As usual, the month began with fun and games. The orphans welcomed April by plodding out of their stockades, full of boisterous energy. As soon as Sileita emerged from her room, she knocked on Choka’s gate, inviting him to play with her. A spirited game of hide-and-seek ensued, which soon caught Taabu’s attention. However, three can be a crowd — even with elephants. Sileita abandoned her feisty friend for Taabu and the two orphans played a gentler version of the original game.
Today was a playful day! On a bright clear morning, the orphans plodded out of their stockades full of boisterous energy. As soon as Sileita got out of her room, she started knocking on Choka’s gate, asking him to play with her. Out he came, she chased him, he trundled round a corner – the game of hide and seek was on! Taabu tried to join in, but three can be a crowd, even with elephants. Sileita abandoned her feisty friend for Taabu and the two orphans played a gentle version of the pushing game. They did not stop playing for most of the morning!
Later in the morning out in the bush, Kerrio had fun chasing several baboons that she found relaxing under a tall tree. Soon afterwards, some warthogs trotted up to the herd, on the hunt for a snack. Not in the mood for company, Nyambeni and Mzinga trumpeted in indignation and charged towards them. Kerrio decided that this was even more fun and joined the chase. The three darted after the warthogs, wiggling between bushes as they did their best to catch up with the pigs. Following the direction of the trumpeting, a Keeper found them at the main gate and shepherded them back to the herd, whereupon their excited mood infected their friends. The forest was soon full of elephants sprinting in circles!
As the orphans headed home for bed in the late afternoon, big boys Lodo, Esoit and Bondeni ignored the whistling of the Keepers and continued to wrestle with each other, clashing heads and tiny tusks. A Keeper took charge of the young bulls, interrupting the game and sending them back to their rooms!
Amid an early morning downpour, the orphans wandered out of their stockades with less enthusiasm than yesterday. In a desultory way, they walked slowly out to the forest where they stood close together to keep warm, babies on the inside and nannies on the outside. It was not long, however, before they woke up properly and began to play in the wet green world. Choka and Mukutan wrestled noisily with each other as Kerrio sat on her bottom in a large muddy puddle. She is not only a water baby but also a mud baby! Soon, she began to play a mud sliding game with Kitich. They rolled and slid and pushed in the thick mud, climbing on top of each other as they waved their trunks in excitement. The game carried on until big boy Choka interrupted them.
After bringing their game to an abrupt halt, he strolled over to Kitiak who was browsing quietly on fresh green grass and gave him a shove. Choka and Kitiak are of similar sizes but have contrasting characters – one is an up-and-coming naughty boy (as is Mukutan) and the other a shy reserved chap.
Ahmed has settled in well with her new herd – although still shy, she is becoming assertive. This morning in the woods, she knocked Mageno over, surprising the little boy as he browsed. Immediately, Kindani took charge of the situation – running over, helping the younger elephant up and telling off the older girl.
This morning at the mud bath, cheeky Weka sprinted down the slope, trumpeting at the top of her voice. On arrival, she dashed from one Keeper to the next, noisily demanding her bottle with her trunk lifted and ears flared. She is an up-and-coming naughty girl!
After a cold start, the day became hotter and hotter. In the afternoon, the orphans had a wonderful time wallowing in pools of water in the forest. Big boys Rafiki, Lodo, Esoit and Bondeni invited everyone into a large muddy pool and the whole family had a cooling soothing swim. Budding matriarchs Kindani, Olorien and Kinyei kept careful eyes on the little ones, ensuring that they were safe.
This morning, the orphans were keen to head out into the lush green forest rather than hang about the stockades, to the disappointment of Maxwell! Standing by the door of his enclosure, the gentle giant was listening to the soft treads of the elephants as they wandered past. Calling for attention, he made his special squeaky noise as he pushed against the gate with his head. Only Kamili responded! The sweet girl stopped for a few minutes at his top gate, waiting in vain for Maxwell as he was in the lower half of his enclosure. He butted at his gate but could not get up to Kamili before she ambled on to join her friends in the forest. He took out his grumpy mood on the warthogs, chasing them away when they darted in to share his supplementary pellets.
Kerrio, Muridjo and Mzinga had a wonderful time at the mud bath this morning, rolling around on a large pile of soil. Kerrio spent quite a time lying on her tummy on the ground encouraging Muridjo and Mzinga to clamber on top of her and balance their little bodies on her larger one. They climbed on and off, and on and off again, as she lay there patiently.
Sweet Shujaa was toddling along behind the big girls today, out in the field and down at the mud bath. His favorite nannies are Kindani, Olorien and Kinyei – today he was with Kindani and Olorien, standing between them out in the bush and sticking like glue to them at the afternoon mud bath.
Lodo and Tingai have become good friends, particularly since Tingai settled into the herd and came out of his shell. Today, however, as the elephants were waiting in their groups to return to the stockades, Lodo gave his friend an unwarranted shove. Kinyei stepped in to discipline a boy who is getting too big for his boots and to diffuse the situation.
