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The ex-orphans reported in large numbers in the morning. Notably, four wild bulls were interested in Kainuk, who appeared to be in season. Shortly after, Kainuk ran away, followed by the wild bulls.

The ex-orphans settled to share lucerne with the orphans. Suguroi and Naleku spent some time with Sid before moving to play with Tembo. An hour later, Larro led the way to the browsing field. Loldaiga, Mukutan, and Choka visited the Kone Dam to drink water before resuming browsing.

Mukutan engaged Roho in a strength-testing exercise that lasted for quite some time. Shortly before mud bath time, Kuishi, Mukkoka, and Sattao arrived.

When it came to mud bath time it was quite chilly, and only Choka, Loldaiga, Mukutan, Esoit, Lodo, Suguroi, Roho, and Kindani participated fully in the wallowing exercise. Lodo and Suguroi had a playful pushing game in the water and were the last to leave. Lualeni and Lexi passed by but didn’t bother with the orphans.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill, where they were briefly joined by Challa. In the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockade.

Ambo and Kithaka reported at the stockade early in the morning. The two boys had been missing in action for quite some time and it was nice to see them. The orphans were let out soon after having their morning milk.

Loldaiga, Mukutan, and Choka met Ambo for the first time since stepping onto Ithumba soils. Ambo was pleasant to the three boys as he introduced himself to them. Kithaka, however, didn’t give them a chance to greet him. Instead, he warned Loldaiga, Choka, and Mukutan to keep their distance when he saw them approaching. The three new boys retreated to avoid trouble.

Shortly after, more ex-orphans showed up, and the orphans decided to give them space by walking away. Naleku led the orphans to the Kone area, where they settled to browse for the entire morning. Mukutan browsed with Kindani and Olorien, while Choka browsed with Roho and Lodo. Esoit came across some loose soil and used it for a dusting exercise.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Vaarti led the first group to the mud bath, while Suguroi led the second. The orphans had their milk and then enjoyed a cooling-off exercise in the water before settling for a dust bath. Mutara and her group showed up briefly at the mud bath before heading south.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Vaarti engaged Esoit in a pushing game, while Bondeni had a lone game of rolling on the ground.

In the evening, the orphans returned safely to the stockade for another night.

The orphans settled for lucerne immediately after leaving their stockades. Shortly later, Mutara’s group arrived, with Mambo leading. Kindani tried to be polite and welcome Mambo, but Mambo was full of himself and pushed Kindani. This was simply because he could count on his mother for security. Kindani understood the young bull and stepped aside.

Mambo then went ahead to tackle Loldaiga. Choka and Mukutan, who were close by, quickly came over and ganged up against Mambo. Mambo had no option but to run away from the boys. Loldaiga walked over to have a brief talk with Malkia and then left to play with Vaarti. Lodo, Suguroi, and Naleku walked down to the water trough for a drink before heading out to browse.

The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. At the browsing field, Lodo engaged Choka in a strength-testing exercise that didn’t last long, while Mukutan played with Esoit. Kinna and her family joined the orphans briefly before heading east. Suguroi and Naleku wanted to follow Kinna to enjoy the company of Kito and Kaia, but the Keepers blocked them from doing so.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Loldaiga led the way to the mud bath. The orphans had their milk but skipped the wallowing exercise as it was too cold. Only Lodo and Roho participated in wallowing. The rest of the team only took part in a soil dusting exercise before returning to the browsing field.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area and browsed calmly for the rest of the day. In the evening, Mayan led the way back to the stockades.

Vaarti left the stockade with a leftover branch in his mouth. Midway, he met Suguroi, who took the branch away from him. Vaarti didn’t complain but let it go peacefully, knowing what Suguroi was capable of.

The orphans settled for lucerne and were shortly joined by the ex-orphans. The interaction was brief, however Naleku and Larro refused to go with the Keepers and the Ithumba herd, preferring to stay with the ex-orphans for the morning. The two girls joined up with the dependent Ithumba orphans later after spending enough time with the ex-orphans.

Kindani teamed up with Bondeni for browsing, while Mukutan browsed with Loldaiga. A buffalo walking past the orphans created some tension. Roho, Larro, Kuishi, Sattao, and Mukkoka charged and trumpeted, trying to scare the buffalo away. The rest of the group ran towards the Keepers. The Keepers calmed them down and shouted at the buffalo, which walked away without hurry.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Mayan led the way to the mud bath. The temperature was moderate, and the orphans had their milk before heading for a soil dusting exercise. Only Lodo got in the water to wallow.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Ishanga, Olare, Ola, Sagateisa, and Maramoja joined the orphans briefly before leaving again.

In the evening, Loldaiga led the way back home.

