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It all began as a very good day with the hadada ibis making morning noises. The elephants were up and ready to go. Amali welcomed her adopted little sister, Mwana, to the pellets, but Mwana was not in a good mood. Instead of following Amali, Mwana walked to Sonje and used more of her energy to try and nurse from Lima Lima rather than Sonje. Kapei and Maktao were busy pushing each other, testing their strength before it was time to head to the hills.

Zongoloni and Enkesha moved to the dust mound for their morning dusting while on their way towards the springs. Some male bushbucks found themselves in trouble when one ended up near Mwashoti and Alamaya. The elephants took this opportunity to play around, with Mwashoti pushing the bushbuck deeper into the Kibwezi Forest to keep them from coming near the orphans again. Mwashoti drew an invisible line, warning the bushbucks should not step around where the orphans were.

Charging and trumpeting, Alamaya and Mwashoti were busy advertising their presence in the bushes. Once they had secured the area, they returned to the herd, where all the head girls were waiting for them. Together, they moved to another safe place with more food.

After the orphans came out to the gate, they found Lima Lima and other night clubbers already waiting. Enkesha got into a tricky situation with Maktao, who blocked her way to the pellets and to the babies. She tried to move aside to give Maktao his time and freedom to do whatever he was doing, but Maktao refused to give Enkesha the respect she deserves. This forced a keeper to caution Maktao to leave Enkesha alone. Free from her bullish friend, she snuck out slowly behind the keeper, moved to the wall for a scratch, and then joined Kiasa and Amali, who were keeping Mwana busy while Murera enjoyed her pellets.

Sonje and Quanza then moved in a different direction, trying to lead everyone away from where Alamaya and Mwashoti wanted to go. The other head girls listened, and soon all the elephants moved together to the Kibwezi Forest as one family with no separation or division among the orphans. All the matriarchs put the herd together, and everyone followed Murera and Sonje's commands to the top of the hills. When it was time for the midday milk feed, the keepers called all the babies to come down.

Enkesha got confused and followed Lima Lima, who went with a wild herd in another direction, causing Enkesha to miss her midday bottles. Later, she was heard trumpeting from the thickest bushes at the top of the hills, making her way to the mud bath. She had separated from the wild friends and Lima Lima, and now returned alone to the orphan herd. Unfortunately, her bottle had been taken by little Amali, who got two bottles instead. Amali had to fight hard for it with Kapei, who was also eyeing the extra bottle. However, a keeper chose to give it to Amali, the youngest orphan and Mwana's adopted sister.

After bottle feeding, all the babies went into the mud bath and wallowed peacefully until they were satisfied. Then they walked out to the soil pile to dry off and went to the bushes to wait for the keepers to finish their lunch before moving into the forest for the rest of the day.

Kapei, while at the soil pile with the other orphans, decided to play by climbing on top of his older friends repeatedly, almost as if they were playing acrobatics. This behaviour eventually drew the attention of Kiasa and Quanza, who saw it as disrespectful and inappropriate, especially since he was climbing on older friends like Enkesha, Mwashoti and Alamaya. They warned Kapei to stop his antics before the older elephants might retaliate. Realising that things could turn bad, Kapei wisely left everyone in peace.

Meanwhile, Murera and the younger babies walked up the Umani Hills. They encountered two male buffaloes blocking their path. Murera sent them into a hasty retreat with a loud trumpet. Enkesha also tried to blow her trunk, but because of the hole left by a poacher’s snare, the sound was too soft and squeaky to have any effect. When Kiombo joined Murera, it was clear the buffaloes had already fled, allowing Murera and her herd to climb the hill without any further obstacles.

Later, at the mud bath, the orphans enjoyed their time. Sonje went to the water trough for clean water, and Kapei followed her. Kiasa, Amali, and Maktao chose not to join them when they saw Mwashoti approaching with a stick in his trunk. Kiombo and Maktao tried to grab the stick from Mwashoti, but he refused to let go. Mwashoti is the boys’ older friend and tutor, but he does not always let them win. 