The orphans ambled out of their stockades at dawn and gathered in groups to head out to the forest. They settled down to browse quietly on delicious green grass and shoots. Soon, the Keepers led out newbies Taroha and Mokogodo to spend some time with the herd. The two little orphans have been brought out to the forest several times in the past few days as they are gently integrated into their new family.
The ‘blanket babies’, specifically Mzinga and Nyambeni, have reacted in contrasting ways to the arrival of babies younger than them. Their reactions could indicate differing characters, or they could just be phases the little girls are going through. Today, when Taroha and Mokogodo toddled out in the afternoon with a Keeper, Mzinga was so kind to them. She welcomed the newbies, touching them and making friends. Nyambeni, in contrast, seemed jealous of the two little orphans, pushing them away. Kerrio came to the rescue, helping Mzinga to protect Taroha and Mokogodo. In the past, Nyambeni was quite possessive of mini matriarch Naleku; Mzinga, however, welcomed other babies who wanted to spend time with Naleku.
Arriving at the mud bath in the afternoon, Weka sprinted down the hill and announced her presence with a loud trumpet. She loves to be the centre of attention! Weary Kinyei and Shujaa wandered in at the end of the line of orphans – they had snuck away on their own earlier in the afternoon for a marathon meander in the forest, reappearing just in time for their next milk feed. Tingai and Choka enjoyed an energetic wrestling match on the edge of the mud bath until Rafiki decided to separate them. No one was keen to swim on a cooler afternoon.
The cooler weather and wetter conditions are invigorating the orphans. Soon after the herd settled down in the field this morning, the young bulls began challenging each other. Playtime in the mud! Choka, Mukutan, Taabu, Kitich and Mageno were in the mood for wrestling. The three older boys – Choka, Mukutan and Taabu - wrestled and pushed each other and the two younger ones – Kitich and Mageno - had a less impressive but equally enjoyable contest nearby. When Choka and Taabu locked trunks and tusks, however, Mukutan could not resist strolling over to interrupt Kitich and Mageno. The rest of the herd stood around, immersed in browsing and ignoring their noisy friends.
Kamili had a fabulous time out in the forest today. In recent months, she has become physically stronger and, with the rains, she is enjoying nutritious green browse and blossoming! Today, she was rolling around in the thick mud with Nyambeni, Mzinga, Kerrio and Muridjo – the five babies pushed each other and sat on each other and rubbed their bodies together. Mud wallow over, she played the pushing game with Weka and then locked and twisted trunks with Kerrio. All this playful interaction is indicative of increasing strength – a few months ago, she would not have been able to play such boisterous games.
Iletilal wandered out in the forest today but did not go far as he was not feeling well. When the herd set off to explore the forest in the afternoon, he stayed near the stockades with his Keeper. Best friend Elerai did his best to sneak back to join Iletilal, but was intercepted.
The orphans emerged from their stockades soon after dawn and gathered in groups to set out to the forest. As they ambled out, the herd came across some impalas standing around peacefully in the early morning light. Latika was the first to spot them. Gathering speed, she charged towards them, little trunk flailing and legs paddling fast. As the antelopes moved away, the elephant trumpeted, attracting the attention of her friends. In a flash, Muwingu, Weka, Mageno and Kitich sprinted off to support her. The five orphans scampered through the bushes after the impalas who scattered, leaping elegantly away. Meanwhile, the little band of friends continued to bush-bash and trumpet until Muwingu and Kitich ran headlong into each other as they trundled through a thicket. The two little orphans had no idea that they were running towards each other! Kitich fell over as Muwingu looked on bemused. Latika, Mageno and Weka abandoned the chase to check on their friend and calm was restored! Unperturbed by the chaos, Ahmed and Rafiki stood together nearby, drinking deeply from a large mud puddle.
Mageno’s feisty mood continued. Later in the morning, the first group of younger orphans trotted in for their bottles of milk at the mud bath. Mageno gulped down his bottle, turned to Loldaiga who was drinking slowly and tried to grab his bottle. The Keepers intervened to push naughty Mageno away and tell him off for being greedy. Bottles empty, some drank from the water trough as other stood around browsing. Little Shujaa is a thirsty chap but has not yet learnt to suck water up his trunk and squirt it into his mouth. For now, he dips his mouth into the trough to drink, trunk waving in the air.
Today was the first day of training for the latest batches of undergraduates. Lodo, Olorien, Esoit, Kinyei, Bondeni and Kindani were given bottles of milk in the translocation trunk in preparation for their graduation into a new life in Ithumba. The first day of training can be tricky. Kinyei led the way, walking calmly into the truck and drinking the bottle held out by a Keeper – the other five were not so keen on the strange vehicle, hovering a few meters away. Lodo stretched out his trunk to investigate, trying to reach his bottle without actually entering the truck. Feet firmly planted on the ground, he leant towards the Keeper holding the milk. Kindani, Bondeni, Esoit and Olorien stood by watching him. As the Keeper did his best to tempt him in, Olorien shoved her friend from behind. He stumbled in, drank his bottle and the others followed!