At six o'clock in the morning, the orphans had their milk, but surprisingly, Naleku and Larro were missing from their stockade! Only Roho remained inside the stockade, alone. How the two girls managed to open the gate and leave remained a mystery. If Kuishi, who spends the night out with Mukkoka and Sattao, didn’t assist in opening the gate, then the help could have come from one of our ex-orphans.

Meanwhile the other orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving their stockades. As we were wondering where the two girls had gone, Larro emerged from the eastern side, followed by Kauro and Mapia. Ten minutes later, Naleku appeared from the same direction, putting our worries to rest. The ex-orphans joined the orphans where they were feeding, and later Suguroi led the way to the browsing field.

Larro refused to go with the orphans, and the Keepers gave her the freedom to interact with the ex-orphans as much as she wanted. An hour later, she parted with her older friends and joined the orphans in the Kone area where they were feeding from some tasty shrubs. There, the orphans were briefly joined by Mulika, Moe, Mwende, Mala, Yatta, Yogi, Yoyo, Yetu, and Yebo.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Vaarti led the first group to the mud bath, while Kindani led the second group. The orphans decided to only wash their feet in the waterhole after having their milk. They then proceeded for a soil dusting exercise before returning to the browsing field.

In the afternoon, the orphans were joined by Chyulu, Cheka, and Charli. Loldaiga and Choka interacted with Charli until he left when he saw the Keepers approaching. Mayan browsed with Vaarti, while Kinyei teamed up with Kindani, Bondeni, and Olorien.

In the evening, Esoit led the way back to the stockades.

The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockades. Only a few ex-orphans were present during the lucerne feeding time. After the orphans had enough, Lodo led the team to the water trough before proceeding to the browsing field. As the orphans left, more ex-orphans continued arriving at the stockade compound.

Kuishi, Mukkoka, and Sattao lagged behind to interact with the ex-orphans, joining the dependant orphans in the Kone area a bit later on. Choka came across a nice rock of a suitable height and scratched his belly on it, while Loldaiga engaged Esoit in a strength-testing exercise. Mukutan browsed with Kinyei, while Olorien teamed up with Suguroi and Naleku.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Olorien led the first group to the mud bath, while Vaarti led the second. Again, today the orphans simply walked through the water after having their milk and did not fully wallow in the water. Only water babies Lodo and Roho decided to get in the mud bath before joining their friends for a soil dusting exercise.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. The cloudy sky cleared, allowing the sun to shine. The orphans took a break from feeding to relax under the trees and resumed browsing later when the temperature dropped to a more favourable level.

It was such a beautiful morning, with the babies waking up to find their milk bottles ready for feeding. They were fed immediately and then started walking out to feed on lucerne. They looked very active today as they walked out, knowing they were going to be given more food. Lucerne was distributed and after a few minutes the ex-orphans, led by Kinna’s group, arrived and started sharing with them. Kinna came with her youngest baby, Kito, and her second youngest, Kaia. The babies then started filing out to the bush to begin their day of browsing, leaving the ex-orphans behind still feeding on lucerne.

Most of the orphans were busy browsing while Bondeni and Mukutan were playfighting. Mukutan was testing his strength against Bondeni. The ex-orphans, including Mulika, came near where the babies were browsing, but we walked away to prevent our new babies from being absconded by the ex-orphans with babies. The ex-orphans stopped at the dam junction to Kone and started playing in the dam. Kito fully played in the water while the rest watched him. The orphans later walked to the mud bath for their milk bottles and wallowing.

After having their milk the orphans walked to the mud wallow but they just crossed over as it was not hot enough for them to wallow fully. They went to drink water and then walked back to the bush for browsing until evening.

They set about browsing with deep concentration and were very active. At one-point Roho stopped browsing to try and mount Mukutan. Choka and Mukutan browsed together, with Lodo behind them. Vaarti played with Bondeni, and later, the babies walked back home for their milk and bedding.

Back at the stockades this evening we were joined by a number of ex-orphans, including Kinna, Yatta, Sidai, and Mutara, with their babies. They were just hanging around the stockade for a while having a drink of water and relaxing, before disappearing into the night.

It was a beautiful morning, with the babies having their milk breakfast before walking out to enjoy their lucerne snacks. They all looked very sprightly this morning, with the new babies enjoying the lucerne peacefully alongside their friends before getting ready for their day of browsing. A few ex-orphans were around, including Mapia. He was happily playing with Sattao after meeting him again today. They interacted for a while before the babies walked out to the bush.

In the bush everyone was eagerly looking for something to feed on. Mayan and Vaarti remained close friends, continuing to browse together. Later, the babies walked to the mud bath for their milk bottles and wallowing.

At the mud bath, Suguroi, Mayan, and Mukutan enjoyed wallowing together. Bondeni, the water resister, stood at the edge of the pool, cooling his feet — he doesn’t like water. Meanwhile, Loldaiga, Mukutan, and Choka fully enjoyed wallowing before drying off in the loose soil. They all had fun dust bathing, with Esoit rolling in the soil, though he had only washed his feet in the mud pool. Mayan and Vaarti stayed together, while Bondeni played separately with a tree stump. Afterward, the babies walked back to the bush for another browsing session.