The elephants had a very interesting start to their day. As soon as the orphans came out of their stockades to start their new day together, Ziwa and his wild herd arrived and stood by the gate, waiting for his young friends to come. Meanwhile, his wild herd family was laying on the soil pile outside the stockades. However, they soon got jealous when they saw Ziwa spending time with the orphans and keepers. The female leader started rumbling and blowing loud trumpets, warning Ziwa that they would leave without him.

When Ziwa saw the herd leaving, he abandoned the dependent orphans to go with his wild family back towards the Chyulus. Amali escorted Ziwa to his friends, and she was almost deceived by a young baby who she thought was like Mwana. However, the baby's mother chased Amali away, and she had to run back to where Mwana was with Kiasa and Enkesha. Mwashoti, along with Kapei, followed Ziwa’s wild herd, but Mwashoti found himself blocked from joining after Ziwa felt it was unnecessary for Mwashoti to be with them. Perhaps Ziwa enjoys being the only orphan member of their herd. Mwashoti returned to Sonje and Lima Lima.

As the babies returned to the mud bath, they stopped in the shade of a fig tree. Some hornbills flew into the branches, making lots of noise, which Mwana and Kapei didn’t like. This forced the nannies to calm Mwana, who was running away from the birds' noises. At the waterhole, none of the babies wallowed. Instead, Lima Lima led them to the soil pile, where instead of throwing dust on themselves, they dug up soil to eat for more minerals. Kiombo and Maktao then went back to their play-fighting in the bushes.

This morning, Maktao came out with Amali and Kiasa, while Sonje and Quanza were already by the gate waiting for them to join. They all walked behind Murera, who was taking a different path from where the keepers wanted to go. A keeper called the girls back and they listened. The keepers then chose the right direction: As Murera and Sonje turned around, two buffalos emerged on the path they were originally taking.

A klipspringer crossed the lava rocks along the Kenzili path, scaring the elephants in the lead. They were stranded, not knowing which way to go. Mwana and Enkesha returned to where Lima Lima was with other babies. They avoided the lava rocks, as the sharp stones were too dangerous to walk through. Quanza and Zongoloni changed direction and moved the herd to Kenze instead. 

Later, Quanza debuted her new fiancé. He was very protective and clearly wanted to be alone with Quanza. In fact, he charged at Murera, which caused the orphans to make a hasty exit. Later in the afternoon, Quanza rejoined her loyal herd.

Mwana became very stubborn towards Lima Lima and Zongoloni. As soon as the nannies arrived, Mwana left her mother, Murera, and headed towards Zongoloni. However, Zongoloni, knowing that Mwana was coming for nursing, tried hard to ignore her. When Mwana realised Zongoloni was avoiding her, she switched to Lima Lima, who was oblivious. Mwana was already under Lima Lima's belly, pulling at her breast. Lima Lima quickly moved away, leaving Mwana behind, who then screamed as if someone was bothering her. This outcry forced her mother and the other nannies to come and see what was wrong, only to find Mwana was just demanding more attention from Lima Lima, who had grown tired of her persistent pulling.

Amali moved closer to join Enkesha. Mwana was still unhappy with Lima Lima's refusal. Mwana, being a baby, didn't understand why Zongoloni and Lima Lima ignored her today. It was because she was very demanding and pulling at their breasts so hard that it caused pain. Zongoloni and Lima Lima couldn't tolerate it any longer.

Later, the dependent orphans came from the bushes and went straight into the larger waterhole filled with water lilies. When Mwana and Amali jumped into the water, their whole bodies were covered with water lilies. The whole herd then went to wallow in the water. Kiasa climbed on Kiombo, who initially thought it was Maktao. When Kiombo realised it was Kiasa, he pushed her down, as he did not appreciate being mounted.

Wildlife is now streaming into the Kibwezi Forest after recognizing it as a safe haven. This morning, a big elephant bull came to the stockades for water, followed by antelopes. The orphans then came across a wild herd that had entered the area. When the orphans' herd tried to join them, only Lima Lima and Zongoloni were ready to face the wild herd, while Murera and the little nannies kept their distance, guided by Murera to a safer place.

