Keepers' Diaries, November 2009
Ithumba Reintegration Unit
It rained for the first time at Ithumba on the 4th November, just as Enasoit, Meibai and Naimina were transferred to Ithumba from the Nairobi Nursery. Upon arrival, Meibai, who was in a truck by himself, fled as soon as he was let out, and it took the Keepers a short time to persuade him to return to the other two newcomers who stepped out after him. Shortly afterwards the Junior Orphans who still return to the Stockades each night arrived and gave the newcomers a rapturous and enthusiastic welcome, rumbling, trumpeting and urinating in excitement, each member of what is known as Naserian’s group eager to welcome the three newcomers by gently touching them, crowding around them and competing with one another to be closest, all enormously joyful.. Loijuk, one of the Junior Matriarchs, then led them out once all the excitement had died down a little, where they were joined by all the Senior ex orphans led by Yatta and Wendi, where another enthusiastic welcome was enacted.. Thereafter, all the Ithumba elephants spent the entire day fussing over the new arrivals, escorting them back to the Night Stockades in the evening, and remaining within the Stockade compound all night in order to be at hand to welcome them again in the morning, which they did. This entire month there have only been about 3 or 4 days when the ex orphans have not come to be with the Juniors, meeting up with them either at the Stockade compound first thing in the morning, or as they are on their way out to feed, or at the mudbath. Sometimes not all of the ex orphans come, instead just some who have peeled off specially to be with the newcomers, leaving Wendi and Yatta with the others, who often join up later. The arrival of Meibai, Enasoit and Naimina has definitely been the highlight of the month for the established orphans from all three groups, i.e. the Senior fully independent now “wild” group led by the main Matriarch, Yatta; the Splinter Group from her unit which is led by Wendi, and which sometimes separates to travel independently, yet keeps in very close touch with Yatta,, and the Stockade Dependent Junior group which include orphans that are still milk dependent, and who are led by several Junior Matriarchs, usually Naserian and Loijuk, assisted by Makena and Chyulu.
01 November 2009
The orphans left the Stockades in a happy mood, led by Naserian, feeding on their way out, and finding each green leaf tastier than the one before, spoilt for choice. They attended their usual mudbath at 11.30 a.m. after which they headed back to the browsing area. There they were joined by Yatta’s group at 3 p.m. who spent the rest of the day with them, and who escorted them back to the Stockades in the evening.
02 November 2009
On their way to the browsing area today, the Juniors were joined by Wendi and her group, and later, just before the mudbath by Yatta and her group, in which Ol Malo was not present. The entire herd browsed together, and also attended the mudbath together when Makena chased off some baboons that were fighting. The orphaned herd were all together for the rest of the afternoon, and returned together to the Stockades in the evening, when the Juniors, led by Naserian, entered their Stockades for the night, and Wendi and Yatta took their groups off to an undisclosed destination.
03 November 2009
The morning began by looking promising for rain, but wind soon dispersed the clouds. The juniors followed their usual routine – browsing all morning, enjoying a spectacular mudbath at noon, because the weather was conducive, fed again during the afternoon, and returned to their Stockades in the evening for the night.
04 November 2009
The day began just like all others, but was different, not only because it was 17 months since Lenana, Chyulu and Makena stepped out of the trucks onto Ithumba soil, but also because today we were expecting more new arrivals – Enasoit, Naimina and Meibai from the Nairobi Nursery. Shortly before 1 p.m. the first truck arrived, followed closely by the second one. Meibai was the first to be off loaded, instantly running off to the western side of the Stockades, before Enasoit and Naimina emerged. It took the Keepers about 8 minutes to calm him down and encourage him back to join Enasoit and Naimina. Shortly afterwards Naserian and her group came to greet the newcomers, each orphan desperate to familiarize themselves with the new arrivals, touching them and greeting them warmly. There was a very joyful welcome with trumpeting, rumbling and being touched by trunks, each established orphan vying with each other to get closest to the new arrivals. Later the Keepers called the new babies to escort them out to the browsing area, and they were surrounded by Naserian’s group every inch of the way. All were then joined by both Yatta’s and Wendi’s groups, and there was enormous excitement with bellowing, trumpeting, urinating, the intertwining of trunks all over again as all the Ithumba orphans familiarized themselves with the three newcomers, who must have been somewhat overwhelmed by so much attention! All the orphans were with the newcomers until it was time to return in the evening, and then all came back with them to see them safely into their Night Stockade for the first time. All the now wild orphans remained at the Stockade compound all night, not wanting to be separated from the new arrivals.
