Keepers' Diaries, August 2006
Voi Reintegration Unit
The main event this month has been the tragedy of ex orphan “Mpenzi” losing her firstborn female calf to a pride of lions, just below the Voi Safari Lodge on the evening of 23rd, an event witnessed by the Lodge Staff, who raised the alarm that alerted the Keepers to prepare for a rescue, since the young mother, who was alone, could not possibly save her calf from being snatched by the 12 determined lions. Every time she chased one lion off, the others moved in, but sadly, the message came too late, for by the time the Keepers arrived at the scene, the baby had already been killed. They were devastated to find that the young mother was, in fact, none other than our ex orphan “Mpenzi”, who was born in 1992 and found as an orphan near the Park Headquarters when just under 2 years of age. She was handed over to the then famous Matriarch named “Eleanor”, and grew up to become the Nannie to orphan Lissa’s two wild born babies. Mpenzi is now 14 years of age, and by the time the Keepers arrived, was desperately trying to prevent the lions from taking away her already dead baby, her temporal glands streaming indicative of deep fear and distress, as the lions surrounded her and made repeated attempts to seize the baby amidst terrifying roars and growls. Immediately, she knew that the Keepers were friends who had come to try and help, but despite the fact that they did their utmost to deter the lions using two vehicles, the lions could not be diverted, and ended up devouring the calf. As darkness closed in, even Mpenzi knew that she had to flee for her life, fortunately unscathed herself. However, this terrible tragedy will undoubtedly leave indelible psychological scars, for elephant mothers, and especially those that are orphans without a natural family, adore their babies. In fact, this is probably the very reason that Mpenzi was alone with her firstborn, for she did not wish to share her baby with any other elephant, knowing full well that elephants are prone to abduction when deprived of their natural family. Normally, Mpenzi travels with Lissa and her family, and sometimes is even with Emily and her group, but she was not sufficiently experienced to understand the threat of being alone with a tiny calf, especially around the Voi Safari Lodge where the lions now moved in sizeable prides and often ambush animals that come to drink at the Lodge waterhole. We grieve for poor Mpenzi, and empathize with her loss, but we are, nevertheless, very thankful that she escaped without injury herself. Next time, and there will be a next time, she will not make the same mistake again.
01 August 2006
Having taken a drink, and spent a short while playing around the Stockade, the orphans headed out into the main Park to feed, picking a branch here and a twig there. The drought around Voi continues, and the orphans are having a challenging time finding sufficient food on a daily basis. However, all remain in good health, aided by the supplements supplied from Nairobi, which they receive mixed in amongst their daily Copra ration every evening. At the mudbath, they had a lot of fun, Salama making a calculated decision to push Mweya out of the mud and mount onto her back. Mweya got her revenge by standing calmly until Salama tired of taking his weight on his back legs. Having dropped off, Edie took advantage by scratching her neck on Salama’s back. Meanwhile Laikipia tried to enlarge the waterhole by pushing with all his strength on the banks, but was unsuccessful in this mission. Having spent the afternoon feeding at the foot of Mazinga Hill, Laikipia, as usual, led the retreat back home in the evening.
02 August 2006
Icholta and Natumi led the group to feed today following their usual morning fun and games at the Stockade. Mukwaju, the mountaineer, encouraged them all to climb up Mazinga Hill and even Mweiga managed to keep pace and be with them near the top. However, she started the descent early, knowing that she could be late for the milk and mudbath if she delayed. A group of impala were drinking at the waterhole, but left as soon as the orphans arrived. After the mudbath the orphans enjoyed a brief playing session during which Mweya scratched her underfoot on a twig, Mukwaju chose a huge tree trunk and Salama tried seized the chance of trying to mount onto Mweya. Thoma and Icholta had a soil dusting session and later all fed below the mudwallow for the rest of the day.
03 August 2006
It was a beautiful sunrise today as the orphans went in single file out into the main Park to feed, Solango leading. They fed towards the Eastern side of the hill, using their trunk, tusks and forefeet to dig up roots and break down branches. They had great fun at the mudbath. In the evening Burra and Laikipia were in competition to lead the group back to the Stockades, a tussle won by Laikipia who is always very greedy for the copra.