Later, the wild herd joined the babies, but one wild bull looked at the orphans differently, sensing the presence of keepers among them. Lima Lima raised her trunk to detect the wild smell and guide the keepers away from the wild herd. She alerted the keepers about the presence of wild elephants, prompting them to leave the area.

Mwana saw the keepers and Lima Lima leaving and followed them to their hideout. This attracted Kiasa and Enkesha, who also followed to see where Mwana and the keepers were headed. Everyone moved away from the wild elephants, to more peaceful areas.

The orphans walked to the Umani Hills today for more browsing and to get fresh greens after Alamaya came to them this morning and guided them. They found all the food they wanted in the hills. Then, a wild herd with many little babies joined them. When baby Mwana saw tiny babies much younger than her age in the herd, she moved to meet them. They all hugged and played together joyfully. Mwana was so happy with her new friends.

When the keepers were collecting all the babies to get ready for the midday bottle feeding, Murera went to collect her baby, who was still amidst the wild herd. Mwana was having a lot of fun and was reluctant to go. Kiasa, Enkesha, and Amali went down to the milk feed, but immediately after taking their bottles, they realised Mwana wasn’t with them. They screamed loudly and Murera replied by blowing a big trumpet, which made the babies know which direction to go and look for Mwana.

All the nannies rushed and ran very quickly to return to the hills. Kiasa and Amali whisked Mwana away from the wild herd, and all the girls happily circled her. The baby was now back with the orphans, and the herd was now complete.

Enkesha, Kiasa, and Quanza became annoyed with Amali today when the younger girl tried to take Mwana away from the group. They protested and complained to Murera. Suddenly, all the nannies were fighting over the baby, as everyone wanted to be close to Mwana. Meanwhile, Mwana was unaware of all the drama she had caused, and happily moved between all the girls, enjoying their company and attention.

At the mud bath, one huge wild bull emerged from the waterhole. He started to make his way over to the orphan herd, who were drinking their bottles. Once he heard the keepers’ voices, however, he left in a hurry. 

But then, a warthog appeared from the bushes and ran through the shrubs at the wild bull’s feet. The bull did not realise what had passed so close to his legs and became very worried, trying to run away but unsure where to go. Elephants like to be able to see everything around them, and when they cannot see something within earshot, it makes them deeply unsettled. The bull ran off in quite a hurry!

Wild herds met with the orphans in the hills. It all began on Monday last week and it has become a daily occurrence now. Murera accidentally found herself amidst the visitors when she went to fetch Mwana. The wild herd surrounded Murera and Mwana, wanting them to accompany them to the Chyulu Hills. Lima Lima and Zongoloni were also in their midst, which caused Amali, Kiasa, and Enkesha to stay with them, as they didn’t want to leave Mwana behind. 

Kapei had a very good midday milk feed today, as he had the absent orphans’ extra milk bottles. When Murera realised the keepers were calling her, she came running towards them. This caused all the other orphans to run over, too, as they refused to let Mwana out of their sight! We wonder what this wild herd’s intentions are; they have been joining the orphans regularly and perhaps they would like to recruit them into their herd.

Mwana and Amali guided the orphans to the main waterhole which is covered with lots of water lilies. When the two little sisters decided to go into that waterhole, no one objected. The wallowing began so well — only tails and trunks could be seen, as everyone dunked themselves in the water! Sonje, Quanza, and Mwashoti remained at the top of the hills to mingle with wild friends. Later in the afternoon, they came looking for orphans. The wild herd didn’t follow them into the bushes today; instead, Sonje and Lima Lima took the babies into the shade when it became too hot.

Some crane birds swooped in front of Amali and Enkesha, chasing grasshoppers to eat. Amali was shocked by their noisy, chaotic appearance and took off running, screaming as she went. Enkesha also ran away, because she did not know why Amali was running! After the birds disappeared, Kapei went to collect the girls. 

When it was time for the babies to return to the stockades, Maktao together with Kiombo took over to lead the herd back home. The head girls couldn’t stand for this: before they reached the stockades, they pushed the boys to the back of the line, so the leadership still belonged to them!