Back in the bush, they all enjoyed their evening browsing. Mukutan hid under some shade while the rest were busy feeding. Later, they walked to the Kone junction dam for another wallow as the day had warmed up somewhat, before heading back home in the evening.

At the stockades, a few ex-orphans including Wendi, Kinna, Yatta, Lenana, and Sunyei, arrived with their babies. They hung around for a while before returning to the bush. 

It was a cold start to the day today as the hill was covered in cloud. The orphans came out of their night stockades after having their milk bottles, ready for the second course of lucerne grass. We had a few ex-orphans around who joined them. Lualeni, with her two babies, Lulu and Lexy, were among them. The babies later walked out to the bush for browsing.

In the bush, they all looked very active and were browsing peacefully. They later walked to the mud bath for their milk bottles and wallowing.

They enjoyed their milk bottles and walked into the mud wallow to swim. They really enjoyed the wallowing part, then came out for a dust bath and later went back to the bush for browsing. We had some ex-orphans including Wendi, Kinna, Sidai, Yatta, and Galana with their babies among them. Wendi was calm today and didn’t cause any trouble at the mud bath, which was a relief for everyone! The orphans then walked back to the bush, leaving the ex-orphans behind.

In the bush, the babies were busy browsing despite it being quite hot. Kinyei and Kindani were browsing together, while Mukutan and Choka decided to browse separately. Mukutan, Choka and Loldaiga like the area and are doing just fine. Due to the heat, the orphans were led to the dam to drink water and cool their bodies. After cooling off they started making their way back to the stockades for the night. Kuishi, Mukkoka, and Sattao were left behind still browsing and came in after 6 p.m. They are off milk and are becoming more reluctant to come back home in the evening or go to the mud bath at midday for that bottle feeding time. Time will tell how long they decide to be dependent on us.

Today the orphans were happy walking out of their stockades after having their bottles, where they found some ex-orphans, including Sunyei, Sidai, Kinna, and Yatta, and their babies waiting outside the compound to share lucerne with them. Sidai's baby Saba was playing with her friend Kaia. Yatta and her family later came to join in too. Lenana also came in with her baby Laki. Sattao was busy playing with Mukkoka. The babies then walked to the bush for browsing.

Choka was playing with Esoit peacefully, before the orphans started walking to the mud bath for their midday milk feed.

They were all very active at the mud bath after drinking their milk bottles. Bondeni, Mayan and Lodo enjoyed wallowing together. Kanjoro also came to the mud bath for water. Olorien then decided to lead her friends for a dust bath to dry off. 

Back out in the bush the orphans set about browsing with gusto, despite the rising temperature in the afternoon. At one point we found Mukutan resting his leg on a rock while Loldaiga and Choka were busy browsing around him. Bondeni and Vaarti were playing together and patting each other with their trunks. 

The dependent orphans had their milk at 6 a.m. and walked out to feed on lucerne. 

Out in the bush they met with Loijuk and Kinna with and their babies and started interacting together. Later on all the orphans were very active browsing. It wasn’t long however until Roho started play-fighting with Mukkoka, while Kindani was next to them busy browsing. They walked to the dam at Kone junction and started drinking water there. Close to noon the orphans walking to the mud bath for their milk bottles and wallowing.

Some of the orphans enjoyed wallowing, while others just washed their feet by walking along the side of the water. Choka and Loldaiga were the most playful in the mud bath, with Choka kneeling down and digging at the wet soil to throw on himself. After drying off on the mound of loose red soil, the orphans later walked back to the bush for evening browsing.

It was very hot in the afternoon, and some orphans chose to relax in the shade and took a break from browsing. Mukutan and Choka were browsing next to each other in the bush, while Suguroi happily flapped her ears to keep her body temperature cool. Roho was rolling on the ground, busy playing with Bondeni. The orphans later walked back home in the evening for their milk bottles and bedding. Kuishi, Mukkoka, Larro, and Sattao were once more reluctant to return and wanted to keep busy browsing, to avoid coming back home early. 

We had a few ex-orphans visit the stockades this evening, including Yatta, Wendi, Galana, Lenana, and Sidai with their babies. They drank water and later left.

It was a happy morning, with the orphans enjoying their milk breakfast and rushing out to feed on lucerne. Once outside we found Kuishi, Mukkoka, and Sattao waiting for the dependant orphans to join them. The orphans went straight to the field and were served lucerne. A few minutes later, a group of ex-orphans including Kinna and Galana with their babies, came in and started sharing lucerne. Mayan and Roho started play-fighting but soon the orphans started walking out to the bush for browsing, leaving the ex-orphans behind still feeding on lucerne.