During the afternoon out in the wet forest, Muwingu was making friends. Although she has not been especially caring towards the little ones in the past, today she chose to hang out with Kerrio, Muridjo, Mzinga and Nyambeni. The Keepers were happy to see the emergence of a protective caring side as she touched and tended to the babies.
As the end of the day approached, the herd meandered back to the stockades. Sometimes, they wander in a line but today they returned in a cluster.
Today was a lovely wet day – it poured with rain on and off for most of the morning. The blanket babies, Nyambeni, Mzinga, Muridjo and Shujaa, toddled out of their bedrooms to join the herd when it stopped and then were taken back to their rooms when it poured again. The sky cleared and they emerged – the rain returned and so did they! Newbies Taroha and Mokogodo stayed in their bedrooms for the morning. (They are not yet with the herd every day but often join them mid-morning on drier days.)
Maxwell was in an exuberant mood this morning. As the rain fell, he trundled around and around his enclosure and then he lay down on the muddy ground. He playfully rolled onto his side and even briefly lay on his back with his legs in the air. Quite a position for an enormous rhino!
Out in the field, the orphans were also having a fabulous time in the rain. Their whole world had turned into a mud bath! They splashed and rolled and rubbed their bodies in the mud. Kinyei, Kindani, and Olorien were happily lying down and sliding against each other as Esoit, Bondeni, and Tingai clambered on and off the three girls. Younger orphans Weka, Muwingu, Kerrio, Mageno and Kitich were scampering around, darting all over the place with pads and trunks flailing. They splashed through the big puddles like excited toddlers. Many of the orphans were rescued during the recent drought – today was a day to celebrate their new lives and the rainfall.
The six older orphans are continuing to have all their bottles of milk in the translocation truck as they prepare to graduate and move on to their new lives at one of our Reintegration Units. Lodo, Olorien, Esoit, Kinyei, Bondeni and Kindani are making progress and are less reluctant to enter the truck than they were two days ago. Today, a Keeper cleverly put a pile of sugar cane and pellets in the truck. Pellets are Bondeni’s favorite food – as soon as he saw the pile, he ran straight into the vehicle before the Keepers had a chance to even whistle! He was followed by Kindani and, moments later, by the other four orphans. They downed their bottles and returned to the forest to join the herd. Naughty Bondeni headed out with his friends but then snuck back to the truck to scoop up any remaining pellets! He darted in and out of the three stalls in the truck, expertly sucking up every last one.
Out in the bush, the herd was feasting on fresh green browse or playing in the muddy pools. Rafiki and Loldaiga wandered as they browsed as Tingai cavorted and splashed in the water. Esoit and Bondeni were playing another variation of the pushing game – the two bulls twisted and entwined their trunks as Esoit sat on the muddy green grass and Bondeni stood over him.
On a cool morning, the elephants gathered outside their stockades, greeting each other or standing quietly. Soon after a cloudy dawn, they plodded out to the forest in a straggly line, although Iletilal remained in his stockade due to his poor health. Many browsed and then played in a muddy green world littered with little pools. Mukutan sparred happily with Kitich and then the two boys splashed around in a rain pool.
Biddable Rafiki was in a feisty mood today. He is supposed to be in the second older group of orphans at the morning milk feed at the mud bath. Today, however, he insisted on joining the line of babies as they toddled down the path for their bottles. After gulping down his bottle, he went from one Keeper to the next, demanding more milk. When this was unsuccessful, he flapped his ears as wide as they would go, trumpeted loudly, and ran all over the place. A Keeper pointed at him to calm down and he obeyed immediately, choosing to roll around in the mud. Little Mzinga popped over to join him, clambering on top of the big boy. As she did so, he lay completely still as if he was asleep. Quiet, reserved Rafiki is also coming out of his shell!
In the evening, the Keepers led the babies back to the stockades for the night. Nyambeni and Mzinga were at the front of the long line of orphans and Kamili was right at the end.
The orphans headed out to their enormous muddy playground this morning without wasting any time at the stockades – there is too much fun to be had in the lush green paradise of pools. Taabu loves playing with everyone, no matter, their size, age or gender, whereas Tingai is learning to love playing! Both boys are members of the big boy gang led by Esoit and Bondeni. Today, Taabu strolled up behind Tingai and gave him a little push, challenging him to a game. Tingai turned around, accepted the challenge and the pushing began. The two bulls were having a great time until Taabu accidentally knocked Tingai hard with one of his little tusks. The game changed into a fight with indignant trumpeting and clashing of heads and tusks. Choka got involved, defending his close friend Taabu and at the same time diffusing the conflict. Peace was restored and everyone was friends half an hour later.
The testosterone-driven commotion did not bother the rest of the herd who carried on as normal, browsing and drinking and swimming. Nearby, the little girl gang of Kerrio, Muridjo, Mzinga and Nyambeni stood bunched together in a cosy line, drinking from a rainwater pool in the forest. The little ones have learnt how to suck up water and squirt it into their mouths, but they still drank slowly and deliberately, doing their best not to spill a drop. Between mouthfuls they occasionally touched a friend or two with their trunks and then returned to the serious business of drinking.