05 November 2009
This was the first full day at Ithumba for Enasoit, Meibai and Naimina, so under the watchful eye of Loijuk, they were introduced to the Stockade water trough, although they chose not to drink. The two groups of Yatta and Wendi joined the Junior Group just before 8 a.m. and the entire herd browsed together, Loijuk, Makena, Chyulu, Yatta, Sunyei, Mulika and Nasalot all competing with one another to have the three babies for themselves. The newcomers were happy to be the centre of attention, surrounded by so many older elephants. There was a brief rain storm, which all the orphans thoroughly enjoyed, rolling around in the mud and drinking from fresh water puddles. All enjoyed a lively mudbath after which they all concentrated again on feeding, escorting the juniors back to their Stockades in the evening. The ex orphans again remained within the Stockade compound overnight.
06 November 2009
The ex orphans were there first thing in the morning to greet the youngsters as they emerged from their Night Stockade to drink at the trough. All then headed to the Kanziku area to browse until it was time for the mudbath. However, since the weather was chilly, not many wallowed, but returned to feed for the rest of the day.
07 November 2009
Yet again, the ex orphans were waiting to greet the Youngsters first thing in the morning, and escort them out. All were in a jovial mood as they headed out, bumping into one another playfully. Kenze and Zurura enjoyed a pushing match, in which Kora joined and managed to win the contest. Since the weather was conducive today all enjoyed an active mudbath, after which they fed throughout the afternoon, before returning to the Night Stockades in the evening.
08 November 2009
It was a cool morning, so the orphans were active, warming themselves up, rolling on the ground, and the boys pushing one another. Sian led the group to the base of Ithumba hill to feed. At mudbath time the milk dependent juniors took their milk and then went to join the older elephants in the wallow. Sian waited until all had finished wallowing before going in, nursing the leg that has the deformed toenails. Later she caught up with the others, who were feeding close by.
09 November 2009
The orphans left in a hurry, anxious to browse westwards today. Enasoit, Meibai and Naimina are completely settled now, and enjoying life at Ithumba amongst the older orphans, closely guarded by Loijuk, Makena and sometimes Chyulu. At mud-wallow time some of the ex orphans, without either Yatta or Wendi, joined the Youngsters and all had a wonderful time in what is now a large pool at the usual mudbath site. It was a hot day, so the elephants chose to spend time relaxing under shade until temperatures began to fall. The Youngsters were escorted back in the evening by the ex orphans who had joined them at the mudbath.
10 November 2009
As soon as the Stockade Gates opened, the juniors came out and embarked on the usual Stockade activities. Wendi’s group then emerged from the bush and Kora and Ndomot immediately began their usual Pushing Match, whilst Enasoit, Meibai and Naimina were busy scratching their bodies against the Unloading Bay. Sian led the group out to browse. All enjoyed the mudbath, and then browsed for the remainder of the afternoon before returning in the evening, Wendi’s group escorting the juniors back to their Stockade.
11 November 2009
The Juniors left the Stockade in a very happy mood, swinging their trunks from side to side as they headed out to feed, led today by Kora. At mudbath time they enjoyed a cooling wallow, and as they emerged, Yatta and her group arrived, so all the juniors went in again, for a second mudbath in amongst the seniors. Nasalot has taken a shine to Enasoit, and spent the afternoon pampering him, something he enjoyed immensely. The seniors escorted the Youngsters back in the evening.