In the bush, all three new babies — Choka, Mukutan, and Loldaiga — are catching on well and interacting well with the other orphans. Mayan was seen patting Vaarti. Esoit and Choka were play-fighting until Kuishi came to separate him from Choka. The whole group walked to the mud bath for the midday feed.

All the babies got their milk share; Lodo enjoyed some self-service by picking his bottles up by himself. The babies later walked to the big dam for wallowing, but they only washed their feet and walked out. Some went to drink water at the water trough, and some went to play in the soil, where Suguroi was the most playful. They walked back out to the bush to browse.

In the afternoon all the orphans were active and browsing well. Esoit went to play with Choka, until Kuishi separated them again. The orphans later walked back home in the evening for their milk bottles and bedding.

It was another good morning at Ithumba, with the Keepers and the orphans waking up well to start their daily duties. The orphans were happy to wake up to find the milk ready for them. They had their milk bottles and walked down to feed on lucerne. There we found some ex-orphans including Kinna and Yatta with their babies. They started interacting with the orphans as they shared lucerne. The orphans later walked out to the bush to browse, leaving behind the ex-orphans clearing up the leftover lucerne.

Out in the bush, the babies looked very active and happy, with some of them playing a lot. Mayan was play-fighting with Esoit, while Roho and Lodo were browsing together. Kandecha came to say hi to them and walked with them to the mud bath.

At the mud bath the orphans were served their milk and walked towards the mudhole, but no one bothered to enter. The weather was too cold for them to play in the water. They were accompanied by Kandecha to the water trough and drank water together. Some came to play in the loose soil, while the rest walked back out to the bush to browse.

The orphans set about enthusiastically browsing in the afternoon. After they were satisfied, Lodo and Mayan started playing as they pushed each other. The whole group later walked back home in the evening for their milk bottles and bedding. Kuishi, Sattao, Mukkoka, and Larro were not interested in coming back home this evening and were left browsing. We had a few ex-orphans arrive at the compound this evening who came for water, before walking back out into the dark. 

It was such a good morning, with the babies preparing for their milk breakfast and walking out to feed on lucerne. Everyone was quite restless when the time arrived to distribute lucerne, and all were served equally. 

A few minutes later, the ex-orphans arrived, making the orphans walk away to the bush for browsing. In the bush, Roho and Mayan started play-fighting. Lodo, Suguroi, and Olorien walked to the dam at the Kone junction and started drinking water. Some other orphans came and joined them at the dam. Esoit and Vaarti started play-fighting, and then all the orphans started walking to the mud bath for their milk and wallowing.

After the mud bath Kindani and Sattao went on to play on the loose soil. Naleku enjoyed a dust bath too, until slowly the orphans started to file out to continue their afternoon of browsing. 

Back in the bush, the orphans enjoyed browsing despite the hot weather in the area. They later started walking back home in the evening for their milk bottles and bedding, leaving Kuishi, Sattao, and Mukkoka behind. They always come back later in the evening. We had a few ex-orphans in the compound this evening, with three wild bulls. They drank water and later left.

The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving their stockades. Several ex-orphans showed up and joined the orphans to feed on lucerne. Loldaiga and Choka engaged Saba in a light pushing game while Mayan played with Yoyo. After the orphans had enough lucerne, Naleku led the way to the browsing field. 

The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area, where they were joined by Kuishi, Mukkoka, and Sattao, who had left yesterday afternoon and failed to turn up during the night. Larro held a brief meeting with Kuishi, perhaps wanting to find out how their night adventures had gone, as she wanted to join. It's not clear what response Kuishi gave to Larro as they walked together to check on Esoit. Esoit, Bondeni, Kuishi, Olorien, Mukutan, and Kindani came across lots of leaves fallen on a flat rock and enjoyed picking and feeding on them. 

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Mayan led the first group to the mud bath, while Lodo led the second one. As the orphans had their milk they felt the sun beating down, so the orphans jumped into the water for a cooling-off exercise without being encouraged by anyone to do so. The orphans were joined by Maramoja, Naseku, Yatta, Yetu, Yogi, Yebo, Chyulu, Cheka, Charli, and Karisa. 

After having enough of wallowing, the orphans settled for a soil dusting exercise before returning to the browsing field. Larro, Kuishi, Sattao, and Mukkoka teamed up with Maramoja, Mukkoka, and Karisa and headed west of Ithumba Hill, while the orphans headed to Kanziku area, where they settled to browse. 

In the afternoon, the orphans encountered a buffalo. Loldaiga, Choka, Bondeni, Lodo, and Roho charged and trumpeted to scare away the buffalo, but the buffalo remained unmoved. The orphans gave up and walked away, heading in a different direction. They browsed calmly for the rest of the day. In the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockades.

