In Ithumba, July began with the usual lighthearted drama. In the morning, the orphans were peacefully enjoying their lucerne when Larro suddenly started trumpeting and running towards the bush. Her theatrics drew the attention of the entire herd, who all stopped feeding and followed Larro. Everyone was jockeying to reach her first. When Roho overtook Mukkoka, the older bull grabbed his tail and bit it in retaliation. This caused Roho to yell in indignation, which only added to the drama. We never did find out what Larro was so fussed about!
The ex-orphans and several wild bulls showed up at the stockade compound this morning. After finishing their milk, the orphans were let out of their night stockades to join them in the lucerne feeding area. Esoit met with baby Siku, who threatened to push Esoit if he didn't get out of the way. She clearly wasn’t in a very amiable mood this morning and Esoit didn't want any problems, so stepped out of the way for Siku to pass. Sagateisa, who has become a bit of a headache for the Keepers whenever there are any ex-orphans and wild elephants around, decided to run after some bulls who had finished at the water trough. The Keepers ran after her and finally caught up with her, standing in front of her to stop her from following the bulls and pointing their fingers back in the direction of her friends. Sagateisa immediately stopped and ran back the other way to join the rest of the Ithumba group!
It was a quiet morning as the orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. Kuishi settled to browse with Esoit and Lodo. Sattao, Musiara and Ambo browsed a distance away from their friends. Jotto decided to have fun rolling on the ground and resumed browsing when he had enough of playing. At mud bath time, Larro led the way, followed by Naboishu. After finishing their bottles, the orphans went to drink water and thereafter returned to the browsing field without swimming today. Roho teamed up with Naleku while Larro settled to browse with Esoit. The rest of the day was quiet as the orphans browsed calmly and quietly.
After leaving the stockades, the orphans briefly settled for some lucerne grass. They didn’t stay long however, for suddenly Larro started trumpeting and running towards the bush. The trumpeting drew the attention of the entire group and they all stopped feeding and followed after Larro. The orphans were all running and Mukkoka grabbed Roho’s tail when Roho overtook him. Poor Roho screamed when Mukkoka bit his tail, but Mukkoka let go as soon as he heard Roho shout, apparently satisfied that he had punished Roho enough for overtaking him.
This brought about the beginning of the browsing day for the orphans! Jotto loves rolling first thing in the morning and today was no different, he got down on the ground and started rolling around in joy. His game looked so much fun he was soon joined by Sagateisa, Naboishu, Sattao and Esoit. Kindani and Bondeni had their own soil dusting exercise a few metres away from their friends. Later, Bondeni engaged Roho into a pushing game that saw Bondeni surrender when the going got tough for him.
The orphans were joined by Malkia, Sana Sana, Malima and Rapa who are now living free in the wild, and who like to join up with the dependent orphans and Keepers when they fancy doing so. Kuishi had a brief meeting with her friend Malkia, perhaps inquiring what life is like out there in the wild. We can’t help but think that perhaps Kuishi might think about joining them soon!
Kindani led the first group to the mud bath while Olorien led the second group. After finishing their milk, the orphans went to drink some water and went straight back out to browse again, without wallowing. It was another quiet afternoon as the orphans concentrated on browsing. Shortly before evening, Esoit engaged Lodo into a pushing game while Roho played with Bondeni, and steered clear of Mukkoka who he hadn’t forgiven for biting his tail this morning! Naleku took a break from browsing to have a game of rolling on the ground. In the evening, Suguroi led the way back to the stockades for the night.
A wild bull queued up with the orphans this morning as they waited for the Keepers to distribute some lucerne. Just as the orphans were tucking in, Naserian emerged, leading some ex-orphans from the southeast. Bondeni, Kinyei and Kindani were apprehensive of interacting with any of the older elephants, and made sure they were always at the periphery in case there was any pushing and so that they could easily escape. Wiva was being her usual rambunctious self and was strutting around the compound up to all sorts of mischief, including putting a stop to a fun pushing game Dololo was having! Shortly later, the orphans decided to head out to the bush since the ex-orphans were proving to be greedy and wanted a lot of the lucerne for themselves. The dependent orphans didn’t mind and were happy to begin their day of browsing. Larro led the way out.
As the orphans chose to browse in the Kanziku area, before they settled down, Naboishu decided to engage Roho in a pushing game, while Jotto played with Kuishi.
At mud bath time the orphans were joined by Namalok, Kauro, Chaimu, Makireti, Kilabasi, Kofi and Olare. Namalok and Kauro got in the water to wash their feet and Esoit decided to follow them. When they were done Kuishi noticed that Esoit was dawdling and taking his time coming out of the water. She didn’t want to leave him there unsupervised, so she went back in and guided him out. Jotto decided to block Kauro from coming out of the water, perhaps trying to start a pushing game with him, but Kauro proved to be too strong and overpowered Jotto! In the afternoon the orphans settled to browse east of Ithumba Hill where they were joined by Malkia, Sana Sana and Mapia, who spent the rest of the quiet afternoon with the dependent babies.
Mutara and her group arrived early at the compound, followed by the wild elephant known as Queen's family. The orphans were let out soon after finishing their milk bottles. The dependent Ithumba orphans peacefully shared lucerne with all the older elephants there until the rest of the ex-orphans arrived led by Naserian. That was too much competition for the juniors so they decided to withdraw and head out to the bush.
Kuishi chose to browse with her little favourite Esoit. Dololo, Musiara and Sattao split from the main herd and walked off a short distance away to have some private browsing time together. They rejoined the group later just before it was time to head to the mud bath for the 11am milk feed.