04 August 2006
The orphans fed at Mazinga hill for most of the day before proceeding to the western side. At mudbath Burra, Seraa and Mpala teamed up to enjoy a rolling game, charging and trumpeting in ecstasy which attracted Mweya who attempted to sit on Seraa’s stomach. Mukwaju sat on the bank, scratching and trumpeting, as though he was King of the land, surrounded by the others who were clearly enjoying his display! Icholta and Natumi gave Nyiro a helping hand when he had difficulty climbing up the slippery banks whilst Laikipia and Salama sat in the water interlocking their trunks and enjoying a pushing match. Thoma tried to intervene, but was rebuffed. Morani stood close to Loisaba, closely monitored by Ndara, who is very possessive of Loisaba. In the evening at 5 p.m. Emily’s group came to the Stockades, and were warmly greeted by all the other orphans. They left at 7 p.m. heading for the Eastern side of Mazinga Hill.
05 August 2006
After the usual playful fun and games at the Stockade, Edie led the orphans out today heading for the Northern side of the hill. Because it was cloudy and cool, there was not much activity at the waterhole, apart from splashing water over their bodies using their trunks. Natumi brought the group back to the waterhole before heading home in the evening.
06 August 2006
Early this morning, when the orphans emerged, it was still a little dark. Icholta and Natumi were in competition with one another as to who should lead the group, Natumi blocking Icholta’s passage with her buttocks. Icholta conceded the leadership to Natumi, and fell back to oversee the progress of Mweiga, who was at the back of the column. However, Natumi was soon overtaken by Laikipia and Lolokwe who raced ahead of her, so Solango came to comfort her, and remained close to her as she fed at the base of Mazinga Hill.
07 August 2006
This morning, the greeting between the orphans when they emerged from the Stockades was highly charged, with urinating and trunk reaching to touch one another. They then all raced off down the hill exuberantly heading out to the feeding area. At mudbath, a herd of impalas was at the water bins, who moved away slowly to allow the orphans access. Ndara, Natumi and Salama had a wonderful session soil dusting, tossing huge clouds of dust into the air. In the evening Irima enjoyed a ride on Burra’s back for a short distance before being dislodged after which Morani engaged Burra in a test of strength that lasted until they reached the Spring Gates near the Stockades.
08 August 2006
Today the orphans enjoyed a game of hide and seek around the stockades, and were having so much fun that they were reluctant to break off in order to move off to the feeding area. In the end the Keepers had to initiate the exodus. They fed peacefully and well, with no wild encounters, since most of the other animals have all moved to the Voi River, leaving only the zebra and impala who share the orphans’ water rations.
09 August 2006
It was a long walk today for both the Keepers and the Elephants, for the mudwallow had been shifted some 5 kms in a northerly direction from Mazinga hill. The orphans were unsure of the intended destination, so at first the Keepers led the way, but Laikipia very soon “twigged” and moved forward, swiftly followed by Mvita, Nyiro, Thoma and Loisaba. However, Natumi halted the rest of the group at a greener patch, where they relaxed and fed for a while, allowing Mweiga to keep pace as they moved slowly along. It was another long walk back, so the orphans were ready to fall asleep by 9 p.m., which, for them, is somewhat early!
10 August 2006
Today, the orphans knew exactly where they were supposed to go, and headed off as the Keepers prepared themselves for the long walk to the Northern feeding area. By mudbath hour, they all had full bellies, so they enjoyed the wallow. Even Mweiga plunged into the mudwallow. Morani enjoyed taking his mudbath close to Loisaba, keenly monitored by Loisaba’s favourite, Ndara. He continually tossed his trunk at Loisaba in order to get her approval and attention. After the mudbath, the orphans began the journey home, feeding along the way.
11 August 2006
A light drizzle in the morning left the orphans all in a very exuberant mood, as though they were aware of the significance of every drop of rain. They enjoyed feeding on the softened vegetation and took a bath at 3 p.m. and were again very playful in the evening. Mweya chose Burra, while Solango took Seraa and Irima sat on his buttocks trumpeting and tossing his trunk skywards, with Ndara enjoying his antics.
12 August 2006
The orphans fed well in the Northern feeding area of the main Park. Because it was a hot day, they had a wonderful mudbath. Sosian, who had been keeping Mweiga company way behind the others, could not resist running forward to join in the fun, as did Mweiga when she eventually caught up with the others. Burra made a spirited attempt to lead the column back in the evening, but was thwarted by Laikipia.
