeper escorted her into her bedroom. Toddling in behind her, Mokogodo gave a little shake of her head, parroting her big sister! Minutes later, Raha also trundled down the path and into her stable. Knowing when it is time to go home, she heads back without any prompting from her Keeper