Just before dawn, some Keepers stood next to the stockades, giving the orphans their bottles of milk, as others fed the blanket babies inside their special smaller stockades with raised sleeping platforms for the men. As the sky lightened, the herd set out for another day of playing and browsing in the fresh forest. A series of sparring matches ensued – first it was Taabu, Choka and Bondeni, then just Taabu and Choka, then Lodo and Bondeni, and finally Mageno and Kitich.
A sweet silent girl when she first arrived, Weka is changing into a naughty noisy girl! At the mud bath this afternoon, one bottle was just not enough. She gulped down her milk, demanded more and, when this was not forthcoming, had an elephant tantrum, stamping her feet and trumpeting. A Keeper whisked her away so she could calm down.
On her return, she settled down for a playful dust bath with Mzinga, Nyambeni and Muridjo. They rolled around up against each other and on top of each other in the moist red soil. Tiring of the game, Weka stood up and ran towards the visitors. Whistling and pointing his finger sternly, a Keeper intercepted her and sent her over to stand with the older girls. Aware that she was in trouble, Weka then sprinted off into the bush, tail and trunk aloft, with her best friend, Muwingu, in hot pursuit and Mzinga, Nyambeni, Mageno, and Muridjo not far behind! A mischievous baby leading her friends astray! As they ran, Muridjo veered away from the mini herd to chase away some bystander warthogs, trumpeting and flapping her ears to make herself as scary as possible.
On a wet cold morning, the older orphans gathered outside the stockades to head out to the forest but the blanket babies remained in their stables. The herd set off - but Kerrio stayed. Big sister Kerrio has developed a bond with Mzinga, Nyambeni, Muridjo and Shujaa, especially since Naleku graduated, and is also becoming close to newbies Taroha and Mokogodo. She was not heading out without them. She walked purposefully down to their stables and waited outside for them. As the doors were closed, she pushed at them with her head. One Keeper whistled at her to join the herd, but she refused to move. Another Keeper offered her a bottle of milk, but she was not tempted. She was not moving without her babies!
Eventually, the Keepers decided to shepherd the whole herd back to the stockades, hoping that they might cajole her away from the babies. The plan worked! Soon she was surrounded by Olorien, Kitich, Mageno, Taabu, Weka and Latika – her friends scooped her up and took her out into the forest. By this time, the morning had warmed up and it was not long before the little ones were allowed to toddle out for a wander and a paddle in the forest. When they saw the six babies approaching, Kerrio, Kitiak, Elerai, Sileita and Ahmed sprinted back to welcome them, rumbling and trunk touching the babies as if they had not seen them for days rather than a couple of hours.
Later in the afternoon, the orphans lay around in the forest, rubbing their bodies against the glorious mud. Big boy Choka was enjoying a mud rub when little Mzinga plodded up and lay down beside him. They lay next to each other for a while contentedly.
It was a sad evening for the Keepers and the herd. Having not been well for over a week, Iletilal slipped away peacefully in the early part of the night. A check up and blood tests organised by a vet had not shown up any particular problem, but the gentle three-year-old bull rescued last October had become weaker and weaker, failing to respond to medicine and drips.
On another wet cold morning, the blanket babies were again confined to barracks. Nyambeni, Mzinga, Muridjo, Shujaa, Taroha and Mokogodo remained in their rooms until the day became warmer. Out in the forest, the herd accepted their absence without complaint, knowing that they were tucked up in their stables. Except for Olorien! She was uneasy – running around randomly, trumpeting at intervals, and even pulling some of her friends. The Keepers could see that she was missing the babies.
After hours in her room, Muridjo (the third youngest girl in the Nursery) was in a mischievous mood. As she ran down the path to the mud bath for her mid-morning bottle, she overtook Nyambeni – who makes a point of being in the lead – and was the first little one to arrive. She downed her bottle, had a cursory wander and then waddled over the mud bath where Shujaa was enjoying a paddle. She pulled him out so she could have it all to herself. In she popped and started rolling around and squirting the mud all over her.
The fun continued until Muridjo spotted two warthogs trotting towards her. She climbed out of the mud as quickly as is possible for a large butter bean and charged towards the warthogs. They calmly trotted away from this unthreatening little elephant, and she gave up the chase. Finally, Muridjo turned her attention back to the wheelbarrow, walking over in the hope of cajoling a second bottle of milk out of the Keepers.
On a drier morning, the Keepers gave the orphans their early morning milk in the dark and then opened the doors of their rooms as the sky began to lighten. Most wandered out peacefully although Ahmed was in a strange mood this morning. Something had upset her and she ran around the stockade area trumpeting in alarm. A Keeper calmed her down and the herd, including the blanket babies, set out for another day in the forest.
