Keepers' Diaries, October 2015

Ithumba Reintegration Unit



This month there have been a great number of wild elephants visiting Ithumba whose company the ex-orphans have enjoyed. The month began with truants Bongo and Kanjoro missing from the dependent group when it was time to return home for the evening. Following a long search, the Keepers decided to return to the stockades without them due to the late hour. In the middle of the night both returned escorted back by ex-orphan, big boy Rapsu. At day break there they were, patiently waiting for their morning milk feed.

01 October 2015

The sky was clear as the orphans strolled nonchalantly out from their stockade. They were led by Narok who was the first one to leave. As they settled down to eat lucerne a group of wild elephants helped themselves to water at the stockade water troughs. It was a day that the orphans seemed to be doing things in pairs. Soon after feeding on lucerne, Shukuru paired up with Barsilinga to drink water, and as soon as the orphans were out in the browsing field, Kanjoro teamed up with Bongo to go and feed far away from the others. Sities browsed with Garzi while Turkwel paired with up with Kainuk in feeding. As the day progressed, the temperature kept climbing which made Lemoyian and Kithaka take refuge under a tree that had a good shade. At mud bath time, the juniors were joined by three wild bulls who mud bathed with them and later shared the drinking water. After drinking water, Shukuru and Orwa scratched against the same tree as Suguta and Turkwel shared another tree in scratching their ears. Bongo, the water boy who appeared not to have done enough mud bathing, returned back for more wallowing as his friends started leaving, heading towards Kalovoto. Suguta came across a branch that had been dropped by a wild elephant which she picked and started taking the bark off. The orphans scattered far and wide in search of the best vegetation. Narok and Shukuru spend the entire afternoon feeding together. At five o’clock in the afternoon, the keepers started gathering the orphans but to their surprise, Kanjoro and Bongo were missing. They tried to call and call as they walked while searching for them but there was no response. The keepers decided to take the remaining group back to the stockade then return to continue with the search for the missing two boys. The search went on until dark when the keepers called off the search due to poor visibility. Late at night, Rapsu brought Bongo and Kanjoro back. It appears that the two boys caught up with Rapsu in the afternoon without the keeper’s knowledge, and decided to go on a tour with him. A herd of a wild elephants visited the stockade for water that evening, one of its members had a healing wound on its back that was probably inflicted by a spear.

02 October 2015

Kanjoro and Bongo, who had arrived very late the previous night, opted to stand just outside the gate with Rapsu. In the morning, Bongo lined up for his milk as usual. After taking his milk he walked down to drink water with twelve wild bulls that had occupied the two water troughs. Rapsu shared lucerne with the juniors soon after they were let out. On their way to the browsing field, Teleki greeted Bongo by extending his trunk towards him. Bongo had been missing in action for half the previous day. Garzi started the day by scratching his neck against a tree. Rapsu left soon after making sure that he had properly delivered Bongo and Kanjoro safely to their friends and the keepers. At mud bath time, Laragai was the first one to get into the mud as her friendsmoved to join her in wallowing. Only Orwa boycotted the exercise and stood under an acacia tree. Soon after wallowing, the juniors headed for soil dusting and later, Shukuru and Teleki wound up the activities by scratching against a nearby tree. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at upper Kalovoto area. The sun was still hot but this didn't deter the orphans from carrying on with their feeding. In the evening, sixteen wild bulls came to the stockade for water.

03 October 2015

It was a cool morning with the sky partly covered by clouds. The orphans settled for lucerne as usual and shortly later Yatta and Mulika’s herd showed up. The ex-orphans joined the orphans briefly before parting ways. Kithaka started the day’s activities by scratching his neck on a nearby rock. Soon after heading into the bush, Orwa engaged Sities in a strength testing exercise which lasted for quite some time. On their way to the mud bath, the juniors were joined by Makireti, Kilabasi and Kasigau. There was a moment of excitement as the juniors exchanged greetings with Makireti’s group. When the excitement had subsided, Makireti led the way to the mud bath. After soil bathing the orphans settled to browse at lower Kalovoto area. An hour later, Makireti and her group left for the bush.In the afternoon the weather started changing with rain clouds gathering; an indication of the rainy season approaching. The weaver birds also confirmed this when later in the evening they perched on the only remaining acacia tree in the stockade compound. Shortly before dark, Rapsu in the company of two junior wild bulls of his size and age, reported for water at the stockade compound.