The orphans left their stockades early in the morning as usual. Wendi and her family joined the orphans in the lucerne feeding area, before more ex-orphans arrived. Esoit was happy to see Kuishi and Larro, who had spent the night out with Mukkoka and Sattao. After exchanging morning greetings, Esoit moved to engage Roho in a pushing game. Loldaiga challenged Yogi, while Mukutan played with Wema. Vaarti started his day by scratching his neck on a nearby rock.

Out in the bush, Mayan teamed up with Vaarti while Loldaiga browsed with Kinyei. Roho and Lodo took a break from browsing to engage in a strength-testing exercise. Choka teamed up with Mukutan, while Kindani browsed with Bondeni. Later, the orphans were joined by Sapalan and Enkikwe, but they didn’t stay for long.

Shortly before mud bath time, Loldaiga decided to challenge Esoit. Their pushing game went on for quite some time before Kuishi intervened and separated the two boys. At mud bath, the orphans were joined by senior ex-orphan Zurura to wallow. When they had enough, Naleku led the way out, but Zurura, Mukkoka, and Roho remained in the water to continue cooling off.

Several bulls had gathered around the water trough. The Keepers moved closer and requested the wild bulls to give the juniors space to drink. The bulls obliged and moved a short distance away. The orphans were happy and quickly moved to the water trough, enjoying a drink before settling in for a soil dusting exercise.

In the afternoon, as usual, Kuishi, Mukkoka, Sattao, and Larro took a different route to an undisclosed location. The orphans headed north of the mud bath and settled in the Kanziku area. It was very hot, so they took a break from feeding to relax under a tree until the temperature dropped to a more comfortable level. They then browsed calmly for the remainder of the day.

The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockades. Kuishi, Mukkoka, Sattao, and Larro reported with the ex-orphans in the morning. Larro and Kuishi checked on Esoit, exchanged morning greetings, then settled for lucerne. Kuishi is still very much concerned about Esoit’s well-being, despite her decision to be more independent and spend time away from the stockades and the herd. An hour later, Naleku led the way to the browsing field. Senior ex-orphan Tomboi, who has been away for some time, showed up at the lucerne feeding venue. He later entered one of the stockades that had its gate open. After doing some inspection, Tomboi walked out and had some water, before walking out into the bush again.

The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. Mukkoka, Kuishi, Sattao, and Larro joined the juniors and spent the better part of the morning together. Choka took a break from feeding to engage Kindani in a light pushing game, while Roho played with Lodo. At eleven o'clock in the morning, Suguroi led the first group to the mud bath, while Mayan led the second one. The temperature was moderate. The orphans had their milk, then jumped into the water to wallow. Roho, Lodo, and Loldaiga had a prolonged wallowing session – the water-lovers!

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Larro, Kuishi, Sattao, and Mukkoka headed north to join the ex-orphans. We weren’t surprised when Esoit wanted to go with them, but was directed home by the Keepers as he is still too small and young to be out in the bush, especially at night. In the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockades for the night.

The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockades. Loldaiga settled for a scratching exercise on a nearby rock, while Choka entwined his trunk with baby Cheka in morning greetings. Shortly after, the orphans left for browsing, leaving the ex-orphans who had joined them that morning at the stockade compound.

Later in the morning Mukutan engaged Esoit in a strength-testing exercise that ended in a draw. Choka, the tough boy, picked on Esoit for another strength-testing exercise that lasted for quite some time before Roho interrupted their game. Loldaiga, Kindani, and Olorien came across some loose soil that they used to dust themselves. Kuishi joined the orphans at Kone Dam and checked on her friend Esoit before leaving again. Olorien teamed up with Bondeni for browsing, while Roho settled to browse with Mayan.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Choka led the first group to the mud bath, while Kinyei led the second one. Despite the sun beating down and it feeling very hot, only Roho, Lodo, Loldaiga, Kindani, Naleku, and Suguroi decided to wallow in the mud bath! The rest of the herd settled for a soil dusting exercise.

In the afternoon, the orphans chose to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Olorien had her own game of rolling on the ground, while Bondeni engaged Roho in a pushing game. The temperature continued to skyrocket, prompting the orphans to take a break from browsing and relax under some trees. They later resumed browsing when the temperature dropped to a favourable level.

It was less busy in the compound this morning as only a few ex-orphans turned up for lucerne feeding. Teleki, Rapa, Naserian, baby Njema, Makireti, and Karisa were the only ex-orphans that showed up. Choka challenged Njema in a pushing game, but Njema decided to surrender when she saw Loldaiga and Mukutan coming to assist Choka. She quit and went to seek help from her mother.

Makireti walked down to the water trough, where she was joined by Olorien to have some water. Loldaiga walked to join Teleki and requested training in pushing skills. Teleki accepted and engaged Loldaiga in a light pushing game.