Later in the morning, a Keeper brought the undergraduates back to the training truck for their bottles of milk. Kinyei, Kindani, Lodo, Bondeni, Esoit and Olorien dutifully trundled back to the truck and Ahmed followed along behind them. Still in a confused mood, she sprinted into the truck and demanded some milk and then ran out again and pushed the others because she wanted a bottle. Gently, a Keeper spoke quietly to her and calmed her down and took her back to the herd. She followed him obediently. Something had upset her but whatever it was, she was regaining her composure.
Back out in the bush, many of the herd were playing in and around the muddy puddles. Kinyei was having a relaxing roll in the thick mud and Choka was climbing on top of her and sliding off. Nearby, Kamili was engrossed in spraying herself with mud all over!
The sun rose in a clear sky this morning as the elephants emerged from their bedrooms and set out for the forest. They browsed for a short time before trundling down to the mud bath for some milk and lucerne grass. Normally Kerrio and Kamili are good friends but today Kerrio was behaving like a spoilt girl and Kamili was down in the dumps. Kerrio wanted an extra bottle and tried to grab sweet Kamili’s milk. The gentle girl let her bottle fall to the ground and walked away with her head and tail down. As always, a Keeper stepped in, chasing away the naughty one and returning the bottle to its rightful owner. A sensitive soul, Kamili was unsettled by the fracas and browsed on her own when the herd wandered back to the forest.
Meanwhile, many of the orphans had a wonderful time paddling and swimming in the pools of rainwater. The older ones plunged in and were soon joined by the babies who felt safe as they knew their friends would look after them. Kitich splashed around and then submerged his body in the soothing water.
Later in the afternoon, Nyambeni was full of energy, leading the herd down to the mud bath for their milk feed. Today, no one tried to overtake her and she was able to sprint down the path unchallenged!
Today was another playful day in the forest. Loldaiga, who is still skittish, was playing the pushing game with Esoit and Mukutan. He ended up on his knees in the mud with the big boys standing behind him. They patiently waited for him to clamber up before the game continued. Meanwhile, Mzinga and Muridjo were playing a roly-poly game which involved lots of lying down on the wet ground and trunk hugging. Sensible Muwingu and Kindani stood browsing together near a pool in the beautifully green forest. Weka was paddling on her own, standing in a pool with water almost up to her tummy as she sucked up water and squirted it into her mouth.
Milk feeding time can involve lots of squabbling over bottles – most orphans would love an extra one and make their feelings clear! Out in the bush, Mageno and Kerrio sometimes play the pushing game with each other - milk time can be even more competitive. Mageno did his best to win a bottle from Nyambeni or Shujaa, thinking they might be easy targets. Nearby, Kerrio was darting between Weka, Kitich and Muwingu, hoping for just one more bottle. She prefers to confront her age mates as she is protective of the babies. The Keepers kept a close eye on the tussling before shepherding the orphans out for a final wander in the bush before bed.
The orphans greeted each other as they emerged from their stockades and headed out to the forest without wasting time. They were in a jolly mood again and soon many were playing and rolling around in the mud. Bondeni wrestled with Esoit as Taabu and Kitiak enjoyed pushing against and clambering on top of each other. New babies Taroha and Mokogodo arrived with a Keeper an hour or so later to spend time with the herd.
Ere long, the younger group of orphans trundled down the path to the mud bath for their mid-morning bottles as the older ones waited patiently for their turn. Rafiki was a restless mood today – choosing to go for a wander into the forest rather than wait for his bottle. The independent chap went walkabout for a couple of hours before strolling back in to join the herd. They were pleased to see him, welcoming him back with rumbles and trunk touches.
After a shower at midday, the orphans browsed in a wet and dripping forest in the early afternoon. The herd stayed companionably close, ambling around in small friendship groups. Elerai and Choka were browsing together with Kamili close by. Kerrio was looking after the blanket babies, laying her trunk along their backs in turn in an affectionate gesture.
This afternoon, it was Tingai’s turn to demand more milk! He sprinted down the slope, overtaking his friends and came to an abrupt halt in front of a Keeper holding a bottle high in the air. Gulping down his milk, he confronted his friend Choka, asking him to hand over his bottle. Choka was not a wise choice as this young bull was not giving up his milk without a fight! The two bulls clashed heads for a brief moment before being separated by the Keepers. Not being allowed an extra bottle is a tough lesson to learn.
It is nearly two weeks since the six older orphans started their training in preparation for moving onto the next stage of their journey back to wild lives. They are getting used to the vehicle and, most of the time, plod up the ramp for their milk and pellets. Predictably, Bondeni is the least obedient! This morning, as the other five walked straight into the truck, he did an about turn and dashed to his stockade, shooting in to eat greens and pellets in the wrong place. A Keeper clicked his fingers, ordering him back to his friends, whereupon the big boy headed back to the herd, trumpeting as he ran along with his ears flapping.
His mischievous behavior continued in the afternoon at the mud bath. He chased around after the warthogs before doing his best to lead his friends back out into the bush as they browsed around the wallow. They ignored his rowdy running around and a Keeper stood guard, preventing more naughty antics from one of the oldest and most headstrong of the herd. Meanwhile, water baby Kerrio lay submerged in the mud bath with only her head and trunk sticking out and Nyambeni lying on top of her.