At the mud bath the orphans were joined by Sana Sana and Malkia who were in the company of several wild bulls. The weather was chilly and the orphans only had their bottles and some water before Neshashi led the way back out to the browsing field. In the afternoon Kinyei engaged Mukkoka in a light pushing game while Kuishi settled to browse with her favourite little Esoit again. Bondeni chose to feed with Kinyei once she was done playing with Mukkoka. The rest of the day was quiet as the orphans concentrated mostly on browsing.
Tomboi arrived early in the morning in the company of some wild friends. Shortly later, Melia, Milo, Nasalot, Noah, Nusu, Naserian, Njema, Kilabasi, Kofi and Makireti arrived. The quietly shared lucerne with the dependent orphans – all that is except for the little rascal Milo! Milo started a ruckus by walking up to Naleku and trying to bully her, but Naleku wasn’t going to stand for that. She raised her trunk up and pushed him over, which resulted in Milo calling out to his mother for help. Melia turned around and warned Naleku by pointing her trunk at her, telling her not to hurt her baby. Milo took the opportunity to push Naleku in retaliation and then ran quickly to hide under his mother.
Suguroi settled to scratch on a nearby rock but Roho came over and tried to push her away. It seemed he wanted to use the rock himself and Suguroi was in the way. Suguroi turned to defend herself by engaging Roho in a pushing game. The game didn’t last long, however, as Jotto passed by and separated them.
As the dependent orphans made their way out to the bush for the day, Naleku came across some loose soil that she scooped up with her trunk and dusted herself with. Suguroi came over and decided to join her too. After a while Jotto played with Musiara while Mukkoka had a pushing game with Dololo. When he was done playing, Dololo decided to walk off with Naleku to browse, while Larro settled to browse with Esoit.
Just before eleven o'clock in the morning, Larro led the group to the mud bath for their milk feed. After having her milk bottles, Sagateisa, the girl with an independent mind, relaxed under a tree and looked like she was contemplating who to follow – her friends, who were going to the water trough for a drink of water, or the wild bulls who were also present at the mud bath. When she had fully quenched her thirst at the trough, Suguroi led the way back out to the bush and all the orphans followed, including Sagateisa! Kauro, Rapa and Mapia joined the orphans briefly in the afternoon to browse alongside them, before walking away as the dependent orphans started to walk home for the night.
It was a quiet morning today. A few ex-orphans spent the night outside the stockades and joined the orphans for lucerne in the morning. Only one wild bull showed up to share water with the group. Suguroi and Naleku walked down to the water trough to join him. Mutara’s herd then showed up and joined in too. Her playful baby Mambo tackled Roho, Naboishu, and then Olorien too! They all enjoyed playing with the spirited baby. When the orphans had enough lucerne, Lodo led the way out for a change.
Naleku, Mukkoka and Ambo decided to concentrate on peeling bark from trees this morning. The orphans browsed throughout the Kanziku area this morning and when it was time for the noon milk feed, Olorien led the way to the mud bath. Esoit attempted to steal a bottle of milk, but he wasn’t very quick, or stealthy! He dropped the bottle which alerted the Keepers to his misdemeanour. He tried to pick it again, but the Keepers were already there and managed to send him away before he could try again. Only one wild bull and Olsekki, who is living wild now, joined the orphans while they were drinking water. Jotto challenged Olsekki to a strength testing match but he ended up losing the challenge to Olsekki.
In the afternoon the orphans decided to browse in the Kanziku area again. Kinyei teamed up with Mukkoka and Olorien. Jotto, Neshashi, Ambo, Roho, Musiara and Naleku found a small mud pool which they played in together.
In the evening, a slow trickle of ex-orphans and wild elephants arrived at the stockade compound, and soon we had over one hundred elephants milling around and drinking water! It was quite a sight. After having enough water, the elephants slowly began to disperse into the night, just as quietly and peacefully as they had arrived.
As the orphans settled to feed on lucerne, a wild bull showed up for some water. Lodo was feeling confident and decided to walk down to join the friendly visitor. When he finished drinking the bull left and Lodo returned to join his friends with a spring in his step, as if he was feeling exuberant after his friendly interaction with an older wild elephant and role model. Shortly later, another bull showed up and settled for a drink. After watching Lodo’s interaction, Naboishu decided to walk down to talk to the bull and greet him. Naboishu stretched his trunk out to greet the wild bull, but the senior didn't respond and continued to drink water. Naboishu didn’t seem too deterred however as the wild bull was friendly enough and didn’t threaten him or try to push him away.
After the orphans had enough lucerne, independent Sagateisa led the way out to the bush. Bondeni teamed up with Kinyei and Kuishi to browse, while Sattao teamed up with Olorien. On the way to the mud bath, the orphans were joined by Kauro and Sana Sana who stayed with them as they walked for their noon milk feed.
Whilst at the mud bath the orphans were joined by ex-orphan Taita. He stayed and shared water with the orphans and then walked away. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area.
Whilst browsing in the afternoon Roho teamed up with Naboishu while Ambo played with Mukkoka, a game that ended in a draw. The rest of the day was very quiet as the orphans concentrated on browsing. In the evening, Kindani led the way back to the stockade.
As dawn broke, we found two bulls comfortably sleeping outside the stockade compound near the upper water trough. They had arrived in the dead of the night and found out that the water was finished, but they knew that in the morning the water would be refilled, and they would be able to drink to their satisfaction. Although it is fairly uncommon, being a safe place, the bulls knew they were safe enough to lie down to sleep, dreaming of how they would enjoy a drink of water in the morning! In the morning the troughs were filled by our water bowser and the two bulls enjoyed drinking water to their fill. They left after they had their fill, and their satisfaction and happiness was visible to see as they walked majestically but gratefully swinging their trunks from side to side.