Out in the bush, Vaarti engaged Bondeni in a strength-testing exercise that lasted for quite some time. Esoit settled for a pushing game with Roho. Their game didn't last long as Kuishi emerged from nearby bushes, scaring Roho! Esoit entwined his trunk with Kuishi in greeting. It seems somehow Kuishi is always watching over her favourite boy! 

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Mayan led the first group to the mud bath, while Suguroi led the second. Once again it was very hot, and the orphans jumped into the water soon after having their milk. Four bulls were present at the mud bath, but they gave space to the orphans to allow them to enjoy themselves. After having enough of wallowing, the orphans settled for a soil dusting exercise, and thereafter, Naleku led the way back out to the bush, with the others filing out behind her. 

The orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area where they browsed calmly throughout the rest part of the day without any major observations.

Soon after leaving the stockades, Loldaiga and Esoit had a brief meeting with their heads bent low together, but it’s not clear what the meeting was about! Tumaren, Tembo, Kibo, Olare, Ola, Naserian, Njema, Pare, and Olsekki joined the orphans for some lucerne.

When the orphans had enough, Suguroi led the way to the bush for the day. Loldaiga, Olorien, and Kindani came across some loose soil that they used to dust themselves. Shortly after, Kuishi arrived and headed straight to check on Esoit. Esoit rumbled in appreciation for Kuishi finding time to check on him. Later, Esoit engaged Choka in a strength-testing exercise and thereafter joined Vaarti to browse.

The orphans browsed slowly as they headed towards the mud bath. At eleven o’clock in the morning, they were joined by Sunyei, Saba, Chemi Chemi, and Yoyo, who escorted them to the mud bath. The orphans had their milk, then participated in a cooling-off exercise before settling into a soil dusting session.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Vaarti engaged Bondeni in a pushing game and later, the two boys decided to rest under a tree with good shade. Their friends also took a break from browsing due to the escalating temperature, but everyone resumed browsing later when it got cooler. They proceeded to eat as many leaves as they could on the way home, just to make sure they were full for the night. 

The ex-orphans, as usual, joined the orphans in the morning at the lucerne feeding venue. Vaarti and Mayan settled for a scratching exercise on the nearby rocks as they waited for the distribution of lucerne. Mambo threatened to push Choka but ran away when he saw Mukutan and Loldaiga coming to support Choka.

The orphans settled briefly for lucerne but left when it became too crowded after the arrival of more than seventy elephants – wild and ex-orphans. Naleku led the way out to the Kone area where the orphans settled to browse on the bushes there. Choka and Mukutan took a break from feeding to have a game of soil bathing. They were joined by Kindani and Esoit. After Kindani and Esoit had enough of soil bathing, the two orphans settled for a strength-testing exercise, which saw Kindani emerge as the winner.

Roho engaged Mayan in a pushing game but was interrupted by Mukkoka, who arrived in the company of Kuishi, Sattao, and Larro. For some reason, Mukkoka pushed the two boys apart. Vaarti settled to browse with Bondeni, and later, the two boys decided to have a strength-testing exercise that ended in a draw. Lodo had a brief meeting with Loldaiga, but the details of their conversation were not revealed.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Kinyei led the first group to the mud bath while Olorien led the second. It was a bit cooler today, and the orphans only walked through the water without taking a bath. Ten wild bulls were present and were enjoying drinking water together with ex-orphan Zurura. When the bulls saw the Keepers approaching in the company of the orphans, they understood that they were being requested to give space for the orphans to drink.

After drinking enough water, the orphans settled for a soil dusting exercise, and thereafter, Suguroi led the way to the browsing field. The orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. The clouds cleared, giving way to sunshine. The orphans then decided to take a break from feeding and relaxed under some trees until it was cooler.

Queen’s family (a wild herd who’s matriarch is known as ‘Queen’) which consists of five members, arrived at the stockade compound early before the orphans were let out. The family was joined by Mutara’s group, who stood at a distance out of respect for the matriarch of this family.

The orphans were let out soon after finishing their morning milk. Lucerne was distributed, and all settled to enjoy its delicacy. Roho had it rough when he stepped on Queen’s lucerne accidentally poor guy. The Queen pushed Roho hard as a punishment and to teach him some manners of respecting his seniors. Roho got upset and decided to take revenge on Queen’s youngest daughter. He waited for the right moment as Queen was leaving, then ran and pushed the daughter, who was following her mother from a distance. After accomplishing his mission, Roho looked visibly happier and turned, heading in the opposite direction to avoid detection by the mother.

Later, Naleku led the way to the to the bush. Kinyei and Kindani settled for a soil dusting exercise, while Esoit engaged Choka in a strength-testing game that ended in a draw. Choka moved to challenge Bondeni, but this time, he ended up losing the game to Bondeni.