Wild elephants came along with Faraja and Alamaya today. They soon left after realising the keepers were around. One female spotted a keeper and alerted her friends to leave. Faraja and Alamaya did not go with them and instead decided to remain with the dependent orphans. 

For some reason, Zongoloni had a falling out with Alamaya today. Whenever Alamaya tried to get too close, she turned on him and chased him away. However, she was very happy for Faraja to spend time with her — her issue was only with Alamaya. Alamaya decided to go where Mwashoti was playing with Maktao. Mwashoti was trying to teach Maktao some pushing tactics as his trainer. However, the game ended when Alamaya joined, because Maktao was wary of his long tusks.

Amali and Kiasa found a dust hill to play on. Amali went to her own side, giving Kiasa space to welcome little Mwana, who jumped on top of Kiasa as if she was a jungle gym. Enkesha joined Amali, and all the girls had a wonderful time playing together. When it became too hot, Sonje took Mwana into the shade. 

The wild herd again joined the orphans from the Chyulu side. When they arrived at the waterhole, they found two buffaloes sleeping in the waterhole they wanted to drink from. The wild herd had no patience for them and forced the buffaloes to leave.

Murera and Mwana slowly walked out of their room. Murera seemed tired after a night of nursing, as Mwana was still demanding milk. Needing a break, Murera walked away and Mwana rushed over to Lima Lima. Right now, Mwana is getting the milk of two mothers: Murera and Lima Lima (who is pregnant but has started to produce milk). It will be an adjustment for Mwana when Lima Lima has a baby of her own next year.

When Lima Lima got bored of Mwana’s nursing, she walked away. Mwana yelled in protest. Sonje walked over to comfort her, but the spoiled baby shunned her and instead went to her favourite nannies, Kiasa and Enkesha. The girls delivered her back to Murera, who continued to ignore her demands for milk. Mwana gets more than enough; she is just a very greedy feeder.

Kiombo moved to his longtime friend Maktao with his tusks up and ready for a challenge. Both knew what to expect. Maktao pushed hard, which sent Kiombo running over to Kapei and Quanza, who were playing on the soil pile. Alamaya watched everything unfold.

The nightclubbers delayed their arrival today, as they sometimes do. Murera, along with the other dependent babies, enjoyed their morning pellet session before heading in a different direction. They communicated with low-frequency sounds to other friends, but the keepers had to redirect them to a safer area. The initial path was surrounded by dense bush and still somewhat dark. Murera agreed with their decision and guided the group.

The head girls arrived late and moved to the stockades, searching for any leftovers from Murera's team. Sonje, Alamaya, Lima Lima, Zongoloni, and Faraja found some fresh lucerne to eat, which delayed their joining the dependent orphans until midday bottle feeding time. When the girls arrived, Mwana rushed to their chests for breastfeeding, which Lima Lima welcomed warmly. Following this, the elephants enjoyed a mud bath and dust bathing. Amali and Kiasa had a really great time.

After the soil dusting session, Enkesha took the lead, signaling to the herd that it was time to seek shade as the temperature began to rise. She knew that it was important to protect the baby from the hot sun. Mwana briefly stopped at a small rock to scratch an itch before following Kiasa to the bushes.

After yesterday's celebrations, Lima Lima and her nightclubbing friends reported very early, hoping there might be more treats like those they enjoyed during the ten-year Umani celebrations. They were disappointed to find that the celebration was a one-day event. Lima Lima, Quanza, and Sonje picked up Amali and others to head to the bushes. While the boys joined them, Amali returned to find Enkesha and Kiasa, who remained her friends.

A herd of wild elephants, with about five little babies above Mwana's age, tried to join Mwana and Amali. However, Mwana was wise and realised that they were a big group of wild elephants. She didn't want to join them and returned to her herd. Quanza and Zongoloni helped bring Mwana back to her group, and although Murera wasn't around, the nannies took great care of her after the wild herd left. Some orphans escorted the wild herd to the bushes but later came running back to where the keepers were sitting next to the little nannies.