The orphans settled to feed on lucerne as soon as they came out of their night stockades. As soon as they had all had their fill, Olorien led the way out to the bush. Lodo teamed up with Esoit to browse as Bondeni browsed with Kindani. The rest of the morning was quiet as the orphans concentrated mostly on browsing.
While the orphans were at the mud bath, they were joined by ex-orphans Tomboi, Sidai, Silas, Sita, Challa, Chyulu, Cheka and several wild elephants. Olorien playfully tackled baby Silas but his brother Sita intervened and sent Olorien away. Esoit engaged Roho in a pushing game but an over-productive Kuishi came over and put a stop to their game. Jotto, Kuishi and Mukkoka found some loose soil which they enjoyed a short soil dusting session in. They didn’t stay too long as their friends had already walked back out to the bush and were happily settling down to browse, and they didn’t want to be left behind. The orphans really enjoyed browsing as it was a cool afternoon and their favourite temperature.
Only a handful of ex-orphans showed up in the morning. The dependent orphans came out of their night stockades and joined them outside in the lucerne feeding area. Tiny 8 month old Nyx was with her mother Naisula and briefly interacted with Naleku, Kindani and Suguroi. Esoit had a morning warm up exercise with Roho to stretch their limbs and wake themselves up for the day, while Bondeni briefly challenged Lodo. Their game didn’t last long as Lodo managed to overpower the inexperienced Bondeni fairly quickly, and Bondeni knew he was probably aiming too high. Kinyei went to scratch on a nearby rock. After having enough lucerne, Mukkoka led the way out for the day and took his friends towards the east of Ithumba Hill. Kuishi teamed up with her favourite Esoit, as Kindani, Bondeni and Kinyei split from the main herd and browsed a short distance away. The three new babies only rejoined their friends on the way to the mud bath.
Three wild bulls showed up while the orphans were at the mud bath for their noon milk feed. The weather was chilly and none of the orphans dared to step into the mud wallow. After everyone had enough water, Olorien led the way back out to browse for the afternoon.
Dololo is trying to establish himself a kingpin among his age-mates and so is often initiating wrestling matches. This afternoon he first engaged Mukkoka in a pushing game. He won that game easily and moved on to Ambo which is where he met some resistance, and their match ended in a draw. In the evening, nearly all the ex-orphans showed up for water at the stockade water troughs.
Yatta's family, Wendi’s family, Chaimu, Kalama, Melia, Milo, Galana and Gawa were present for this morning’s lucerne feeding. Milo threatened Suguroi simply because his mother was around and he was feeling brave. Suguroi knew what Milo was doing and managed to refrain from engaging him, as she knew she might get in trouble with his mother, Melia. Suguroi walked away leaving young Milo thinking that he had won the match, and feeling very pleased with himself! Shortly later, Kinyei led the way out to the bush.
A lesser kudu passed by and was spotted by Kindani. Kindani charged and trumpeted to try and scare the lesser kudu away but the antelope was unperturbed! Bondeni, Roho, Naleku and Suguroi came to check on why Kindani was trumpeting. Kindani stretched her trunk as if pointing towards the antelope, The four orphans saw the lesser kudu and ran towards it. Of course, he panicked when he saw these rascals running towards him. He had no option other than to run away, leaving the orphans charging around in the bushes. Neshashi, who had lagged behind in the morning interacting with the ex-orphans, joined the orphans on the way to the mud bath.
It was a clear, hot day, but still only Kinyei, Roho, Sagateisa and Larro decided to wallow in the mud bath. Fifteen wild bulls were there too but they made space for the orphans to drink at the water trough. They relaxed under the nearby acacia trees and resumed drinking after the orphans had left. Sagateisa, Larro and Kinyei participated in a soil dusting exercise and later followed their friends. Neshashi picked up a light wood log and dragged it for several metres before dropping it after discovering that it had no edible bark left on it.
In the afternoon the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area again where they browsed calmly for the rest of the day. In the evening, Motomo, a lone adolescent bull we translocated back into the Park in March, showed up with some wild bulls and left with them after drinking enough water.
The ex-orphans in the company of the Queen's family showed up at the stockade compound. The herd joined the orphans for lucerne, but we were most excited to see Kilaguni appear out of the bush and wander up towards the compound — he has been away for quite some time! He arrived and was welcomed by little Lodo first. Lodo had a brief conversation with Kilaguni as he wanted to find out where he had been all this time. Yogi engaged Naleku in a pushing game as Bondeni decided to have a stretching exercise by going down with his knees and raising his trunk up in the air. Suguroi settled on a nearby rock for a scratching session where she was joined by Roho who engaged her in a pushing game. Naboishu ran into trouble with Ambo when he refused to share lucerne with him. Ambo pushed Naboishu from the back as he tried to forcefully take some lucerne from Naboishu's mouth. Naboishu resisted and ran away.
On the way to the browsing field, Bondeni engaged Roho in a pushing game that ended when Mukkoka passed by and pushed the two boys apart. Sattao teamed up with Sagateisa to browse while Olorien settled to browse with Lodo and Esoit.
It was another hot day while the orphans were at the mud bath, but none of the orphans felt like swimming apart from Naleku, who just washed her feet in the shallows. Yatta and Mulikas' family were also at the mud bath. Enkikwe, Nabulu, Ithumbah, baby Iman and Ishanga arrived too.
Eventually the orphans began to wander away to continue with their afternoon of browsing. They chose the Kanziku area to spend the afternoon. Musiara teamed up with Neshashi while Sagateisa settled to browse with Jotto, Kuishi and Dololo.
In the evening we once again saw Motomo in the company of some wild bulls who he left with again. Having been found alone deep in community land, we are happy he now has the guidance and company of these friendly senior bulls.