04 October 2015

Three wild bulls were taking water at the stockade water trough when the juniors settled for lucerne in the morning. Lemoyian started the day by scratching on the nearby rocks as Shukuru watched over him. Out in the bush, Bomani engaged Garzi in a light strength testing exercise as Shukuru joined Lemoyian to share food from the same tree. Later as Bomani walked in search of nice vegetation, he met with Kithaka who tried to block his way. Bomani didn't take it lightly and so he pushed Kithaka out of the way. Bomani showed Kithaka that even without tusks he can defend his rights. Kainuk took Lemoyian away from Shukuru and went to feed a few metres away from their friends. At mud bath, four wild bulls were taking water and were joined by the juniors as soon as they were through with their milk. As Teleki was walking towards the mud bath, he was scared by chattering baboons. He ran towards the water trough where the rest of the group was sharing water with the wild bulls. Shortly afterwards, the wild bulls and the juniors walked down for a cooling mud bath. After mud bath, Bomani and Garzi settled for soil dusting as Kanjoro led the way back to the browsing field. In the afternoon, the sun was hot and the orphans converged under a tree and continuously flapped their ears. They resumed browsing later when the temperatures dropped to a more favourable level. In the evening, six wild bulls reported for water at the stockade and left shortly after drinking their full.

05 October 2015

Sixteen wild bulls were drinking water at the stockade water trough when the juniors were let out. Buchuma and Tomboi, who consider themselves as grownups, were part of this team. The two ex-orphans joined the juniors in feeding on the lucerne. Kithaka welcomed Tomboi by stretching his trunk towards him. Barsilinga, Shukuru, Turkwel and Narok started their day by scratching on nearby rocks. Bomani pushed Kithaka out of his way when Kithaka refused to give way. Bomani wanted to go and pick up a piece of lucerne he had spotted next to Kithaka, and Kithaka tried to block him. After the wild bulls moved away from the water trough, Teleki followed Buchuma to the water trough where they shared water as Kainuk engaged Orwa in a light pushing game. At mud bath time, the juniors were joined by some ex-orphans and six wild bulls. Lenana and Chyulu, who had not spent time with Lemoyian for awhile now, walked to meet him and offered their apologies for being away for so long. It appears that Lemoyian accepted their apologies as he walked in between them whilst they all walked to the waterhole to wallow. Two wild bulls stole the show when they started playing a pushing game whilst in the water. Their game attracted their juniors and some of the ex-orphans that stood at the edge of the mud bath. Later, the ex-orphans headed for soil dusting as Teleki opted to get some free lessons from Meibai by engaging him in a pushing game. Later, the groups parted ways. The orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area. Shukuru teamed up with Sities in browsing while Bomani and Barsilinga took shelter under a tree to cool off from the heat of the day. Lualeni who is always full of surprises, showed up at the stockade with her new formed team. Her members included one of the longest and loyal serving Ololoo, as well as Madiba, Kenze and Loijuk. Only time will tell if this is a passing cloud, or if the herd will remain intact.

