Mzinga has developed a funny habit of sneaking back to the stockades when our backs are turned, in order to steal leftover cubes. As soon as she spots an opportunity, she dashes home at a fast pace and then nips into one room after another. When she is inevitably discovered by a Keeper, Mzinga puts up little resistance and ambles out happily with a stomach full of extra pellets.

Kamili and Latika have become good friends. We can often find them quietly in the forest, browsing or soil dusting with heads touching. Both girls had especially difficult starts to their lives — so it makes us happy to see them branching out and sometimes even being boisterous. Not so long ago, it would have been unthinkable to see them playing in the forest as they do now.

Shujaa was taught by the big boys (and Kerrio) how to wrestle, and now it is his turn to teach Olomunyak! His stout young friend recently turned two years old and is full of confidence. The boys often face off in the afternoon, clashing heads, twisting around, and pushing again. Shujaa, as the older bull, is always careful not to overwhelm Olomunyak. He is taller and stronger but holds himself back.

Our newest rescue, Tali, is still quite weak. He knows his own limitations and usually separates himself from the main herd, as he is leery of the bulls and their energetic antics. However, Kamili, Muridjo, Mzinga, and Nyambeni are good friends to him. Some or all of the girls can often be found browsing in his company in a quiet corner of the forest.

Wamata is moving out from under the shadow of her nannies! A few months ago, she was always with at least one older female — or often, a whole crew. Recently, however, she has become more independent. One afternoon at the mud bath, she and Shujaa were standing next to each other while splashing muddy water with their trunks. Kerrio and Mzinga were watching from the other side, ready to step in should the bull forget his manners with their beloved girl.

Truth be told, all the youngsters are very attached to their nannies — and one morning, Olomunyak and Taroha were not in a mood to share! Finding Olomunyak with Mushuru, Muwingu, and Weka, Taroha drove him away and took his place. Moments later, Olomunyak returned to try and drive away Taroha. Several squabbles later, Weka took control of the situation. She made it clear to both boys that this behaviour was not acceptable and restored the peace with some rumbling and pushing.

Pardamat is usually the epicentre of mischief — but we can count on his neighbour and friend, Talek, to keep him in line! His naughty antics have relegated him to the last feeding group, so as to avoid the risk of him trying to pinch a bottle from a friend. As our naughty boy was drinking, Talek made a grab for his bottle and continued to pester him with trunk extended. He tried to head-butt her away, but our independent girl would not give up her quest. Pardamat had no option but to run away from determined Talek!

The 25th of May was a milestone day for our Nursery herd: It was the day that our big girls — Sholumai, Mushuru, and Sileita — graduated to our Voi Reintegration Unit. Early that morning, the three were shepherded onto the truck and driven to their new home in Tsavo East National Park. Graduations are always bittersweet, but the girls were more than ready for their next step as they gradually prepare for a life back in the wild.

There is usually a brief period of adjustment following a graduation, particularly when a mini matriarch like Sileita leaves. Taroha was particularly upset and shouted into the early morning. Hearing how upset he was, Kerrio responded with soft, low rumbles, assuring him that all was okay.

Taroha’s noises woke up the other orphans, and everyone was getting quite agitated. We made the decision to allow them out of their rooms while it was still dark so they could calm each other. Muwingu, Weka, and Kerrio were so good with the younger ones, soothing them with rumbles and affectionate trunk touches.

That seemed to be a healing moment: The whole herd remained within the compound, waiting for the sun to rise before heading out to the woods. The rest of the day was reasonably normal, and the orphans browsed in the bush in between milk feeds. Even Taroha recovered from his agitation very quickly.

The month ended with more graduation training — this time, preparing for Kitich, Mageno, and Muwingu’s move. The trio of four-year-olds will leave the Nursery for Ithumba next month.

The Orphaned Rhinos

This time of year, the weather is cooler. We take all necessary measures to ensure Raha is warm and cosy. She wears a blue blanket on cold mornings in the forest, but has a special thick patchwork one for night-time! When her Keeper ties it tight around her tummy — the signal for sleep — the small rhino lies down on her bed of hay and dozes off.

Raha is continuing to feed well and is putting on weight. We wonder when she will grow out of her attachment to Keepers’ trousers — she loves to suckle their legs like a security blanket — but so far, she shows no signs!

Raha had a lovely encounter with Mzinga this month. Aware that the rhino was browsing not far away, Mzinga sneaked away from the herd with best friend Nyambeni in tow. Raha greeted Mzinga in a friendly way, allowing the elephant to trunk-touch her. Rhinos would not usually tolerate the presence of an elephant — but Mzinga is an unusual girl!

Maxwell also has a special relationship with the elephants. Because he is blind and has a forever home with us, the 19-year-old black rhino is very acclimated to the Nursery herd. Our young bulls, Taroha and Olomunyak, are particularly fond of Max. They often post up at his stockade in the morning and wait expectantly for him to walk over. When he does, the elephants stretch their trunks through the gaps to greet the blind rhino and spend a few affectionate minutes standing head to head.