A wild bull found with an arrow wound was treated by our SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit at the stockades. He had showed up earlier in the week, and this time, he stuck around the compound, clearly seeking help. Ex-orphan Zurura remained close by and observed the whole procedure, as the bull happens to be a friend of his. He stood by until the treatment was over and his friend was safely back on his feet.
Mutara’s group spent the night outside the stockade compound last night. The orphans left the stockades soon after finishing their milk bottles and joined Mutara’s group. Wendi, Wiva, Wema, Wimbi, Galana, Gawa and Kilaguni showed up later. Kindani, Kinyei and Bondeni settled to scratch against the stockade compound wall before joining their friends already feasting on lucerne. Mambo had a brief interaction with Suguroi as Sagateisa shared lucerne with Suguta. When the orphans had enough lucerne, Kinyei led the way out to the bush. While in the lead she was overtaken by Naleku and Neshashi who wanted to take the orphans in a different direction, towards the Kone area.
It's drying out in the Ithumba area now and quite a few of the water holes are drying up. The orphans were in a very relaxed mood but concentrated mostly on browsing. It was as if they knew that they shouldn’t waste time or else they might return to the stockades in the evening without filling their stomachs.
Kuishi and Larro escorted Esoit as Roho and Suguroi competed to see who would get to the mud bath first. Suguroi, being a bit lighter, won the race. After finishing their milk, the orphans settled for water with several wild bulls, then Kindani led the way back out to the bush. The afternoon was quiet as the orphans concentrated on browsing again. Just before heading home, Bondeni challenged Esoit but their game didn't last for long as Kuishi intervened by collecting her favourite Esoit and leading him back to the stockades.
Melia, who appears to have formed a small group consisting of her, baby Milo, Kalama, Kandecha and Tusuja, arrived in the morning and joined the orphans. After feeding on lucerne, Roho, who is always ready for a challenge, decided to tackle Naboishu. At last, during this wrestling match, Naboishu managed to overpower Roho. Olorien had a brief conversation with Neshashi while Jotto decided to play with Musiara. Quiet Sagateisa browsed far away from her friends.
Melia’s group, along with Sidai, Silas, Sita, Chyulu, Cheka, Lenana, Lapa, Mulika, Mwende, Mkuu and Makena showed up while the orphans were at the mud bath. Esoit, who is proving to be a bit of a tough boy, perhaps to show everyone that his limp isn’t an impediment, had a bit of a disagreement while interacting with Lapa. Esoit wasn’t going to take any nonsense from the wild born baby and so decided to show Lapa that he was fit enough to defend himself. Esoit tackled Lapa until Lapa surrendered and ran away. As Lapa was running, he met with Olorien, who he pushed for trying to block his way. Olorien turned to defend herself and a fierce fight erupted! The Keepers intervened when they saw that Olorien was about to lose and went to collect her and bring her back over to her friends. Lapa ran back to his mother.
Kuishi teamed up with Neshashi to browse for the afternoon while Kinyei settled to browse with Bondeni. In the evening, Olorien led the first group home while Kindani led the second group.
Neshashi, who made a name for herself when she first arrived at Ithumba for running away with some ex-orphans for a week — and even after returning, made several attempts to run off again — was up to her old tricks again last night! She managed to break the stockade fence partition by cutting the live wires using her tusks. The other orphans stood by and just watched her in awe! Luckily the Keepers on night duty heard what was happening and managed to resolve the situation.
Ten wild bulls were present in the morning as the orphans came out to start their day. Kilabasi, Kofi, Galana, Gawa, Tomboi, Mutara, mambo, Chaimu, Sities, Turkwel, Kainuk, Sunyei, Sidai, Sita, Sunyei, Siku, Saba, Mulika, Mwende and Mkuu arrived and joined the orphans for some lucerne too. Kofi made the mistake of threatening to push Lodo, not realising that Lodo doesn’t tolerate any threats from younger babies! Lodo pushed Kofi hard so that he shouted out for help, but by the time his mother Kilabasi turned to find out what was wrong with her little boy, Lodo had already moved away, so Kilabasi wasn’t sure who had pushed Kofi.
Mukkoka decided to have a morning stretching exercise by sitting and leaning against a nearby rock, until Kinyei led the way out to the bush. Esoit settled to browse with Larro as Sattao and Lodo decided to move off slightly away from the others and enjoy their own browsing session.
It was quite hot when the orphans were at the mud bath for their noon milk feed, but only Rapa, Naleku, Roho, Sagateisa and Larro decided to get into the main mud wallow to swim. Jotto played with Mapia at the edge of the water, while Rapa tackled Musiara as soon as he came out of the mud bath.
In the afternoon the orphans settled to browse east of Ithumba Hill. It was still very hot, and the little band of friends Kindani, Kinyei, and Bondeni decided to take a break from feeding to relax under a tree. Larro teamed up with Naboishu to browse from the same shrubs. The rest of the day was quiet as the orphans concentrated on browsing.
When the orphans returned to the stockades in the evening, Neshashi chose to remain outside with the ex-orphans who were present, and flatly refused to go in the stockades. Neshashi has joined the likes of Kelelari, in being one of the orphans to become independent in the shortest amount of time after arriving at Ithumba! Kelelari left after only five days at Ithumba back in 2017, along with Dupotto and Karisa, but the latter returned while Kelelari has been wild ever since. Neshashi has stayed for seven months since she arrived in November last year, but it is clear she wants to be wild with the ex-orphans now. We sometimes find this is the case when we rescue orphans at an older age like Neshashi and Kelelari. Only time will tell which family she will end up with!