06 October 2015

Seven wild bulls were relaxing just outside the stockade when the juniors were let out. Garzi left with a piece of branch in his mouth which he continued to chew as he patiently waited for lucerne. Barsilinga kept himself busy by scratching on the nearby rocks while Kanjoro had a brief pushing game. Turkwel and Orwa formed a V while standing close to one another as they waited for lucerne. After the juniors settled for the lucerne, Makireti, Kilabasi and Kasigau checked in and joined the juniors in feeding. As the juniors finished eating, Lualeni and her newly formed group reported and immediately settled down to eat leftovers. The juniors passed by the water trough to arm themselves with enough water that would last them the entire morning. In the browsing field, Bongo took a break from feeding to soil dust himself, before resuming browsing again. At around ten o’clock in the morning, Kilaguni, Chaimu and Ishanga who had gone underground for few days, showed up at the stockade and left immediately after taking enough water. On the way to the mud bath, the juniors were joined by Olare’s herd that consisted of Olare, Murka, Kibo, Kitirua, Melia, Tumaren, Chemi chemi, Kalama and Naisula. At mud bath, the group was joined by six wild bulls. The mud bath was brief and immediately after getting enough of wallowing, the groups parted ways. The sun was still hot and Suguta with Laragai opted to feed under the same tree. Kanjoro and Bongo were feeding a distance away from the others as they made plans of how they could dodge the keepers. It appears that the two boys didn't agree over the plan to use and later returned to join their friends.

07 October 2015

Twenty five wild elephants were at the stockade compound in the morning. Soon when the water was turned on, the wild elephants rushed to the water troughs to start quenching their thirst. The juniors settled for lucerne just outside the stockade. Shukuru and Barsilinga took some time to scratch their buttocks on the the nearby rocks. A short while later, a wild mother and her baby joined the juniors in feeding on lucerne. Teleki at first tried to block the baby from accessing the lucerne but one look from the mother made Teleki respect the baby. After feeding on the lucerne, Kanjoro led the way to the browsing field. Vuria spent some time scratching on a rock that he came across, wandering in search of better pastures. It’s so dry at the moment and the orphans concentrated more on browsing without wasting time. At mud bath time, the juniors were joined by a team of wild elephants that was led by one tusker. The juniors shared water with bulls and thereafter Vuria, Laragai, Bongo, Bomani and Kanjoro headed for wallowing. Mutara and Orwa stood under a tree where they engaged one another in a light strength testing exercise. As Vuria was enjoying a cooling mud bath, a warthog emerged from some distance away. Vuria, who hates warthogs, couldn't go on with the wallowing since he wanted to teach the warthog a lesson. He charged and went for the warthog. The warthog didn’t wait to be trampled by Vuria and the best way to escape was to run as fast as his legs could carry him. When the warthog was out of sight, Vuria returned to join his friends. After the orphans returned back to the browsing field, Rapsu the lone ranger came to the mud bath where he joined the wild bulls in drinking water and mud bathing. In the afternoon, the juniors settled to browse at the western side of the Ithumba hill. It was all quiet as the orphans made sure that they got enough food before going back to the stockade in the evening.

08 October 2015

The morning received light showers as the orphans prepared to leave the stockade. Kithaka went straight to a scratching rock that he really loves. Lemoyian joined Kainuk in feeding on lucerne while Kanjoro stood on three legs, totally relaxed, whilst eating. The orphans passed by the water trough and took enough water before proceeding down to the browsing field. After getting there Kainuk, Vuria and Turkwel spent some time soil dusting. Bomani scratched his ears against a tree while Garzi came across a bent tree that he used to scratch his belly. At mud bath, the juniors were joined by Lualeni, Loijuk, Ololoo, Buchuma and a junior wild boy. Lualeni, full of surprises, appears to have dropped two members of her newly formed group and replaced them with Buchuma and the junior wild boy, or perhaps Madiba and Kenze went to join another herd? After taking water, Loijuk escorted Garzi and Narok for wallowing. All the orphans participated in wallowing and Bongo was the last one to leave the water after enjoying the water for a considerable amount of time. Lemoyian spend most of the afternoon feeding with Kainuk as Laragai and Teleki relaxed under a tree until the temperatures dropped to favourable level.