Back in the forest later in the afternoon, Esoit played with his friend Kinyei. She lay on the ground as the young bull stood over her, touching her playfully with his trunk. Nearby, Mzinga was watching Sileita as the older girl carefully sucked up water from a hole in a tree trunk. Mzinga was fascinated but was not tall enough to copy her friend. She had to be content with popping her little trunk into Sileita’s mouth to share her spoils.
On a crisp clear morning, the orphan herd meandered out to the forest led by Olorien, Kindani and Kinyei. They settled down to enjoy the fresh green browse in small groups or by themselves.
Arriving at the mud bath for the mid-morning milk feed, Weka trumpeted as loudly as she could, just in case anyone had not noticed the presence of the naughtiest girl in the Nursery! She polished off her bottle in seconds and then made a beeline for Mageno who was not drinking quite so quickly. She tried to grab his bottle but the strong young bull was not tolerating this behavior! When he turned around and gave her a shove, she responded indignantly, and a Keeper had to separate the noisy toddlers.
In the afternoon, Weka was still full of beans! She trundled around the mud bath happily with her ears flapping and tail aloft. Full of energy, she played with some and climbed on top of others and demanded milk from others. It is wonderful to see her transformation from a shy little girl in very poor condition (when she was rescued just six months ago) to a confident feisty princess!
The orphans had a relaxing time in the forest later in the afternoon. After filling her belly, Muridjo squatted contentedly on her haunches in the mud. Nearby, Nyambeni found a patch of dry soil and was trying hard to dust herself, with some degree of success. Slowly and deliberately, she sucked the soil into her trunk and then hosed a little bit onto her head.
The orphans had a wonderful time in the lush green forest this morning, drinking milk and browsing and playing. They gathered obediently in groups for their morning bottles in the bush. No one was being greedy today! As is her habit, sweet Sileita balanced on her knees to drink her bottle. She insists on drinking in this way even though she is quite strong enough to swallow standing up. Best buddies Kitich and Mageno wandered around together, eating contentedly at a short distance from the herd. Older elephants Kerrio, Esoit and Kinyei were playing with Nyambeni and Mzinga. The little ones were having a great time clambering all over their big friends, waving their trunks in delight.
The herd returned to the mud bath for their mid-morning milk feed but not for a swim. They stood around for a short time before heading back to the muddy playground of a forest. In the afternoon, Esoit and Rafiki were playing together. The Keepers were pleased to see them playing together as Rafiki tends to be a solitary soul. Esoit is a friendly chap who enjoys being with the Keepers whereas Rafiki is still reserved and nervous around his carers. The two bulls lay down in the mud together, rolling over and rubbing against each other. Then they stood up and played a noisy round of the pushing game, clashing heads and trumpeting in excitement. Elerai watched their antics from a distance. Nearby, Mageno and Kerrio were playing a twisting and wrestling game – Mageno lay on the ground as cheeky Kerrio twisted her trunk around his head. Big boys Mukutan and Taabu were swimming in a rainwater pool. They submerged their bodies and then clambered on top of each other, flapping their ears and waving trunks.
Sholumai was rescued a few weeks ago in Laikipia but has been confined to his stockade. The two-year-old male orphan has been recovering from his ordeal, getting used to the Keepers, and learning the ropes of the Nursery. He has calmed down and is no longer afraid of his carers – he has also learnt to drink milk from a bottle. Younger rescues are introduced to the herd in an informal way, meeting them often when they go for little excursions to the field; older rescues must, however, meet the herd in a formal controlled situation in order to be accepted, especially if they are male.
Today was the day. The orphans gathered outside the stockades as usual in the morning, greeting each other and standing around as the sky lightened on a cold gray morning. Two Keepers opened the door of Sholumai’s stockade and, eventually, he walked out hesitantly. The orphans surrounded him, touching and rumbling their welcomes. Mini matriarchs Kinyei and Olorien were especially kind, trunk touching the calf and shepherding him out to the forest. Young bulls Taabu and Choka were not so friendly. While not overly aggressive, they gave him the occasional shove and also tried to climb on top of the newcomer. Luckily, Kinyei and Olorien protected Sholumai right up until the evening.
Out in the green forest in the afternoon, Taabu and Tingai played the pushing game together, locking heads amid twirling trunks and flapping ears. Kindani was playing on her own in the mud, squatting on her backside and rolling around and lying on her belly with her legs splayed. Nearby, Latika was also playing on her own in a pool of water. She too was sitting on her bottom like an enormous butter bean. She waved her trunk upwards before bending forward to submerge her whole face in the muddy water. Latika was snorkelling!