The orphans came out of their night stockades and immediately went to enjoy their lucerne breakfast. Kauro, who often reports back in the morning, arrived in good time to join the dependent babies. Later, a lone wild bull joined the orphans too. Naboishu walked over to chat to the bull and they ended up conversing for quite some time. As soon as the bull had enough lucerne, he walked down to the water trough. Neshashi followed him and they were joined by Roho, Sattao, Musiara, Naboishu and Naleku too. Kinyei and Bondeni settled to scratch on a nearby rock. Neshashi, who left with the ex-orphans last night, emerged from the south leading Nabulu, Malima, Malkia, Mapia and Ndiwa. We were happy to see her with the girls who have recently left the stockade life and she seemed very happy in their company! The small group joined the orphans for lucerne too. When everyone was done, Larro led the way out to the bush.
Out in the bush the boys, Musiara and Ambo, had a strength testing exercise while Naboishu tackled Roho. Meanwhile the rest of the orphans concentrated on browsing right up until mud bath time when Olorien led the first group for their noon milk feed. The happy and playful Suguroi led the second group. It was a hot day and Dololo, Roho, Naboishu, Naleku, Ambo, Esoit, Larro, Musiara and Jotto all got in the mud bath to cool off after finishing their milk. They came out and went to the dust bath to dry off. While on the loose soil Naboishu enjoyed climbing on Sagateisa, but his game was short-lived as Makena arrived and warned Naboishu to stop misbehaving. The orphans calmly settled to browse in the Kanziku area for the rest of the day.
The three little friends Kindani, Kinyei and Bondeni shared lucerne together after coming out of their night stockade. Esoit stretched his body and warmed up by engaging Roho in a pushing game. It was a quiet morning as no wild elephants or ex-orphans showed up to share lucerne with the dependent babies, except for Kauro! When Kinyei had enough lucerne she started to walk off south into the bush, thinking that her friends would follow her. She tried all means to get them to come, even trumpeting, but none was willing to follow her! Kinyei gave up and as the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them, so she returned back to her friends and continued feeding on lucerne.
When finally the rest of the group was done with their lucerne breakfast, Roho walked to the water trough where he was joined by the entire group. Later, Olorien led the way, heading east. The orphans chose to settle along the upper Kalovoto seasonal river. Jotto engaged Musiara in a pushing game that lasted for quite some time while Esoit had a stretching exercise by sitting and raising his trunk up in the air.
The orphans browsed calmly throughout the morning as they headed slowly towards the mud bath for their noon milk feed. After their bottles they had a mud bath for the first time in a few days, then the Keepers moved the wild bulls who were present to allow the orphans to have some water from the trough. After drying off on the loose soil, the orphans were ready to slowly drift off back into the bush to continue browsing. In the evening the stockade compound was flooded once again with wild elephants and ex-orphans – including the babies, there were over one hundred elephants!
The orphans woke up in a happy mood today, which we knew because they walked out of their night stockades swinging their trunks. Bondeni Kinyei, Kindani, and Lodo settled to share lucerne but later on, Kindani, Kinyei and Bondeni quit because of Lodo, who stopped sharing and started pushing them around. He is bossy!
Shortly later, the ex-orphans led by Yatta arrived and settled to share the lucerne with the orphans. When the orphans had enough, Olorien led the way to the browsing field. Esoit teamed up with his elder ‘sister’ Kuishi in browsing, while Sattao joined Jotto. The rest of the morning was quiet as the orphans concentrated more on browsing. At mud bath time, the orphans had milk then walked to the water trough. Afterwards, Larro, Sagateisa, Lodo and Roho opted for a soil dusting exercise. The rest of the group settled to relax under an acacia tree, where they were joined by Wendi.
In true form for her wayward parenting ways, Wendi showed up without her kids. Wimbi, Wema, and Wiva arrived a short while later, looking for their mother — to their surprise, they found her relaxing comfortably under a tree, completely unconcerned about their whereabouts! The Keepers called their orphans and left Wendi to sort out issues with her kids.
The orphans settled to browse west of Kalovoto seasonal river. The sun was getting hot and the orphans decided to take a break from feeding and relaxed under a tree until the temperatures dropped to a favourable level. In the evening, seventy wild elephants showed up at the stockade without any single ex-orphan in their company. The wild elephant took water and later left under the cover of darkness.
Several wild bulls were waiting for water in the morning. The orphans left the stockade and settled for lucerne. Mutara and her group joined the orphans in feeding of lucerne. Mambo had the audacity of attacking lodo. Lodo couldn't enact his revenge, due to the presence of the many nannies who were accompanying Mutara’s brazen calf. Lodo just walked away, biding his time for any opportunity to get even. Unfortunately, that opportunity didn't present itself, as Mambo must have read Lodo’s mind and stuck with his nannies.
Suguroi had fun rolling on the ground as Kindani and Esoit settled to scratch on a nearby rock. Then, Naleku led the way to the browsing field, where Esoit had a morning stretch. Kuishi stood close to him and watched over him until he had enough of his exercise. Ambo had a light pushing game with Musiara, while Kinyei settled to browse with Kindani. At mud bath time, the orphans were joined by several ex-orphans and wild elephants. In the afternoon, Naboishu had a misunderstanding with Dololo, which resulted in a pushing match. Dololo being the strongest, managed to defeat Naboishu. Kinyei teamed up with Olorien and Naleku in browsing. The remainder of the day was quiet. In the evening, Suguroi led the way back to the stockade.
The orphans settled for lucerne shortly after leaving the stockade. A wild herd with young ones arrived at the stockade water troughs to drink water. Kauro walked down and joined the herd in drinking water. Lodo settled down to share lucerne with Sagateisa, while Kinyei played a pushing game with Esoit. After having enough lucerne, Kuishi led the way to the browsing field. There, the orphans were joined by Neshashi, Mapia, Nabulu, Malkia, and Malima. Jotto and Kuishi had a brief conversation with Neshashi, trying to understand how she had returned to the wild in less than a year since coming to Ithumba. Neshashi seemed to smile and only told them that they were very welcome to join her if they would like to.