After joining the herd, the orphans and keepers moved to some areas to relocate and find more food to eat. While the orphans were on top of the Kenzili Hills, they encountered buffalos. Sonje moved a few metres further and found antelopes next to baboons. The buffalos separated after Maktao and Kiombo moved to send them off from the bushes, ensuring safer browsing space for the orphans. With the area now safer, Murera led the way into the deeper forest, followed by Amali and Mwana.

A few minutes later, Lima Lima and Kapei were startled by something, causing Kapei to turn back and run hard to where Enkesha and Quanza were having a dust bath. This sudden movement made them get up quickly, ready to run away, even though there was nothing around to be afraid of.

As the ten-year Umani celebration continues, the keepers and babies were full of joy. Murera and Sonje, the founders of this special unit created to help the most compromised babies, were celebrated for thriving in this cool, lush environment. The keepers sought out soft greens to please their wonderful orphans. Zongoloni, Lima Lima, and Mwashoti eagerly approached for treats from the keepers’ hands. Amali brought Mwana to get some greens from the nannies.

Mwana and Amali have developed a strong bond, sticking together throughout the day. Wherever Amali goes, Mwana follows closely. That was true this day, too. When Mwana became thirsty and sought nursing, she approached Lima Lima, but found no milk, as Enkesha had already suckled it all. Mwana complained with rumbling sounds, but Lima Lima, understanding the behaviour of little ones, didn’t take it seriously. Amali comforted Mwana with a hug.

In the evening, as it was time for the orphans to return home, Enkesha lined up her little friends, Amali and Mwana, leading them to the stockades while staying at the back to ensure their safety. Quanza wanted to be with Mwana and broke the line. Everyone enjoyed a night of rest after a long, eventful day.

Today, the elephants moved to the Chyulu Hills area for a day-long excursion. Ziwa and Jasiri were spotted by Zongoloni, who brought the two boys back to the herd after they had spent a long time adventuring in the bushes with wild friends. As the midday bottle feeding time approached, the keepers began calling the babies to gather for milk bottles and mud bath time. The orphans responded quickly, knowing it was bottle feeding time, a treat no one wanted to miss.

Kapei was the first to arrive from the Chyulu Hills, where he had been busy pulling branches to eat. As soon as he heard the keepers whistling, he rushed over, knowing it was time for their ‘yummy yummy’ bottles. Those not dependent on milk, led by Sonje, Lima Lima, and Quanza, separated themselves and headed to the waterhole for a mud bath. Meanwhile, the younger orphans hurried to the bottles. Kapei was first, followed by Kiasa.

After the babies got their bottles, Sonje and Lima Lima called everyone back to the waterhole. The keepers took this opportunity to go for their midday lunch. Mwana followed with Amali, and without waiting any longer, Kapei, Amali, and Mwana jumped into the waterhole to swim together. Mwana turned on her belly and began rubbing it against Kapei's back, then continued rolling and rubbing through to Kiasa and Enkesha, who allowed her to keep playing as a baby would.

It was a peaceful morning, perfect for everyone to start their day in a happy mood. Amali was seen playing with her little sisters, while Maktao and Kiombo enjoyed their usual pushing games. Sonje and Alamaya were absent, but later the keepers realised they were just hiding, enjoying lucerne in the thick bushes. Kapei was the one who found them: He ventured behind the stockades and led the Keepers to their location.

Enkesha then took over the leadership from Lima Lima and Zongoloni, who had left for the Chyulu Hills. Enkesha and her deputy, Kiasa, led the herd. They headed towards the Umani Hills and climbed to the top before coming down to join Faraja and his friends who were browsing below. As the babies began crossing the road, Quanza spotted a turtle. Quanza attempted to push it over, causing the turtle to retract its head, leaving only its shell. Quanza, was startled and luckily refrained from stepping on it. The other orphans took a different direction to avoid the turtle.

At the waterhole, the elephants were not in a mood for swimming. They drank water and had their milk bottles before returning to the bushes. A wild herd joined the orphans under the shade and the orphans welcomed them. The elephants had a good time together, as one big family.