Olkeju and Gobu
Daily updates
May 22nd
At 12 noon there was another Elephant Rescue alert, this time from a KWS officer in Tsavo West who had rescued the calf which had been mauled by hyenas. The elephant arrived at 7.30 p.m. and was placed in the partition of the Stockade that houses Tassia at night. The baby’s tail had been torn off and he had chunks bitten out of both ears, plus a deep wound on a back leg. The wounds were cleaned upon arrival. The calf was named “Kilaguni” and is a male about 6 months old.
May 23rd
The new baby, Kilaguni, spent the day in the Stockade with 2 Keepers. The wounds were all cleaned and sprayed with anti-fly ointment. Because he was passing watery muddy stools, he was immediately put on a course of Sulphdimidine. Early in the morning three lions passed close to Mrs. Sheldrick’s house and past the Stockade, in full view of the Keepers.
Isiolo suckling a keepers fingers
May 24th
Kilaguni joined the other orphans shortly after his 9 a.m. feed. Kenia and her group came to collect him, but once out in the bush the established orphans didn’t pay him much interest but he moved between the elephants and their Keepers. Taveta and Tassia kept on pushing him the Keepers defended him. Dida and Ndii comforted him and began following him to keep him company. He was not taken to the mudbath because of his wounds, but instead remained behind with Kimana and Ndii for company.
Ndii & Hassan
May 25th
For the second day Kilaguni remained behind at the mudbath with Ndii and Kimana. He looked a little nervous when he saw the huge crowd. Having taken the milk, he, Ndii and Kimana returned to the bush and did not come to the mudbath.
Kimana browsing
May 26th
Today was the first day for Kilaguni to put in an appearance at the mudbath. He followed the others, but looked a little nervous and was reluctant to take his milk. The Keepers remained close to him, not wanting him to get into the mud. He kept on wanting to take the dirty water from the ground, until the Keepers showed him the drum. He then began drinking from it for the first time.
Dida soil bathing
May 28th
It was a special day for Kilaguni, because his friends Dida and Kimana spent the whole day close to him. They enjoyed a dustbath together, and seemed very happy to be together.
Kilaguni having some milk