09 October 2015

The ex-orphans were at stockade early in the morning. Soon when the gates opened for the juniors to get out, Naserian walked into the stockade to welcome the orphans. Mutara and Turkwel knew very well that, due to the presence of the ex-orphans, it would be very difficult for them to get any lucerne. With this thought in their mind, Turkwel and Mutara left the stockade with branches in their mouths, which kept themselves busy as they planned which direction to go in. Vuria engaged Barsilinga in a pushing game whilst Turkwel dropped the branch she was feeding on and played with Orwa instead. Lemoyian spend some time scratching his fore leg against an acacia tree whilst Laragai played a game of her own, sitting with her trunk raised in the air. Soon after arriving at the browsing field, Orwa and Turkwel had a misunderstanding that they decided to settle through pushing. The other orphans settled into a serious browsing session which lasted up to eleven o’clock in the morning, when Barsilinga led the first group to the mud bath. Vuria, the fastest runner, led the second group and Sities led the third one. Lemoyian was the first one to get into the mud followed by Laragai. The rest of the group joined later. Orwa and Barsilinga had a brief strength testing exercise that ended fast when Barsilinga surrendered. Soon after mud bathing, Lemoyian walked to a nearby tree and started scratching his belly. Barsilinga wanted to use the same tree and so pushed Lemoyian out of the way. Kainuk wanted to use the tree and so pushed Barsilinga the same way he had pushed Lemoyian! Kithaka, who does things differently from the others, walked back to the bush where he performed his own game of rolling on the ground. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area where Garzi and Lemoyian spent a lot of time relaxing under a tree due to the high temperature.

10 October 2015

Lemoyian was the first one to leave the stockade in the morning soon after taking his milk. The juniors settled for lucerne just outside the stockade. Barsilinga shared lucerne with Kanjoro, Lemoyian fed close to Narok as Laragai took a piece of lucerne and moved some metres away where she enjoyed feeding without disturbance. Sities and Shukuru spent some time scratching on the nearby rocks. Shortly later, Laragai and Barsilinga walked to the water trough where they settled down to quench their thirst. Kainuk and Orwa had a brief strength testing exercise before following their friends to drink. Mutara led the way to the browsing field and as soon as the orphans settled down to browse, Teleki challenged Suguta in a strength testing exercise. Sities and her friend Garzi came across a fallen tree that they used to scratch their buttocks. After Teleki was defeated by Suguta he went to try his hand on Sities. Sities didn't give him a chance and pushed Teleki away. Towards nine o’clock in the morning, fourteen wild elephants came for water at the stockade. Barsilinga browsed close to Garzi as he tried to peel the bark of a baobab tree but he didn't get anything. At mud bath time, the juniors were joined by Mulika and Yatta’s herds. Zurura made a mistake of using the wrong way into the mud. He got stuck and it took ten minutes before he finally managed to pull himself out. After pulling himself out, he didn't even think of going for wallowing again but went to drink water instead. Orwa spent a lot of time standing at the edge of mud bath, watching a wild bull take a bath. After the wild bull finished mud bathing so Orwa finished watching and left to join his friends. Whilst browsing, Laragai came across a dry tree fallen across her path. She tried as much as possible to clear the way by trying to push the log but she couldn't manage and it was only then Laragai opted to go over it.

11 October 2015

Early in the morning, Makireti and Chaimu’s herds, comprised of the elephants rescued from Tsavo, had merged to form one group. This group was standing outside the stockade waiting for the juniors to leave. Lemoyian was the first one to leave the stockade followed by Narok. Narok entwined her trunk with Kasigau in exchanging morning greetings. Shortly later Mutara and Kasigau also entwined their trunks in greetings. The juniors and the partially independent group settled for lucerne and parted ways an hour later. On the way to the browsing field, Narok came across loose soil that she used to dust herself. After arriving at the browsing field, the orphans concentrated on browsing apart from Shukuru who from time to time went to dust herself in soil. At mud bath time, the juniors were joined by five wild bulls. The mud bath was brief and Mutara led the way back to the browsing field. It was a quiet afternoon and the orphans browsed calmly without any major events.

