Keepers' Diaries, May 2008

Voi Reintegration Unit

Natumi’s group of now wild orphans returned to the Stockades on the 3rd May in high spirits, and had fun indulging in all their usual Stockade games as they spread around their old haunt. Lolokwe entertained the Keepers most by taking Mweya for a pushing match, and then having a ride on her back until she managed to dislodge him. Natumi’s group again returned to drink at the Stockades on the 4th and 6th May, but did not spend long there. They were next spotted on the Eastern side of Mazinga Hill on the 12th in the company of a friendly teenaged wild bull, to whom Sosian and Mukwaju were paying a great deal of attention, and against whom Seraa enjoyed rubbing her head. Then a few days later, on the 17th, Natumi’s group came to the Stockades with another wild bull, who at first was unsure of the Keepers, but soon settled down when he observed that the orphans were friendly towards their human family. Natumi went into her old Stockade to enjoy some soft green grass that had sprung up during the recent rains, while the others waited outside for her to emerge, the wild boy pressing himself as close as possible to where she was, but keeping on the outside of the enclosure. He managed to pass the message that they all wanted her to come and lead them off, so she obliged heading to the west of the hill.