During mud bath time, Naleku was brave enough to join the wild bulls in the large mud bath to cool herself down. The rest of the orphans settled for a soil dusting exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans went to browse in the Kanziku area. Roho engaged Bondeni in a pushing game. However, their game didn't last long as Jotto passed by and separated the two boys. In the evening, Olorien led the way back to the stockade.
Malkia and Sana Sana, who had spent the night outside the stockade, walked into Olorien, Lodo, and Esoit's bedroom when the gates were opened for them. The two girls, who recently left stockade life, wanted to check if the babies had anything left for them to feed on. Chyulu and Cheka remained outside to wait for the distribution of lucerne. The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade. Lodo and Esoit decided to engage in a morning strength testing exercise that was ended by Kuishi. Kuishi took Esoit a distance away and lay down so that he could play on her. Bondeni attempted to challenge the playful Roho, while Lodo moved to play with Kinyei.
On the way to the browsing field, the orphans encountered a warthog. The boys—Bondeni, Lodo, Esoit, Roho, and Naboishu—went wild as they charged and trumpeted, trying to scare the warthog away. Naleku, Suguroi, and Kindani joined in the chase. Sagateisa wasn't bothered at all, as she knew that catching the warthog would be difficult, so there was no need to waste energy running after it. The warthog disappeared quickly, leaving the orphans charging at empty bushes. At the browsing field, Jotto settled to browse with Musiara.
During mud bath time, the orphans were joined by Namalok, Galla, Buchuma, Teleki, Mulika, Mwende, and Mkuu. The sun was hot, prompting Roho, Sagateisa, Larro, Suguroi, and Naleku to cool off by getting into the mud bathing water. Musiara had a brief meeting with Namalok and Teleki, although no one understood what they were discussing. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse east of Ithumba Hill. Roho wrapped up the day's activities by playing with Naboishu. In the evening, one hundred and twenty elephants showed up for water at the stockade compound.
A few ex-orphans showed up early in the morning. Melia, Milo, Chemi Chemi, Lemoyian, Kitirua, Kilaguni, Mapia, Oltaiyoni, Naseku, Malkia, and Kalama joined the orphans in feeding on lucerne. Esoit walked over to Milo for morning greetings, but instead of accepting Esoit's greetings, Milo decided to play rough. Esoit wondered why a small baby like Milo would choose conflict over peace. Naleku passed by, and Milo turned and pushed her. Naleku didn't wait; she pushed Milo out of her way. Esoit moved on to play with Lodo. Kuishi had a brief conversation with Kitirua, while Lemoyian settled for a strength testing exercise with Chemi Chemi.
When the lucerne feeding was over, Kindani led the way to the browsing field. The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. Malkia, Mapia, and Naseku followed the orphans but later went their separate ways. Esoit settled to browse with Kinyei, and Jotto had a brief meeting with Malkia. Olorien teamed up with Bondeni, but Roho passed by and attempted to take some food from Bondeni's mouth. Bondeni didn't wait; he turned and walked away. The rest of the morning was quiet, and at mud bath time, Olorien led the way to the mud bath. The ex-orphans Yatta and her family, Challa and Narok, showed up at the mud bath. Ambo said hi to Challa before giving him space to have a mud bath.
In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Naleku and Naboishu found a branch broken by a wild elephant and picked it. They shared it, each holding one end, until it broke, leaving each with a piece. Jotto settled to browse with Roho, while Esoit teamed up with Sattao.
In the evening, there was a dramatic incident when Wimbi, Wendi's baby, was forgotten by her mother somewhere in the bush. Wimbi came running back to the stockade compound, trumpeting and calling for her mother. Wherever Wendi was, she didn't respond. Wimbi turned and ran towards the south. Two young wild females heard the cries and followed Wimbi to help her locate her mother. Eventually, they found Wendi at the Kone dry dam. The two wild females then returned to the stockade and continued drinking water after successfully reuniting the baby with her mother.
The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade. Kilabasi, Makireti, Olsekki, Bomani, Barsilinga, and Kofi joined the orphans for the lucerne feeding. Kofi engaged several orphans in a pushing game, starting with Naleku and then moving on to play with Sagateisa. On the way to the browsing field, Suguroi came across loose soil that she used for a soil dusting exercise. Kinyei found a fallen tree that she used to scratch her neck.
At the browsing field, Esoit and Bondeni took a break from browsing to engage in a pushing game, while Lodo had a solitary game of rolling on the ground. Kindani, Kinyei, and Roho stood close to Lodo and participated in a soil dusting exercise using their trunks. During mud bath time, as the sun was hot, the orphans had their milk, and then Larro, Roho, Naleku, and Sattao participated in a cooling off exercise. Melia, Milo, Kandecha, Kibo, Nabulu, Enkikwe, and Mutara arrived at the mud bath and briefly joined the orphans. Dad, along with his wild friends, also arrived for the mud bath. The orphans left immediately after drinking water.
In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Dololo settled to browse with Larro, while Jotto played with Musiara. The orphans browsed calmly throughout the remaining part of the day.
It was a quiet morning. The orphans settled briefly for lucerne and then headed to the browsing field. They chose to browse east of Ithumba Hill. Jotto teamed up with Larro while browsing, and Esoit settled to browse with her big sister, Kuishi. As the orphans were browsing, a male lesser kudu emerged from the thickets. Sattao and Mukkoka spotted it and immediately reacted by charging. The lesser kudu panicked and turned to run away. On the other side, Sattao and Mukkoka alerted their colleagues of the intruder through trumpeting. Naboishu, Esoit, Bondeni, Suguroi, Roho, and Bondeni responded by teaming up with their two colleagues and started running towards the lesser kudu. By the time they reached the spot where the lesser kudu was spotted, it had long gone, leaving the orphans chasing only the wind.