12 October 2015

Garzi, Barsilinga, Kithaka and Orwa started their morning by scratching on rocks in the stockade compound. When the lucerne was distributed to juniors they quickly went over to join in, apart from Kithaka who continued to scratch his buttocks on the rocks. After arriving at the browsing field, Bomani came across a fallen tree that he used to scratch his belly. Orwa engaged Sities in a strength testing exercise, Vuria played with Kanjoro whilst Garzi tackled Barsilinga. Later, Barsilinga quit playing with Garzi and moved to play with Bomani. Bongo, who was standing some metres away, stepped forward and pushed Barsilinga so as to play with Bomani. Shukuru had a brief soil dusting exercise before resuming browsing. At around nine o’clock in the morning, the weather changed and it started to drizzle. The orphans stopped browsing and started playing with the cool soil. When it stopped drizzling, the orphans started browsing again. At mud bath time, the weather was chilly and the orphans only drank some water and soil bathed before returning to the browsing field. Kanjoro spent some time playing with Orwa. The orphans had a quiet afternoon; Sities browsed with Garzi, Turkwel with Kainuk as the rest scattered across the field. In the evening shortly before dark, one tusker with six wild friends checked in at the stockade to drink water.

13 October 2015

The sky was clear as the juniors strolled nonchalantly out from the stockade. After settling on lucerne, the juniors were joined by Challa, Madiba, Lualeni, Orok, Tomboi and Ololoo. Lualeni and her group parted ways with the juniors soon after the lucerne was finished. In the browsing field the juniors concentrated on browsing, apart from Kithaka who from time to time scratched on nearby rocks. At the mud bath, Wendi gave us the surprise of the year when she came with her tiny newborn baby. The baby was only few hours old as it was still wobbling when trying to follow Wendi. Wendi was under heavy escort as twenty five wild bulls were keeping watch from a distance; thirty eight ex-orphans surrounded her. Those that were very close and appeared to be fighting to give the baby attention were Kinna, Nasalot and Sidai. The three girls were not even giving the new mother enough time to breast feed the baby. Lenana and Chyulu were busy escorting their favourite Lemoyian around the mud bath. Since the weather was chilly, the juniors did not mud wallow but opted for soil dusting instead. Kanjoro played with Sities while Garzi played Barsilinga and Turkwel played with Teleki. As time progressed, without the keeper’s knowledge, Chyulu and Lenana snatched Lemoyian, Kithaka and Barsilinga and disappeared into the bush. It appears that after disappearing into bush, there was a misunderstanding between the two ex-orphans and the three juniors, as Kithaka, Lemoyian and Barsilinga emerged from the the bushes running, with Lenana and Chyulu in hot pursuit. The three juniors came to stand close to the keepers as if to report to the keepers that they had been snatched. Lenana and Chyulu left after learning that their mission was unsuccessful. Sities and Garzi spend some time relaxing under a tree for the rest of the afternoon. Later Garzi invited Barsilinga into a strength testing exercise that ended in a draw.

14 October 2015

The ex-orphans and wild elephants accompanying Wendi and her baby were at the stockade compound early in the morning. Wendi had come to show her baby where she used to call home, although the baby is too small to understand that. Wendi walked the baby close to the store of lucerne where she had come to beg for lucerne. When the juniors left the stockade, Kithaka and Sities had an opportunity to play with the baby. They trumpeted with their ears raised and tried to touch the baby. The baby couldn't understand what was happening and so cried to her mother. Wendi responded quickly and came to take her baby away. Mutara, who was some distance away, also responded to the distress call of the baby but before she could reach her she found the baby with its mother. Mutara sniffed the baby as it followed its mother and Kainuk walked over to the baby to acquaint herself with it. Kainuk went even further to offer the baby her teats by stepping one of her front legs forward for the baby to breast feed. The baby just touched Kainuk teats then turned to its mother. Kainuk displays qualities of being a good mother who will one day be happy when she has her own baby, but that will not be for at least another 5 years. Meanwhile she can continue to tend to the other babies from Nairobi who are in need of such tender loving care. By so doing she will gain more experience herself too. Shortly after, Mutara led her group to the browsing field where the orphans had a quiet morning. At mud bath time, the weather was chilly and Narok with Barsilinga opted to share a scratching treeing while Kithaka used a different tree. In the afternoon, the clouds cleared giving way to sunshine. Vuria and Bomani who were relaxing under a tree spotted two dik diks passing by. Vuria charged and ran after the dik diks as Bomani followed him giving him support. The dik diks didn’t wait to be trampled by these heavy creatures and so ran as fast as their legs could carry them. Vuria and Bomani were left with their trunks in the air, searching for the direction in which the dik diks might have disappeared. Finally they gave up and resumed browsing.

15 October 2015

Early in the morning two buffaloes came for water at the stockade water troughs. Drama unfolded when a wild bull that was drinking from there too tried to block the buffaloes from drinking. The buffaloes were thirsty and there was no turning back, and they ignored all the threats from the wild bull. The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade. Laragai took her small pile of lucerne and moved a distance away where she enjoyed scratching on a rock as well as feeding. A short while later the juniors were joined by Madiba and Zurura. When the orphans finished feeding on lucerne, Mutara rumbled signalling that it was time to go. The orphans settled to browse at Kone area where Suguta shared browsing with Turkwel, Kanjoro with Mutara, whilst Orwa took some time to scratch his ears against a tree. At eight o’clock in the morning, Wendi with her security detail brought her baby to the stockade. At mud bath time the juniors were joined by forty wild bulls and thirty ex-orphans. With this great number of elephants present at mud bath, the juniors felt uncomfortable and moved to soil bath instead. Only Sities and Mutara lagged behind; they were on a mission were to greet Wendi's baby. They tried as much as possible to get close to the baby but the security was too tight and they were unable to accomplish their mission. They left unhappy hoping that an opportunity would present itself in another day for spending time with the baby.

16 October 2015

Makireti and Chaimu’s groups which have merged to form a single group, reported at the stockade compound early before the orphans were let out. As they waited for the orphans, Ishanga and Chaimu kept themselves busy by scratching on nearby rocks. When the gates opened for the juniors to get out, Kilabasi rushed in so as to welcome the juniors out. Orwa then played with Kilabasi and later engaged Kasigau in a strength testing game. Sities, Lemoyian and Kithaka spend some time scratching on the nearby rocks as their friends were busy feeding on lucerne. An hour later, the partially independent group left while the juniors headed to Kalovoto area where they settled to browse. As soon as the orphans left for browsing the ex-orphans, Wendi and her baby Wiva reported for water at the stockade. Also present were twenty wild bulls. Ever since Wendi gave birth, all the groups of ex-orphans have shown their solidarity by coming together. Only the partially independent group has not met the new baby. It would be interesting to see their reaction when they eventually meet with Wiva. In the browsing field, Kithaka engaged Vuria in a pushing game. Kithaka lost the game to Vuria and decided to try his luck on the tuskless Bomani but to his surprise he was also floored by Bomani. At mud bath time, the orphans had all the space for themselves as they moved from one point to another. Kithaka was the first one to get in the mud followed by Teleki and Vuria. Shukuru spend some time scratching against Kainuk but it appears this didn't give her enough satisfaction as after she walked to a nearby tree and continued scratching her ear. Sities and her friend Garzi had their own game of rolling on the ground as Teleki tried to block Vuria from leaving the mud bath. The sun was very hot in the afternoon and this made Shukuru and Kainuk relax under a tree while Barsilinga and Lemoyian hid under a different tree to avoid the sun. In the evening, Wendi with the entire team of escorts and nannies, reported yet again at the stockade compound and left later shortly before dark.

