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The orphans had a wonderful mudbath today, Kithaka and Barsilinga sliding in the mud and deliberately bumping into one another while Kainuk put on a spirited display of her footballing skills, kicking the ball with her front and hind legs. As the orphans began to leave, Orwa found himself bogged and cried for help, but eventually managed to emerge unaided and catch up with all the others. Lima Lima, grieving for her lost elephant family deeply, chooses sometimes to spend time apart from the others, which is normal during this painful process.

As soon as the orphans were let out, the girls all ran to Laragai’s stockade, while the little boys engaged one another in Pushing Matches. Teleki and Orwa became embroiled in a tough contest while Barsilinga and Faraja also welcomed the day with a Pushing Contest, Barsilinga eager to learn a few tricks from Faraja. Barsilinga’s two favourite friends are Faraja and Lemoyian.

Danissa died at 5 a.m.. It was a very sad day in the Nairobi Nursery for both all the Keepers who had tried so hard to save this calf, and also for the orphans themselves, who understood what had happened, and were visibly depressed throughout the morning. We simply could not control the diarrheoa and he lacked the reserves to cope. Today, Tano was returned to the Nursery from Ithumba, where she had not been doing well. She was warmly welcomed by her human family, as well as the orphans who had known her previously, especially the girls - Turkwel, Kainuk, Sities, Naipoki and Ishaq-B but also by Orwa.

This morning Orwa and Teleki had a Pushing Test of Strength in which Sities intervened, bringing the contest to an end!

The translocation training to the Elephant Moving Truck has begun for Turkwel, Kainuk and Sities, who will shortly be upgraded to the Ithumba Rehabilitation Centre. Turkwel and Kainuk went into the truck obediently to take their milk, but Sities was reluctant while Orwa, Naipoki and Kihari instead also walked in freely. They enjoyed exploring this new strange environment.

At midnight Solio returned to her Stockades, having spent two consecutive days away – a relief for us all. She was in good health. The training of Turkwel, Kainuk and Sities to the Elephant Mover is now going well. Although at first reluctant, Sities is now also going in, having seen Orwa and Naipoki enter the truck to take their milk inside.