During mud bath time, the orphans were joined by Challa and two wild bulls. After having their milk and water, Kindani led the way to the browsing field. In the afternoon, the orphans were joined by Kauro, who browsed with them throughout the remaining part of the day.
The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade. It was quiet, with no ex-orphans or wild elephants joining the orphans in their lucerne feeding. The orphans enjoyed their time, as there was no competition from any outsiders. Bondeni engaged Esoit in a pushing game and even attempted to ride on him. Esoit resisted and fought hard until he managed to disengage himself from Bondeni. Esoit then walked over to play with Kinyei. Shortly afterward, Kindani led the way to the browsing field.
Olorien chose to browse with Kinyei, while Dololo engaged Mukkoka in a pushing game and later took on Naboishu. The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. Just before mud bath time, Naboishu took a break from feeding and engaged Roho in a pushing game that ended when they saw their fellow orphans leaving for the mud bath. Only Roho, Esoit, and Sagateisa participated in the mud bath, later joined by Kindani in the soil bath. The rest of the group settled to drink water and were briefly joined by Kanjoro. Kanjoro left immediately after quenching his thirst, leaving the orphans blowing bubbles into the water trough.
In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. The sun was hot, causing the orphans to take a break from feeding and relax under a tree until the temperatures dropped to a more comfortable level.
Several wild bulls were waiting for water as the orphans were let out. Ambo and Naboishu exchanged morning greetings by entwining their trunks. Mutara and her group emerged from the northern side and joined the orphans. Kindani approached Mambo and had a brief conversation, although Mambo seemed uncomfortable and retreated back to his nannies. The orphans didn't stay for long during the lucerne feeding. Olorien led the way to the browsing field.
At the browsing field, Jotto had a brief conversation with Naboishu and then they settled to browse together. Later, the ever-playful Roho engaged Naboishu in a pushing game. Sagateisa teamed up with Kindani and Kinyei while browsing. Bondeni engaged Esoit in a pushing game that ended in a draw. During mud bath time, the orphans had their milk and then headed for a soil dusting exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Ambo paired up with Dololo and later engaged in a pushing game. Sattao played with Musiara, and Olorien teamed up with Kindani and Kinyei. In the evening, Motomo showed up for water in the company of Dad, who is perhaps the biggest tusker in the northern sector of Tsavo East.
The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade. Kindani, Bondeni, and Kinyei held a brief meeting that lasted for several minutes before joining their colleagues in feeding on lucerne. Four wild bulls settled near the water source, and shortly afterwards, two of them joined the orphans briefly in their lucerne feeding. Ambo chose to share his lucerne with Musiara. Sagateisa, Dololo, Naboishu, and Jotto walked down to the water trough and joined the other two wild bulls in drinking water.
At the browsing field, Esoit and Bondeni had a misunderstanding that resulted in a pushing game. Kuishi, who was feeding nearby and happened to be Esoit's best friend, stepped forward and separated the two boys. Lodo settled to browse with Olorien, while Roho, Naleku, and Suguroi took a break from feeding to engage in a soil dusting exercise. Shortly before mud bath time, Mukkoka engaged Sattao in a strength-testing exercise that lasted quite some time. It ended when the two boys saw Yatta, Yogi, Yoyo, Sunyei, Siku, Saba, Loijuk, and Lili passing close by. The two boys followed the ex-orphans with the intention of playing with the ex-orphans' babies. Unfortunately, the two boys didn't get a chance, as the babies walked ahead of their mothers.
The weather was chilly, and none of the orphans dared to step into the mud bath water. No wild elephants showed up at the mud bath. The orphans didn't even bother to drink water but returned to the browsing field. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Imenti area.
Naisula and her team, consisting of her baby Nyx and nannies, arrived at the stockade early before dawn. The team included Naisula, Nyx, Mteto, Maramoja, Esampu, Naseku, and Siangiki. Upon arrival, the team realized that the water had run out and decided to wait until daybreak and also enjoy a bite of lucerne with the orphans. At six o'clock in the morning, the orphans had their milk, and then Kindani led the way out of the stockade.
During lucerne feeding time, Roho engaged Bondeni in a pushing game, while Lodo played with Kinyei. Once the orphans had their fill of lucerne, Larro led the way to the browsing field. At the browsing field, the orphans were joined by Mapia, Pare, Kauro, and Rapa. Jotto engaged Mapia in a pushing game, while Esoit challenged Kindani in a strength testing exercise. Bondeni, who chose to browse with Esoit, attempted to grab some food from Esoit's mouth. Esoit got upset and decided to confront Bondeni. Fortunately, Larro, who is another friend of Esoit's, intervened and stopped the two boys from fighting.
The orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area, gradually making their way to the mud bath. With the sun being hot, only Sagateisa and Rapa participated in wallowing during mud bath time. The afternoon was quiet as the orphans focused more on browsing without any significant incidents.
Kithaka arrived at the stockade compound early before dawn and relaxed as he waited for the orphans to be let out and gather together. At six o'clock in the morning, the orphans had their milk and then proceeded to enjoy lucerne before heading out to browse. Esoit made several attempts to climb the stockade wall, and he came close to succeeding when Bondeni arrived and began pushing him. Esoit accepted the challenge, and the two boys engaged in a pushing game. Rapa and Kauro joined the orphans in their lucerne feeding. Shortly afterward, Musiara initiated a pushing game with Rapa, while Lodo played with Sattao. Kindani led the way to the browsing field.