13 August 2006
It was a cool day, so the orphans were not keen to wallow. Nyiro quietly crept up behind Mvita who was standing at the edge and prodded her with his sharp tusks to force her in, but she rapidly moved out again. In the end Ndara was first to take the plunge, closely followed by Thoma and Mpala until Edie displaced them by jumping into the middle. These games attracted Mweiga, who went right into the middle of the wallow, but was not brave enough to lie down. Later Burra and Salama enjoyed a scratching session on opposite sides of an anthill, watched with great interest by Mweiga. Burra then climbed to the top of the anthill, trumpeting and tossing his trunk skywards before coming down when he tried to entice Mweiga up, but she was having none of it!
14 August 2006
It was a beautiful morning when the orphans began the journey out to the Northern feeding area. Natumi and Icholta confronted each other in a contest for leadership, which could have developed into a tough fight had the Keepers not intervened. Meanwhile Laikipia and Edie led the orphans to the mudbath where Burra and Ndara plunged into the water first followed by Thoma. Ndara wallowed with such enthusiasm that she had difficulty getting up on the slippery slope, so Loisaba and Irima came to her rescue, standing on either side of her to give her a helping trunk lift! After spending a long time at the mudbath, the orphans then continued feeding for the rest of the afternoon until it was time to head back home.
15 August 2006
It was a hot morning, so Laikipia led the orphans early to the northern mudbath at l0 a.m. when again Mweiga had a good time standing right in the middle of the puddle. Lolokwe obliged Morani by lying in the water so that Morani could climb over him while Nyiro took up a position on the bank, but was displaced by Lolokwe.
16 August 2006
The wild inhabitants of the Park, mainly zebra and impala, have become aware of the orphans’ mudbath and drinking bins having been moved to the new location, and are beginning to turn up to take advantage of the provision of water in a dry land. The orphans’ previous mudwallow is still being used by some impala but will soon be dry, forcing them to relocate.
17 August 2006
The orphans enjoyed feeding in the Northern feeding area. At the mudbath, Burra Solango and Lolokwe lay down under water, with just their trunks showing like snorkels. Loisaba had a good scratch against a tree, and when she had finished, Mvita did the same.
18 August 2006
In the evening a report came in from Angela Sheldrick that our Chyulu Desnaring Team had rescued an elephant calf from a community mudhole, so preparations were made to receive this calf and hold it for the night until the plane from Nairobi could come and take it to the Nursery in the morning. It was a female calf of about 5 months old, and very strong. It took rehydration salts and milk and had its prophylactic antibiotic injection. At first the calf was very wild, and wanted to chase the Keepers, but she soon realised that the Keepers were friends, and settled down. After her second bottle of milk three hours later, she was very calm and even suckling the Keepers’ fingers. She slept well during the night.
19 August 2006
The new calf, named “Chyulu” was flown to the Nairobi Nursery today. meanwhile the orphans, who were feeding at the base of Mazinga Hill were very scared when at the base of Mazinga Hill, some rocks came tumbling down having been dislodged by 3 big wild cows, and a teenager with a small calf, who were halfway up the hill. The Keepers had difficulty calming the orphans who could not understand why the rocks had come rolling down towards them! Mweiga was especially terrified, and kept on screaming, but after about l0 minutes, the group settled down and proceeded towards the northern feeding area.
20 August 2006
Rukinga (the baby kudu) is doing fine, now eating a few grasses to supplement his milk ration. He enjoys staying close to Serena (the zebra foal), especially when she takes a nap.
21 August 2006
The orphans left the Stockades in a happy mood, swinging their trunks from side to side. Moving to the mudbath, Icholta and Natumi had difficulty in deciding who should lead, walking parallel to one another with distance between them to avoid confrontation. Burra marched between the two, and rushed to be first at the milk venue. None of the elephants went into the mud today because it was windy and cool, but Burra, who is always eager to go in, tested the temperature of the water with his foot and decided against it.
22 August 2006
En route to the northern feeding grounds, Nyiro and Natumi halted, put their heads together, touching one another as though having a consultation about some matter. They were interrupted by Salama, who came barging through them. Having taken water at the mudbath, Mweiga led the way to the mudwallow, swinging her trunk happily left and right and also between her legs. She enjoyed the bath with the others. Later they fed on the eastern side of the hill until it was time for Laikipia to lead them back in the evening.