12 November 2009
Sian and Kora led the Youngsters out today, with Kora and Sidai guarding the rear. Conditions are wonderful for the elephants at the moment, the country a feast of greenery, and natural rainwater pools at hand from which to drink. At 9 a.m. the orphaned herd enjoyed a spectacular early wallow in a pool they came across whilst browsing. Naimina, Enasoit, Meibai, Loijuk, Chyulu, Makena and Lualeni had a wonderful time almost submerged in the pool, splashing water up with their trunks. At mudbath time, all had had their fill, and opted out. The ex orphans did not show up until the evening, when both Yatta’s and Wendi’s groups came to the stockade compound just as the Youngsters were going in for the night. Late in the evening, for the first time since the rains began, a young familiar wild bull turned up to drink from the Stockade trough, and joined Yatta’s group, who were relaxing at the compound.
13 November 2009
The Youngsters headed westwards to feed today and were joined by all the ex orphans as they headed out. Missing as usual was Ol Malo. All had a wonderful browsing day, and enjoyed the mudwallow which is now a large waterhole.
14 November 2009
Led by Loijuk, the juniors left their Night Stockades with Makena at the back of the column. The ex orphans met up with the juniors out in the field, and they spent the entire day together. As usual Kora engaged Ndomot in a Pushing Match which was won today by Ndomot. At mudbath time, the day was cool, so only the new arrivals, and Loijuk took to the mud, while the rest opted for a soil bath instead.
15 November 2009
Loijuk, followed by the 3 new babies, headed out to the feeding grounds today, with the rest streaming behind them, soon joined by all the ex orphans, who again spent the entire day with them, escorting them back to the Stockades in the evening.
16 November 2009
All the ex orphans were waiting for the juniors to emerge and join them. Shortly before the orphans left the compound, with Loijuk glued to the three newcomers and Sian leading the column, 3 wild bulls turned up to drink from the Stockade water trough. Today, it was Naimina who led the way to the mudbath where all enjoyed a wonderfully cooling wallow. It was a very hot day, so the orphans returned to the mudbath for a second round at 3 p.m. Meanwhile, back at the Stockades, the same three wild bulls returned for another drink at 1 p.m.
17 November 2009
The youngsters left their Night Stockades and headed out to feed, with just a few of them taking water beforehand. Kora and Zurura enjoyed their usual Pushing Game whilst all the others browsed happily, and all enjoyed a beautiful soil bath before the mudbath. Later they headed eastwards to browse for the remainder of the day.
18 November 2009
Sian led the juniors out again today. Enasoit, Meibai and Naimina are so happy and relaxed at their new home that one would be forgiven for believing that they had been here all their lives! The ex orphans in both Yatta’s and Wendi’s groups have been absent now for two days, seemingly having taken time out from joining up with the Youngsters as before on a daily basis.
19 November 2009
All the orphans enjoyed browsing as usual today, with Zurura and Kamboyo at their usual Pushing Game. All had fun in a natural bush mudwallow today, and were not interested in going into their usual one at the milk venue site.
20 November 2009
On a clear day the Youngsters headed out in the morning, Sian, Loijuk, Enasoit, Meibai and Naimina heading the column. Out in the browsing area Kenze and Kamboyo had a strength testing competition. The Youngsters enjoyed a spectacular mudbath today, and a pleasant feeding afternoon before returning to the Stockades in the evening.
21 November 2009
Wendi’s group turned up at the Stockades early in the morning, and as soon as the Youngsters were out, concentrated on following the new babies closely. At the mudbath the group was joined by Yatta’s Unit who emerged from a westerly direction. After the mudbath the orphans fed along the western slopes of Ithumba hill. Back at the Stockades, just before noon Ol Malo showed up, having been absent from the ex orphans for some time. She looked tired and worn, and upon closer examination was found to have a swelling under her belly. She was taken into the Stockade and fed Coconut and milk, which she accepted wholeheartedly. At around 2 p.m. a wild elephant came to drink at the Stockade trough. Late in the evening the Stockade Dependent group joined Ol Malo in the Stockades for the night.