Larro, who spends the night out with Mukkoka, Kuishi, and Sattao, arrived and joined the orphans in Kone. Lodo had a brief conversation with Suguroi as Roho engaged Vaarti in a light pushing game.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Vaarti led the first group to the mud bath, while Naleku led the second group. Mayan led the third one, while Loldaiga led the fourth. The temperature was moderate, and no orphan dared to step into the mud-bathing water today. Instead the orphans walked out and chose the Kanziku area to browse in this afternoon. Since the temperature was favourable, the orphans browsed calmly throughout the rest of the day.

Some ex-orphans reported at the lucerne feeding venue early as usual. The orphans had their milk at six o’clock in the morning and then walked out. Nabulu was feeling mischievous and stood at the exit point and tried to block the orphans from coming out. The Keepers intervened, telling Nabulu to allow the orphans to walk out in peace. Fortunately Nabulu listened to the Keepers and did away with the roadblock she had erected for the orphans.

The orphans joined the ex-orphans briefly for lucerne feeding. Mukutan, Choka, Vaarti, Mayan, and Loldaiga had a brief meeting with Noah, and after some time, the five boys threatened to push Noah. Since Noah couldn’t handle the five boys, he decided to run for help to his mother. The five boys didn’t follow Noah, knowing the consequences they would face once Nasalot saw them giving trouble to her young son.

The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area, where Kindani and Choka started their activities by participating in a soil dusting exercise. Shortly later, the orphans were joined by Kuishi, Mukkoka, Sattao, and Larro. The orphans browsed calmly as they slowly headed towards the mud bath. On the way, Roho engaged Mukkoka in a strength-testing exercise that ended when Roho surrendered.

At mud bath time, the orphans were joined by Nasalot, Nusu, Noah, and Mundusi. Larro entwined her trunk with Mundusi in a noon greeting as Vaarti tried to entice Noah to a pushing game. Noah was clever and didn’t fall into Vaarti’s trap, as he could see other boys accompanying him. Noah stuck close to his mother until his older brother Nusu came and pushed back all the boys accompanying Vaarti. Nasalot then took her two sons and Mundusi towards the Ithumba compound.

The orphans headed to drink water and were joined by a gentle wild bull that shared water with them peacefully. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Bondeni teamed up with Suguroi and Kindani to browse, while Vaarti browsed with Mayan and Kinyei. Esoit engaged Choka in a pushing game, while Mukkoka played with Roho.

In the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockade compound for the night.

Only a few ex-orphans turned up in the morning for lucerne. The orphans settled for lucerne immediately after leaving their stockades. Lodo had a misunderstanding with Loldaiga when Loldaiga tried to share the lucerne that Lodo was having. Lodo tried to kick Loldaiga. Loldaiga didn't wait for the misunderstanding to escalate, so he moved away to pick his own lucerne. Mayan decided to challenge Choka as Vaarti settled to play with Milo.

Later, Naleku led the way to the browsing field. The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. Choka and Kinyei came across some loose soil that they used for soil dusting. Bondeni engaged Loldaiga in a strength-testing exercise that ended in a draw, while Lodo played with Roho.

At eleven o’clock in the morning, Olorien led the first group to the mud bath. The weather was chilly, and none of the orphans dared to step into the mud-bathing water. The ex-orphans showed up briefly at the mud bath and headed towards the Imenti area soon after drinking water. Kuishi, Sattao, Mukkoka, and Larro parted ways with the ex-orphans and joined the orphans.

The orphans settled west of Ithumba Hill. Mayan chose to browse with Vaarti and Loldaiga, while Esoit browsed with Suguroi and Choka.

Sapalan, Enkikwe, and Rapa reported early at the stockade compound. The three boys then waited for the orphans to be let out so that they could be served lucerne together. The orphans had their milk, then walked out to join the three boys. Shortly later, Mutara and her herd reported and joined the orphans to feed on lucerne. Mukutan was pushed slightly by Mutara, when he walked too close to her while she was feeding.

When the orphans had enough lucerne, Naleku once again led the way to the browsing field. Lodo and Roho started their day’s activities by engaging in a pushing game that ended in a draw. Bondeni played with Vaarti, while Esoit played with Choka. Later, Roho teamed up with Olorien in browsing, while Kinyei teamed up with Suguroi and Kindani.

The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area, and at eleven o'clock in the morning, Loldaiga led the first group to the mud bath. Ten wild bulls were present at the mud bath. As it was cooler the orphans only walked through the water after finishing their milk. They then settled for a soil dusting exercise before heading to drink some water from the trough. Suguroi and Vaarti walked towards the wild bulls but before they could get to close, one bull who was hostile warned Vaarti and Suguroi not to dare walk any closer. Vaarti and Suguroi turned and walked away to avoid confrontation with the hostile wild bull. The Keepers did eventually encourage the wild bulls to step back slightly so the orphans could have a drink. Lodo and Roho, the water-babies, changed their minds and returned to the mud bath to have a short time wallowing. They just love playing in the water too much! The two boys came out later and followed their friends. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area, where they browsed nicely until it was time to walk home.

