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Orwa, who has been on Murera duty, has been missing his noon mudbath, and tried to join the Youngsters at noon. However, not wishing to leave Murera without company, we persuaded him to return to her, but allowed him to come at the 3 p.m. Private Viewing slot, which he greatly enjoyed, returning to Murera afterwards.

Kithaka enjoys suckling on Mutara’s ears, something she doesn’t seem to mind, and even enjoys, since it gives him comfort and pleasure. Naipoki is antagonistic towards Orwa ever since he began remaining with Murera, obviously jealous of her affection for him. Makireti disciplined her for knocking Orwa, and also disciplined Ishanga, who was trying to bite Sities’ tail.

Today Murera and Orwa were on their own all day, since the Orphans went a long distance into the forest in search of browse. Her paralysed leg inhibits her greatly, but Mutara, Shukuru and Turkwel lavish great affection on her, aware that she is handicapped and suffering. However, Orwa is the “Wonder Boy” who is her constant companion and moreover, enjoys that role.

Another Oiling Day, so the Keepers kept a close watch on Kihari, Kasigau and Kilabasi, who do not enjoy this ritual. Even Murera, Orwa and little Kithaka had an oiling, and a dustbath afterwards, the Keepers helping Murera with the dusting. The Vet came to look at Murera again, almost certain now that she has a pelvic injury which will take a long time to mend.

Ishanga and Kilabasi were the first to greet Murera today, accompanying her and Orwa and Murera shuffled out of her Stockade. Today little Kithaka remained with his Keepers who tried to encourage him to take his milk. Turkwel and Kainuk remained behind to be with him when the others headed out to browse, rumbling to him to encourage him.

At around midday, having again given her Keepers the slip, Solio turned up where Murera and Orwa were feeding. The Keepers were unaware of her presence but noticed that Murera was trying to hurry, dragging her injured leg more rapidly than usual. At first they thought that she might have seen the wild buffalo that hangs around the Headquarters and went to investigate, only to find Solio confronting Murera and Orwa, with her head down. The Keepers alerted Solio’s Keepers, who were still searching for her, and together they all managed to steer her away from the two elephants.

The Keepers surrounded Kanjoro to ensure that he did not try and escape as he emerged from his Stockade in the morning. Fortunately, Mutara and her older group were there to assist, so there was no problem. All then went peacefully off into the forest to browse. At the mudbath, Kanjoro tried to sneak away, but the Keepers followed him. He ended up with Murera and Orwa, where he waited until Turkwel and her group came by to collect him. He joined them willingly so the afternoon passed peacefully.