22 November 2009
Early in the morning, Loijuk managed to open the lock to her Stockade and let those in with her out. The Keepers immediately opened up the Gates of the other Stockade to let the other orphans out to join Loijuk. Naserian led the juniors out today. Whilst browsing 2 dikdiks chasing each other scared Naimina, Enasoit and Meibai, who were not used to dikdik antics. The three new orphans ran to their Keepers for safety, followed by all the others! The milk dependent orphans enjoyed their noon milk feed at the mudbath venue, then all wallowed, and returned to feed during the afternoon.
23 November 2009
At 4 p.m. there was a heavy rainstorm, affording the orphans a happy close to their busy day, which had been spent wallowing in mud puddles in between browsing, and watching Kamboyo and Zurura up to their usual pushing antics. The Youngsters enjoyed sliding around in the wet soil following the afternoon rainstorm until it was time to return to their Night Stockades.
24 November 2009
It was a chilly morning after overnight rain which saw streams bursting their banks. The Juniors left the Stockades in a very happy mood, bumping into one another, and spent a wonderful day taking a mudbath whenever they wanted, and drinking fresh rainwater from the pools. At noon the Keepers had a difficult time convincing the elephants that it was time to go to the usual mudbath venue for their milk. In the afternoon the Youngsters settled down to feed at the Kanziku area, where they were joined by the two ex orphan groups led by Yatta and Wendi.
25 November 2009
It was a beautiful morning as the orphans woke up to the song of the weaver birds. They emerged from their Night Stockade, rumbling greetings to one another and touching each other with their trunks. Having visited the water trough, Loijuk ran off into the bush trumpeting while all the others followed. They settled down to feed at the Kone area, and only left that vicinity to go for their milk and mudbath.
26 November 2009
Yatta and her group were waiting at the compound for the Youngsters to emerge from their Night Stockades on a chilly morning, which had seen overnight showers. Out in the browsing area the showers continued, so the orphans had a run day wallowing at will and drinking from the rainwater pools.
27 November 2009
There was more overnight rain during the night, so the orphans emerged in a happy mood bumping into each other as they headed out for the day. Out in the bush they found a huge natural mudwallow, and all enjoyed spending time in it while Sidai and Kora enjoyed rubbing their bodies against a damp anthill. The youngsters enjoyed their milk at noon, but none of the elephants were interested in going into the usual mudbath, having had their fill out in the bush.
28 November 2009
Some of the ex orphans were waiting at the Stockade compound for the Youngsters to emerge, this time Wendi, Galana, Tomboi, Ndomot and Challa. Ndomot engaged Loijuk in a pushing game for a short time before Loijuk surrendered. The orphans then headed to the Kanziku area where they fed and enjoyed damp soil bathing, rolling at the roadside for a long time. Tomboi seized a chance to mount onto Galana who was rolling in the soil, but Galana managed to dislodge him and overpower him in a revenge reprisal. At noon the milk dependent babies took their milk before joining the older orphans in the mudbath.
29 November 2009
It was another happy morning as the orphans met outside in the compound with the usual greeting trumpets and rumbles. As soon as they were all out, Sidai rushed into the Stockade occupied by the three newcomers just to check that they were all out. Naimina and Loijuk led the orphans out to feed today and at around 8 am Wendi’s group turned up to join the Juniors. Ol Malo is now part of the Junior group, and her condition has improved, the swelling on her belly having reduced in size, which, according to Dr. Ndeereh of the Trust’s Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit is a hernia. All enjoyed the mudbath after the milk dependent babies had taken their milk. The afternoon was spent feeding, until it was time to return in the evening.
30 November 2009
As soon as the Youngsters emerged in the morning, it began to rain. The three new orphans sheltered underneath the bellies of the older ones to shelter from the rain, and once the rain had subsided, Naserian led the way out to browse. There, in between feeding, the orphans enjoyed time playing and sliding in the mud, so it was a very happy way to end the month.