Mutara’s ex-orphan herd helped us ring in the New Year! They had been away for a long time, so their visit was a welcome surprise. Mutara, Mambo, Suguta, Sities, Turkwel, Malkia, Sana Sana, Naboishu, and Kainuk were later joined by ex-orphans Yatta, Yoyo, Yogi, Galla, Sapalan, Barsilinga, Nasalot, Nusu, and Noah, who also came to say hello for the New Year.
Mambo was so happy to meet the orphans and expressed it by engaging Lodo, Vaarti, and Mayan in a light pushing game. Turkwel exchanged greetings with Barsilinga and later with Sapalan. Olorien had a brief interaction with her old friend Naboishu.
While January was still green from December’s rains, the orphans are already realising that bountiful conditions don’t last forever. One morning, as the dependent herd loitered around the stockades, enjoying a rare day without ex-orphan visitors, Vaarti, Kuishi, and Esoit started walking off and rumbling. They were urging their friends to leave for browsing before the vegetation started to lose its lushness. Their intuition was spot on; many trees had already started changing colour from green to brown, an indication that the rain was no more and the dry period was beckoning.
Even amidst the changing seasons, some things always remain the same — and one of those things is our team of reliable swimmers. No matter how chilly the weather, we can almost always rely on water baby Lodo to indulge in a spectacular wallowing session. He is often joined by Kindani, Suguroi, and Roho, who also have a flair for swimming.
Rewilding happens at a gradual pace, usually aided by junior ex-orphan friends who help pave the way. Early in the month, Enkikwe and Sapalan arrived early one morning to take Sattao, Mukkoka, and Kuishi (the eldest members of our dependent herd) into the bush with them for the day. These little excursions served as confidence builders because, later in the month, the trio were even spending nights outside the stockades — a big step, especially for Kuishi and Sattao, who have been taking longer than their peers to explore their wild lives!
Most mornings, we could find the trio resting outside the stockades, waiting to join the dependent herd for the day. But one day, Kuishi, Sattao, and Mukkoka got whisked away on a long night adventure and didn’t show up in the morning for the lucerne. Larro took over Kuishi’s place by walking to young Esoit and assuring him that she would be there for him even if Kuishi didn’t turn up. We were proud of Larro for showing such thoughtfulness and leadership in that moment.
The highlight of the month was on 11th January, when three new graduates made the journey from the Nairobi Nursery to Ithumba. We kept the dependent herd close to the stockades in anticipation of their arrival — and just before nine o’clock, they were joined by ex-orphans Olare, Ola, Ndiwa, Nabulu, and Olsekki. It's amazing how they seemed to know that new babies were arriving at Ithumba, arriving at nearly the exact time the truck was due.
Mukutan, Choka, and Loldaiga calmly disembarked from the truck and walked down to meet their new colleagues. Everyone gathered round, and the air filled with welcoming rumbles. Only Mayan seemed a bit agitated, knowing that he and Vaarti had just been dethroned from the position of ‘Ithumba babies.’ The trio had a wonderful first day as their new Keepers and herd introduced them to Ithumba and walked them through all the routines.
The next morning — the boys’ first full day in Ithumba — Mukutan, Choka, and Loldaiga had their milk at first light and then seemed unsure what to do next. Naleku, Larro, Roho, and Kindani entered their stockade to lead the newcomers to the lucerne feeding area. Outside, Vaarti kindly shared his lucerne with Mukutan and Loldaiga, while Suguroi joined Choka. In the days following, the trio proved to be quick learners. Loldaiga, who is the most confident of the three, has become group leader. The boys hang out as one unit, but they are also starting to form friendships with the other Ithumba orphans — many of whom they knew from their Nursery days.
Mukutan, Choka, and Loldaiga never showed much interest in the youngest orphans at the Nursery, but they are fascinated by the ex-orphans’ babies. One morning, the three boys surrounded Mwende’s baby, Mala, trying to get to know her better. It wasn’t long before Naleku appeared and pushed them away — she wanted Mala all for herself!
Another morning, Mutara's group was present in the lucerne feeding venue. The fat and round Mambo kept harassing the orphans simply because his mother was present. Mambo bothered Vaarti, Mayan, Loldaiga, and Kindani before making his way over to Choka. Imagine his surprise when Choka didn't spare him but instead chased him all the way to his mother! In the end, the Keepers had to restore peace because Mutara (who is pregnant and seems moodier than usual) started chasing Choka in defense of her son.
The month ended with a funny moment, courtesy of Dololo. The cheerful bull was playing a pushing game with Mambo, walking in reverse to keep the younger bull happy. He didn’t realise until it was too late that the water trough was right behind him — and he tumbled right inside! Upon hearing him fall, all the ex-orphans circled in to check what was happening. (Meanwhile, Mambo ran in the opposite direction.) Dololo composed himself, stood up, and stepped out of the water trough, walking like a gentleman.