The month began with Lima Lima unsettled. The nightclubbers joined the dependent herd first thing in the morning, as usual, but Zongoloni, baby Zigi, and Kiasa were missing.
The other orphans finished eating and began moving towards the Umani Springs. However, Lima Lima wasn’t comfortable going without Zongoloni in the herd. She decided to leave her baby, Lenny, in the care of the other nannies and headed into the bushes to look for her friend.
A few minutes later, we heard Lima Lima blowing loud trumpets from deep within the forest — a signal that she had found Zongoloni. The two returned slowly to the herd. Zongoloni hadn’t come earlier with Sonje and Lima Lima because Zigi was still asleep, and she didn’t want to wake him. Luckily, Zigi had just woken when Lima Lima arrived, and the three of them made their way back. Lima Lima never leaves anyone behind.
Lenny is only five months old, but he is already an enormous character. During one afternoon swim, he played a little trick. He noticed where Murera was and started swimming toward her. Once he reached her, he went underwater and began suckling from her while floating beneath her. All the subterfuge wasn’t even necessary — Murera is very generous with her milk and always allows the other babies to nurse from her!
Sometimes, the orphans do something that reminds us of the adage: an elephant never forgets. Such was the case when Lima Lima uncharitably pushed Alamaya into the water hole, sending him plunging into the water and scrambling to dry land. He was clearly seething about the incident, because a few days later when they crossed paths again, Alamaya kept his distance. He was not yet ready to forgive Lima Lima for her actions.
Kapei is actually shaping up to be a great big brother to the babies, but he sometimes forgets his manners. One afternoon, he was having a great time splashing around with Kiombo, but then he took things too far by jumping on Mwana. Mwana was not pleased — she didn’t want to be mounted, especially while swimming. Enkesha let out a loud trumpet that alerted the older girls nearby. Sensing something was wrong, they rushed over to separate Mwana from the misbehaving boys.
Sonje is a notably ungenerous mother — while the other Umani mums allow all the babies to suckle from them, she only permits her daughter access. It is ironic, then, that her daughter Sulwe is constantly trying to nurse from anyone else!
One morning, we caught Sulwe sneaking beneath Zongoloni, stealing a feed while Zigi nursed from her other side. Zigi tried to push Sulwe away, but the older girl was too strong for him to move. This happened throughout the day, with Zongoloni none the wiser. Finally, Zigi decided enough was enough. He rumbled loudly, alerting Zongoloni that Sulwe was also beneath her. Zongoloni reacted quickly, pushing the young thief away, and Sulwe ran off to Sonje. For everyone’s sake, we hope Sulwe will stop stealing feeds and stick to her own mother or Murera — the generous mother known for sharing.
Kiombo and Mwashoti spent several days away from the herd this month, and Maktao — who still sleeps in the stockades — missed them dearly. When the boys returned, Kapei and Maktao were both very happy to welcome them back. Maktao challenged Kiombo to a sparring match, which went on all day, with neither of them willing to give up. The girls worried that it was getting out of hand, but we believe that the boys were just showing their solidarity as friends.
Mid-month, Ziwa and his wild family herd arrived with some friends. Ziwa left the herd outside the fence line and came into the stockade to demand pellets. The Keepers gave him some, and after enjoying his treat, he returned to his adopted family, who were waiting at the stockade water trough. They didn’t want to leave until Ziwa was back with them.
Jasiri visited a few days later, in the company of Alamaya. The bulls were about to leave the waterhole and head back into the forest for shade under the big trees when Amali and Kiasa spotted them approaching the herd. The Keepers looked on in disbelief at how much Jasiri had grown and changed. When they called his name, Jasiri simply turned back and looked at who was calling him. Sweet boy Alamaya was just as calm and friendly as he always is.
Quanza has become a trusted sister figure to both Sonje and Lima Lima, often stepping in as a helper when the new mothers need to send a message to the Keepers. It’s always Quanza — the “news reporter” — who passes along the information, just like she did when Sonje and Lima Lima gave birth. Quanza has become our herd’s best communicator.
We often joke that Umani is turning into a kindergarten, with all the new babies in our midst — so it is only fitting that the babies run the show! One afternoon, the herd changed direction when tiny Lenny and Sulwe decided to lead, as no one could turn them the opposite way. Even Murera and Mwana followed the little babies to their mysterious destination. Sulwe was in front with Lenny, while Amali marched alongside them, trying to give more direction.
The month ended with a grand entrance. Loud rumbles were heard coming from the slopes of the Umani Hills, followed by strong trumpets that shook the ears. The sound kept getting closer and closer, which put the Keepers and their orphans on high alert. When the elephants making the noise were spotted running into the orphans, the Keepers had to laugh — it was just Faraja, Ziwa, and Mwashoti, who were heralding their own arrival!