23 August 2006
Burra and Solango, who led the way to the mudbath, came running back because they encountered a lone buffalo, which ran off when it saw the Keepers. Today was a very sad and fateful day for all the Keepers when around 5.55 p.m. we received a message from a KWS Officer to go and try and rescue a baby elephant which was being snatched from its mother by a pride of lions. A rapid response team was assembled and within l0 minutes we were at the spot, below the Voi Safari Lodge, about 300 metres from the Lodge waterhole. We were astounded to see that the mother of the calf was, in fact, none other than our ex orphan, Mpenzi, who had given birth the previous day at around 11 a.m. and came with her newborn calf to drink at the Lodge waterhole. On the way she was ambushed by 12 lions who immediately surrounded her and although Mpenzi did her utmost to save her baby by chasing off the lions, it was to no avail. When she attached one, the others jumped onto the newborn calf and very quickly killed it. By the time we reached Mpenzi, it was already far too late to help her, for the calf was already dead but Mpenzi was still desperately trying to keep them off the body, bravely confronting them, although she herself must have been terrified since the lions were making a huge noise. She knew we had come to help, and we did our best to try to do so, but as darkness closed in, both we, and Mpenzi had to leave. She ran off as we left, fortunately unscathed herself. All the Keepers were distraught for we retain a great fondness for Mpenzi, whom we reared from a very early age, and knew well. We grieve for her loss. One of the lions had a snare round its neck, but when the mobile Veterinary unit returned in the morning, it could not be found.
24 August 2006
There was not much other activity than serious feeding today. They had a wonderful mudbath, because it was hot, when Icholta helped Lolokwe climb the slippery banks. They fed on the way back to the Stockade in the evening.
25 August 2006
The orphans enjoyed a Hide and Seek game before leaving for the feeding ground. Salama, who seemed to have a special agenda, was blocked by Lolokwe, but he managed to sneak round and mount onto Mweya, who didn’t seem to mind too much. Icholta then led the group out to feed. At the mudbath Mweiga taking a centre stage. Laikipia lay down in the water and allowed Edie and Mweya to climb over him while Icholta scratched her body against Natumi’s head. Sosian and Solango were last in the water, facing in opposite directions with their buttocks touching. They were in the wallow a full five minutes after all the others had left.
26 August 2006
Natumi led the orphans out in single file. Salama, Lolokwe and Laikipia enjoyed a test of strength at the mudbath, but soon left to carry on feeding. The Keepers spotted Emily’s group feeding below the Lodge, with a wild group of seven. Emily was enchanted with a wild calf of about a year old, continually following it, and touching it with her trunk. The wild mother was unperturbed, the two groups feeding happily together, which made Emily very happy. At the same time the Keepers spotted Dika drinking at the Voi Safari Lodge waterhole. He was interacting with a wild group, smelling the genitals of the young females, and making overtures to them by laying his trunk across their backs in a loving gesture.
27 August 2006
It was a wonderful mudbath today, because all the orphans plunged in, trumpeting with excitement. Mukwaju, Ndara and Morani put on a spectacular display, charging through the water and making a great deal of happy noises. Laikipia lay down with Nyiro, Loisaba and Thoma standing beside him. Mpala won the competition for best swimmer and remained in the wallow long after the others had left.
28 August 2006
The orphans fed at the northern end of Mazinga Hill today until it was mudbath time. Mweiga, Burra and Icholta were first in the water, followed swiftly by the others. Laikipia had so much fun that he was left running in and out of the water in an attempt to attract the others back again, but joined them when he found that no-one was accepting the invitation.
29 August 2006
Although it was a cool day, Sosian was not going to miss the mudbath, and used his forehead to push Solango in. Meanwhile the others had left, feeding, but Burra returned and joined the bathers, enticing the entire group to return and join in.
30 August 2006
Mweiga loved the mudbath today, especially as Seraa lay down so that she could rub her buttocks against Seraa’s head. She tossed her trunk skywards trumpeting with happiness.
31 August 2006
A teenage wild bull joined the orphans on the western side of Mazinga Hill. Laikipia engaged him in a pushing match before he left heading towards the pipeline. The wild bull paced rapidly in a determined way, obviously knowing exactly where to find his wild group.
Keepers’ Notes:- The killing of 14 year old Mpenzi’s newborn baby by a pride of 12 lions below the Voi Safari Lodge caused enormous distress to the Keepers who had raised Mpenzi when she was orphaned at an early age. Emily, Aitong, Tsavo, Ilingwezi and Sweet Sally are now leading a very independent life with only infrequent visits to the Orphans’ Stockades. However, they are all in good condition still despite the ongoing drought, as are all the orphans. The Green Cutters have taken to cutting the underlying branches of the Fig trees for the orphans, which they enjoy enormously, chewing the stems like sugarcane! These branches, together with the supplements sent down from Nairobi have been a Godsend and kept all our orphans in fine fettle.