On the way, the orphans encountered a wild bull. Ambo, Dololo, Naboishu, and Sagateisa, who were at the forefront, stopped and raised their trunks in greeting. The wild bull responded by stopping and acknowledging their greetings with a raised trunk before continuing its journey. Later, two dik-diks passed by running. Larro spotted them and trumpeted, prompting her to run in the direction taken by the dik-diks. The other orphans joined in trumpeting, filling the air with their trumpeting calls, which even scared off other dik-diks in the vicinity.
After a while, the orphans grew tired of running and trumpeting at empty bushes. They settled to browse as they headed south from the stockade. Musiara took a break from feeding to play with Ambo, while Esoit continued to play with Bondeni. Larro had an unusual but brief conversation with Sagateisa, suggesting the possibility of a new chapter of friendship between them.
On the way to the mud bath, a lesser kudu accidentally bumped into the orphans and had a rough time. As usual, the boys, led by Dololo, chased the lesser kudu away. During mud bath time, the weather was chilly, so the orphans only had their milk and water before heading back to the browsing field. Jotto and Musiara relaxed under a tree for a while before resuming their browsing. The orphans calmly browsed throughout the rest of the day.
Jotto, Dololo, Ambo, Sattao, and Kuishi headed straight to the water trough and joined the wild elephants in drinking water soon after being let out. Suguroi left the stockade with a branch in her mouth, keeping herself busy while waiting for the distribution of lucerne. Bondeni, in a playful mood, engaged Esoit in a pushing game. Their game attracted Naboishu, who decided to play with Ambo and later Mukkoka. On the way to the browsing field, Olorien, Kinyei, and Kindani came across loose soil that they used for a soil dusting exercise. Later, Mukkoka and Sattao teamed up against Ambo. Unable to withstand the strength of the two boys, Ambo chose to walk away.
Upon reaching the browsing field, Naboishu briefly interacted with Kinyei, who showed no interest in engaging in a pushing game. Kuishi held a brief meeting with Larro, perhaps discussing the future transition when the call to join the wild would prompt her to leave the human family. As the day progressed, Roho took a break from feeding to engage Bondeni in a strength testing exercise, while Dololo played with Mukkoka. Larro led the way to the mud bath.
Despite the shining sun, a cold blowing wind hindered the mud bathing exercise. The orphans had their milk and then headed to the water trough, where they joined several wild bulls in drinking water. After drinking, Bondeni, Naleku, Suguroi, Kindani, and Lodo engaged in a soil dusting exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Kinyei paired up with Kindani while Esoit chose to browse with his two elder sisters, Kuishi and Larro.
Around one o'clock, an elephant carcass, nearly one week old, was discovered between the stockade and Kalovoto borehole. The carcass belonged to a male elephant aged between 8 and 9 years old. Hyenas had consumed the face, trunk, and stomach, making it impossible to determine which group it belonged to. The cause of death couldn't be established, but natural causes were suspected, as there were no signs of struggle where the carcass was found. In the evening, Kama, Kaia, Kina, and Makena showed up at the stockade in the company of wild elephants.
Sunyei, Siku, Saba, Kilabasi, Kofi, and Naserian joined the orphans for the lucerne feeding in the morning. Naleku, Suguroi, and Kindani teamed up against Saba. However, Siku, who happens to be Saba's sister, didn't allow any attacks on her. She quickly came running to rescue her sister, pushing the three girls away and taking Saba to their mother. After having enough of lucerne, the orphans left immediately. Sagateisa led the way to the browsing field.
At the browsing area, Ambo and Sattao kicked off the morning activities with a pushing game. Bondeni tackled Esoit, while Naboishu played with Roho. Mukkoka engaged Lodo in a pushing game, and Musiara, Olorien, Kuishi, Kinyei, and Dololo had their own game of rolling on the ground. Shortly after, Ambo and Musiara split from the main herd and browsed at a distance. Due to the chilly weather, the orphans had their milk during mud bath time and then walked to the water trough, where they were joined by Tusuja. After drinking enough water, the orphans left for browsing, leaving Tusuja still drinking.
In the afternoon, Mukkoka engaged Dololo in a pushing game, while Jotto played with Musiara. The orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area, and the rest of the day was peaceful. In the evening, Olorien led the way back to the stockade.
Challa and Sana Sana joined the orphans for the lucerne feeding in the morning. Roho and Naboishu chose to settle under the only standing acacia tree at the stockade compound, feasting on fallen acacia pods on the ground. After having enough of the pods, Roho and Naboishu joined their colleagues in the lucerne feeding. Later, Musiara led the way to the browsing field.
At the browsing field, a dramatic scene unfolded when Kindani and Esoit vied for the attention of Kuishi. Esoit didn't want Kindani to be too close to Kuishi. Kuishi intervened and separated the two orphans, not showing favouritism, and then moved a distance away. With Kuishi farther away, Esoit saw an opportunity to push Kindani aside. Meanwhile, Musiara engaged Jotto in a pushing game, while Naboishu played with Roho.
Later, while wandering in the bush, the orphans came across an old buffalo. Jotto, Sattao, Ambo, and Dololo attempted to charge at the buffalo, but the buffalo remained unmoved. The buffalo chased Ambo and then turned to push Sattao. After intimidating the orphans, the buffalo walked away, and the orphans followed it slowly before giving up and resuming their browsing.
During mud bath time, Larro led the way to the mud bath. With the sun shining and the weather hot, only Roho, Ambo, and Kinyei participated in wallowing. Afterward, the orphans had water and then engaged in a soil dusting session before heading back to the browsing field. They settled to browse in the Kone area. Sana Sana joined the orphans and had a brief conversation with Sagateisa. Later, Sana Sana left for an undisclosed location. In the evening, the orphans returned safely to the stockade.