Keepers' Diaries, November 2012

Ithumba Reintegration Unit

While there have been several heavy rainstorms in the community area abutting Tsavo’s Northern boundary, which changed the normally dry Kalovoto watercourse into a river on the 25th, and in isolated areas of the Park, sadly Ithumba itself had received only two light showers during the month and both weeks apart. By the end of November the browsing areas utilized by our Keeper Dependent Orphans remained bone dry, which is most unusual. Hence the handout of Lucerne has had to continue (mercifully funded by a very kind and caring donor). The Juniors were joined by the Ex Orphans daily but for the few days following those light showers ( i.e. from 4th- 9th and from the 13th- 14th . The Ex Orphan herd as a whole was last seen on 21st, when Yatta’s baby, little “Yetu” enjoyed running around Kandecha and Ololoo, leaving the two Juniors with outspread ears wondering what she was up to! Thereafter Yatta and the main Ex Orphan herd left the area completely along with their wild friends and all the wild elephant herds in search of greener pastures elsewhere. However, Kora, Lualeni, Naserian and Rapsu opted out of the great trek and returned to the Stockades, where they were a daily fixture until the end of the month, choosing to remain close where they obviously felt safer and had access to both Lucerne and water. They even slept the night of the 29th actually within the compound. We believe the reason that these 4 Ex Orphans opted out of accompanying the others further afield is because Kora has been poison arrowed before (returning to the Stockade for treatment), and Lualeni is his best friend who remained with him throughout his convalescence. Rapsu and Naserian are believed to have been with Selengai when she died from a poisoned spear wound not far from the Stockades, probably desperately trying to help her return to the Stockades. Sadly, she never made it, but those particular Ex Orphans turned up that day at the Juniors’ mudbath, all visibly upset. Since “Elephants Never Forget” we believe that this explains why they have chosen to remain close despite the obvious temptation of greener pastures elsewhere.