This morning, as soon as Bondeni and Lodo had finished their bottles of milk in the training truck, they trundled down the ramp and along the path to Maxwell’s enclosure. The two young bulls stood outside his gate and carefully stretched their trunks through the holes to scoop up some stray range pellets. Maxwell was thrilled that they were there, despite their motive. Sensing their presence, he stopped rolling around in the mud and cantered over to the gate to greet them. The three friends stood companionably for a short time before the orphans headed on out to join the herd in the forest.
Out in the bush, it was muddy play day once again! Muwingu, Kinyei and Muridjo lay in the squelchy mud, rubbing up against each other as they swung their stout legs in the air. Little Shujaa did not dare lie next to them, but he happily climbed on top of Kinyei, forelegs draped over her belly and trunk twirling like a helicopter blade. This gentle boy loves spending time with bigger girls and boys. Arriving in the forest, Lodo immediately ambled into a muddy pool. He lay down on his belly with his legs squashed underneath. Elerai was showing off in a nearby puddle, twirling and twisting his trunk in the air.
On a cloudy cold morning, the orphans emerged from their stockades and headed out to browse in the forest led by the Keepers. Big boys Esoit and Bondeni sparred with each other as the others wandered around in small groups. Recent rescue Mushuru is settling in well and growing stronger every day.
Back at the stockades, Rafiki, Kitiak and Ahmed were starting their training in the translocation truck today, in preparation for their graduation later in the year. They were wary of the truck, even though the Keepers were standing inside holding bottles of milk. Kitiak stood at a distance from the vehicle as Rafiki sprinted back to join the herd in the forest and Ahmed ran trumpeting in the opposite direction towards the mud bath. The Keepers calmed the three orphans, giving them their bottles and shepherding them back to the herd.
The orphans returned to the mud bath for their mid-morning bottles of milk and supplementary lucerne. No one was tempted to swim as the forest is full of pools of rainwater. Later in the afternoon, Weka and Mzinga had a dip together in one of the pools. The two orphans rolled around, trunk touching and rubbing against each other playfully. Soon, the Keepers gathered them together so they could trundle back to the stockades in groups of three or four for another bottle of milk before bedtime. The babies sprinted in with their little legs paddling hard followed by the older orphans at a more sedate pace.
Following another downpour of rain in the night, the orphans were lethargic this morning, pottering out of their stockades without any sense of urgency. The blanket babies stayed in their stables due to the cold. The herd headed out on a misty morning to browse in the waterlogged forest. Newbie Loldaiga was full of energy – the shy young bull spent very little time browsing and a lot more darting around in circles.
The three undergraduates – Lodo, Olorien and Esoit – returned mid-morning to the stockades to drink their milk in the training truck. Lodo was behaving strangely today – in the past two weeks, he has been the first in the truck but today he was reluctant to walk up the ramp. The Keepers tempted him with sugar cane and pellets. Eventually, he plodded up the ramp to join Olorien and Esoit before the three orphans returned to the bush to join the herd.
Out in the forest, it was playtime as usual. Finding browse is easier amid all the greenery and thus there is more time to play. Mukutan wallowed contentedly in a rainwater pool overhung with heavy wet branches as Mageno, Choka and Tingai clambered all over each other in a nearby puddle. Ears outstretched, little Mzinga rubbed her head and trunk on the sodden ground as her friend Nyambeni looked on.
Clever caring Olorien, plucky friendly Esoit and gentle laidback Lodo left the Nursery soon after midnight to embark upon the next stage of their lives. They set off in the translocation truck to travel to the Ithumba Reintegration Unit where they will be reunited with old friends who include Naleku, Suguroi, Sagateisa and Roho. Despite being skittish yesterday, Lodo walked calmly into the truck. Esoit and Olorien were less keen – they hovered on the ramp with ears flared, somehow sensing that this was not another practice. The Keepers coaxed them in, and the threesome set off for Tsavo.
Their absence was felt by the herd. The blanket babies really missed Olorien, their friend and nanny and protector. They became especially close to her after Naleku and Suguroi left in December. The four little ones were not themselves. Nyambeni darted all over the place out in the forest, trumpeting loudly in evident distress. Mzinga insisted on sprinting back to the stockades from the forest, looking for Olorien. Muridjo and Shujaa were downcast and dull. The babies pushed others away today, even their beloved Kerrio.
The older orphans were less affected. Good friends Taabu and Tingai played yet another round of the pushing game, clashing little tusks and heads as they pitted their emerging strength against each other. Lovely Latika pottered around happily smelling the forest flowers. Elerai was also relaxed as he wandered through the lush green browse.
As orphans leave the Nursery to become the youngest members of herds in the Reintegration Units, there is a fascinating changing of the guard. Dominant bull Esoit may have only left yesterday, but today Mukutan was asserting himself. He was in a mischievous mood, challenging Bondeni for his role as the naughtiest boy in the Nursery despite being younger than Rafiki.
The orphans plodded down the path to the mud bath as usual for their mid-morning bottles of milk and supplementary greens. Some were enjoying a dust bath as others rolled in the mud or played the pushing and pulling game. While playing with Taabu, feisty Mukutan knocked his friend on the leg with his tusk and Taabu trumpeted in annoyance. Immediately, Kinyei ran over. She gave Mukutan a shove, sending him over to the other side of the mud bath, and helped Taabu to his feet. The mini matriarch was in no mood for rowdy bulls!