It was a cloudy morning and a little bit dark when the orphans left their stockades just 6am after finishing their milk bottles. The ex-orphans had reported early and waited patiently outside, waiting for the Keepers to distribute the delicious lucerne supplement. The orphans joined the ex-orphans outside, and lucerne was served as expected. The dependant orphans didn't stay for long however, as it felt too crowded for them with so many seniors around. The orphans opted to head out to the bush where there was less competition for food.

Roho and Lodo decided to start their day's activities by engaging each other in a strength-testing exercise. The strength-testing exercise went on for quite some time until the two boys got tired. Choka and Vaarti found some loose soil which they dusted themselves with. Kuishi, Larro, Mukkoka, and Sattao, who had not been seen anywhere the previous day, emerged from the east. Esoit rumbled in happiness as he had missed the presence of Kuishi and Larro the previous day. Larro and Kuishi acknowledged Esoit by walking towards him and placing their trunks on him. 

It's time for Esoit to start getting used to life without Kuishi and Larro, who seem determined to leave the human family and join the wild. The good thing is, they will be visiting from time to time. 

On the way to the mud bath, the orphans came across a big acacia branch that had been broken by a wild elephant. The orphans stopped to enjoy feeding on the branch with tasty green leaves. Suguroi continued leading the herd towards the feeding area. Chemi Chemi and Challa were at the mud bath with several wild bulls who were courting Kitirua. It appears that the last time Kitirua was in season, she didn't conceive. Choka and Loldaiga had a brief meeting with Chemi Chemi but it came to an end when Chemi Chemi threatened to push them! 

The afternoon was quiet as the orphans browsed peacefully for the rest of the day.

Kinna, Kama, Kaia, and Kito reported at the stockade compound early before dawn. Kama, Kaia, and Kito lay down to sleep as their mother kept watch over them. At six o'clock in the morning, the dependent orphans had their milk, then walked out to meet Kinna and her family.

Vaarti left the stockade with a branch in his mouth. Lodo met him and took the branch away from Vaarti. Vaarti didn't complain since there was nothing much left to feed on the branch. He just continued walking to greet Kito, who had just woken up. Roho interrupted their interaction when he passed by and pushed Kito away. Kito ran to her mother.

Shortly later, more ex-orphans reported and joined the orphans to feed on lucerne. As the orphans started to leave, baby Kito decided to follow them, but she soon realised that she was in the wrong group. Kito started running back to her mother, escorted by Suguroi to make sure she was reunited with her mother. 

Later in the morning, Kindani, Loldaiga, Choka, Olorien, and Bondeni took a break from feeding to participate in a soil dusting exercise. The five orphans resumed browsing after they had enough of dusting themselves. The morning session was quiet as the orphans browsed quietly while slowly heading towards the mud bath.

Only Lodo, Naleku, Roho, Esoit, and Loldaiga decided to wallow in the mud bath after the midday milk feed. The rest of the herd headed for a soil dusting exercise. Mukkoka, Kuishi, Larro, and Sattao didn't join the orphans but spent their day with the ex-orphans.

In the afternoon, the orphans chose to browse west of Ithumba Hill. There Lodo and Roho engaged each other in a strength-testing exercise which ended in a draw. Mayan led the way back to the stockades for the night.

As usual the orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving their stockades. Several ex-orphans were present and joined them. Naleku had a brief meeting with Tembo. Once again, the orphans didn’t stay for long in the lucerne feeding area. Choka was the first to leave. He decided he had enough of lucerne and walked a short distance away to scratch his belly on a rock. Kindani led the others out away from the compound, to begin their day in the bush. 

Loldaiga decided to test his strength by attempting to push down a tree. The tree he picked however was too big and strong, that he couldn’t move it an inch. Perhaps he was just testing his pushing power! Bondeni settled to browse with Vaarti and Mukutan, while Kinyei teamed up with Olorien and Suguroi. The orphans chose to browse in the Kone area again this morning. Mayan engaged Choka in a strength-testing exercise, but it didn’t last long as Roho intervened and separated the two boys.

At mud bath time it was so hot that all the orphans jumped into the mud bath without any convincing from the Keepers. Larro, Kuishi, Sattao, and Mukkoka joined the orphans at the mud bath. After wallowing, the orphans went to the mound of loose soil to dust themselves and dry off. 

In the afternoon, the orphans browsed west of Ithumba Hill and had a brief encounter with two buffaloes. Roho, Lodo, Sattao, and Mukkoka charged at the buffaloes while trumpeting. The buffaloes turned and walked away which brought the bulls much satisfaction! Choka played with Mayan, while Roho played with Loldaiga. In the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockades.