Kainuk being playful
Daily updates
December 1st
The orphans were in a jovial mood this morning and began the day with a game of hide and seek. Naipoki and Kainuk enjoyed this most hiding behind bushes then coming out charging with their ears spread wide. Orwa met the rest of the orphans today with Naipoki and Kithaka being the first to greet him before the others arrived. Naipoki was particularly affectionate with him which was a welcome surprise for the keepers as usually she is the one who distances herself from the newcomers pushing them around whenever she can.
Naipoki with Kithaka
December 2nd
We have been experiencing heavy rains through November and the beginning of December and as such the younger orphans usually head out to the bush later than the older ones do. At 8am Tano and Naipoki came to the stockades to get Orwa. As they walked out to join the others Naipoki walked beside him embracing him with her trunk. Kithaka kept Orwa company for the duration of the day.
Orwa having milk
Tano browsing
December 3rd
Ishanga who has never paid much attention to the younger orphans is now regularly seen with Kithaka, Sasab and Orwa. She watches over them and comes running when they cry or scream. Kainuk is constantly fighting with Ishaq-b and Kihari. Today during the private visit she knocked Ishaq-B to the ground. Ishanga was quick to reprimand her before consoling Ishaq-B.
Ishanga browsing
Ishaq-B having milk
December 7th
Orwa has settled in nicely and has learned the feeding schedule. At 4:30 he decided to head back to the stockades as he knew it was nearly time for a feed. He stopped when he realized that the rest of the orphans had not followed him and returned with his keeper to rejoin his peers.
Orwa heading out with the rest of the group
Orwa browsing
December 13th
The morning was cloudy as the orphans headed out for the day. Kasigau, Rombo and Layoni stopped to play pushing and strength testing games which were brought to an abrupt halt when they were startled by two passing giraffes. By 9am the keepers treated the orphans to their weekly coconut oil bath which Orwa really enjoyed.
Kasigau reaching for browse
Orwa coming to the mudbath
December 14th
Orwa is still mourning the loss of his elephant family and as such is a quiet elephant that is not very playful and does not interact much with the other orphans. This is often seen in new orphan arrivals. He does however love the company of his keepers and is feeding well and gaining weight.
Orwa sniffing
Orphans out and about
December 21st
The orphans had fun wallowing and dust bathing at the mudbath. Sities, Naipoki and Kainuk kept the visitors entertained by running up and down the cordon getting mud over those close to the rope. Orwa also pleased the visiting public by slowly walking along the rope, stopping every few steps to allow the guests to touch him.
Orwa
Naipoki
December 24th
Orwa spent the morning browsing close to the keepers as he gets bullied by Kihari, Kainuk and Ishaq-B who seem to enjoy head butting him. At the 3pm milk feed Makireti was watching Kasigau slowly drinking his milk. She walked up to him and before anyone knew what was happening she had snatched the half empty bottle out of his trunk and downed the remainder of the contents.
Ishaq-B munching
Orwa in the forest
December 30th
After the 9am feed Naipoki and Sities led the rest of the orphans into the bush to browse. Mutara, Shukuru, Turkwel and Makireti were busy pushing and shoving each other in an effort to be close to Kithaka. Kihari on the other hand was taking advantage of everyone being otherwise engaged to chase Orwa. Turkwel saw what was happening and chased Kihari as Ishaq-B, who also chases Orwa, hid behind Kainuk.
Turkwel
Naipoki with Kithaka
December 31st
This is the last day of 2011 and everything is going well. Kithaka has started teething and we hope that he will not have any problems. Shukuru continues to mother Kithaka and Naipoki is trying to learn from her by helping her look after the young calf. Mutara keeps busy by checking on Kithaka and Orwa moving from one to the other to ensure that they are both ok.
Kithaka drinking milk
Naipoki watches over Kithaka
Maxwell feeding on Lucerne