Later in the afternoon, the orphans wandered around in the forest or played in the many pools before returning to the stockades in a straggly line. The Keepers held up their bottles of milk before shepherding them into their rooms for the night. The little ones lay down to sleep on piles of hay almost immediately as the older orphans savored a last meal of greens in their stables.
On another cool wet morning, the elephants emerged from their stockades and headed out to browse in the forest. The newbies and blanket babies stayed behind in their rooms. Out in the bush, the orphans stood close together to keep warm with the older ones surrounding the younger ones. They stood still with many almost dozing. When the rain stopped, the herd woke up, spread out and started browsing. The little ones soon paddled out to join them. Newbie Mokogodo toddled around after Mzinga and Nyambeni. The youngest baby in the Nursery is becoming good friends with the two girls. Mzinga and Nyambeni both like her and Mzinga is also protective of little Mokogodo.
The sun came out in the afternoon as the orphans returned to the forest after their milk feed at the mud bath. Mageno’s best friend is Kitich but today he was hanging out with Sileita – they played a round of the pushing game, clambered all over each other and ended up sitting in the mud contentedly. Water baby Kerrio also loves mud! Nearby she was lying on her belly in a muddy puddle with her legs splayed out to the sides. Nyambeni and Mzinga were standing next to her, feeling happy and relaxed with their big sister. As they watched her wallowing, they kept laying their tiny trunks along her back.
As the herd wandered around browsing in the late afternoon, three of the friendliest orphans stuck close to the Keepers. In contrast to their independent friends, Kerrio, Mzinga and Shujaa prefer to stay close to their carers. They are often found standing next to them with trunks raised in an affectionate gesture.
On a brighter morning, the Keepers gave the orphans their early morning bottles of milk and opened the doors of their stables. The older orphans plodded out first and headed off to the forest. The babies – Muridjo, Nyambeni, Mzinga, Shujaa, Taroha and Mokogodo – were allowed out next. They pottered around, drinking from the water troughs or sticking their small trunks through the doors of the older orphans’ stockades or having a gentle play. They had the whole area to themselves for a very short time before being shepherded out to join the herd.
Out in the bush, the orphans enjoyed the abundant green browse before returning in groups to the mud bath for their mid-morning milk feed. The group of younger babies trundled down the path first, followed by the second older group. Most downed their bottles and then wandered over to stand around the mud bath. Today, mischievous Mageno demanded an extra bottle, trying first to take a bottle from a friend and then approaching a Keeper with trunk raised and mouth open. In contrast to many of the herd, Bondeni never asks for extra milk – he is too busy playing pushing and chasing games. Soon, several older orphans were rolling around together in the muddy area around the wallow. They lay on their sides and their backs with legs and trunks waving in the air as the little ones watched from the side-lines. No one was keen on swimming today.
Back in the forest in the afternoon, it was playtime again! Best buddies Mageno and Kitich played the pushing game, clashing heads as they entwined their trunks. Nearby, Choka and Kerrio were enjoying some very messy play, rubbing faces as they sat on their backsides in the thick mud. Amid the action, sweet Mokogodo quietly toddled away, heading for her stable in the Nursery. She had not gone far when she was spotted by a Keeper who scooped her up and brought her back to the herd. Mzinga rumbled a welcome to tiny Mokogodo and they stood quietly together.
This morning, the motley crew of orphans headed out almost as soon as their doors were opened. Kindani and Kinyei were at the front followed by the babies - older orphans Ahmed, Loldaiga and Kitiak brought up the rear.
They wandered quietly in the forest in small groups or by themselves. Mukutan, Tingai and Rafiki chose to browse on their own today. The little ones rarely head off alone, preferring to stay close either to a Keeper or to one of the three nannies - Kinyei, Kindani and Kerrio. Muridjo is flourishing at the Nursery, full of energy and playfulness, but continues to be wary of the Keepers, in contrast to the other babies. With the big girls close by, Muridjo was hanging out with Shujaa today. The two babies walked about together for ages and then started playing. She climbed on top of him and then they played the pushing game and then they had a little dance together. The Keepers enjoyed watching this gentle pair.
The herd ambled back to the mud bath for their milk feed before returning to the wonderfully wet and green forest. Muridjo, Nyambeni and Mzinga had a swim in their own private pool in the afternoon. First they paddled around in the water and they then lay down on their tummies. Mzinga was the first to get out, leaving Muridjo sitting on her bottom and Nyambeni almost floating in the water.
As evening approached, the herd gathered in groups to return home for the night. The babies are always sent in first – every evening they paddle round the corner as fast as their legs can go, down past Maxwell’s enclosure to Keepers waiting with bottles of milk in their cosy stockades. Nyambeni led the charge home this evening. The older ones may not pelt along quite as fast, but they still run in, spurred on by the rewards of milk and delicious greens in their rooms.