17 October 2015

Madiba and Tomboi were at the stockade compound early before the juniors were let out. Narok and Kithaka spend some time scratching on nearby rocks. Shortly after, the ex-orphans reported at the stockade. The orphans started leaving to avoid confrontation with their seniors as far as the feeding of lucerne is concerned. Before leaving, Teleki got a few tutorials from Buchuma when he engaged him in a strength testing exercise. On the way to the browsing field, Orwa engaged Kainuk in a pushing game which he lost. Vuria sniffed at Wiva from a distance, he didn't want to get too close for fear of being reprimanded by the mother. Barsilinga came across a fallen tree that he used to scratch his belly. The weather was cloudy and the orphans concentrated only on browsing. At mud bath time, three warthogs were wallowing and as soon as they spotted Vuria with ears raised they ran away to avoid being chased and to give room to the orphans. After drinking water, Orwa and Kanjoro engaged each other in a play fight. Their game went on for quite some time until Orwa decided to surrender. Before returning back to the browsing field, the orphans spent some time soil bathing where Teleki took advantage of Kainuk who was rolling. Teleki scratched his buttocks on Kainuk but stopped when Kainuk complained by bellowing loudly. Barsilinga played Garzi but surrendered when Garzi, although small in body size, proved to be stronger than him. The orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area. It was a quiet afternoon and evening, no wild elephants or ex-orphans showed up at the stockade for water.

18 October 2015

Two wild bulls were busy taking water at the stockade water trough as the orphans settled for lucerne. Suguta, Laragai, Shukuru and Mutara walked to the water trough where they joined the bulls in drinking. Kithaka, Narok and Bongo scratched on the nearby rocks as Kainuk had her own game of rolling on the ground. After drinking enough, Kanjoro led the way to the browsing field. Teleki challenged Suguta in a strength testing game that saw him bow out after Suguta pushed him hard. Sities also tried to play with Suguta but she was hesitant because she feared being pushed like Teleki. She charged while trumpeting as she went around Suguta. Suguta with her ears raised just warned Sities of the severe consequences if she tried to come close to her. At mud bath time, four bulls were taking water at the water trough. The other orphans were hesitant to join the bulls in drinking but Kanjoro walked straight over to the bulls and started drinking with them. The bulls retreated a few steps watching how confidently Kanjoro walked towards them as if he was the dominant bull around. They expected this small elephant to walk in hesitation and ask permission before joining them. Kanjoro wasn't bothered by their looks but went and helped himself to water. It’s like Kanjoro wanted to show the bulls that the water was theirs because they were the orphans. The other orphans then joined Kanjoro in drinking water too. Afterwards, Mutara led the way as the orphans briefly stopped for soil dusting. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at the western side of the Ithumba hill. It was still hot with scattered rain clouds hanging around, but with no rain. In the evening, Kithaka led the way back to the stockade.

19 October 2015

The ex-orphans in the company of few wild elephants reported at the stockade compound early before the juniors were let out. Wiva is now walking steadily and manages to keep pace with her mother. When the gates opened for the juniors Ishanga, Chyulu and Napasha walked into the stockade to find out whether there was anything left to feed on. When the juniors left the stockade, Sities, Narok and Laragai went closer to Wiva and started sniffing at her since she was standing in between Wendi and Kinna and they couldn't access her directly. Four wild dogs emerged from east in search of water but they were driven away by Rapsu and Buchuma. Soon after arriving at the browsing field, Barsilinga started the day’s activities by engaging Vuria in a strength testing game that saw Barsilinga surrender shortly after. Narok played with Orwa briefly before settling to browse. Chyulu, who had escorted Lemoyian to the browsing field, watched him for sometime as he scratched his ear on the rocks. She later left to join her friends. Bomani had a misunderstanding with Kithaka and they decided to settle it through pushing one another. Lemoyian came across nice vegetation that he wasn't able to cut using his trunk, so he went down with his front knees and managed to bite it using his mouth. At mud bath time, the juniors were joined by the ex-orphans and fifteen wild bulls. Vuria and Shukuru went to relax under a tree that had good shade, instead of going for wallowing. After mud bathing, Teleki picked a long piece of stick that he used to scratch his chest and later, he engaged Ololoo in a strength testing exercise as Barsilinga played with Bomani and Narok played with Zurura. In the afternoon the orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area and in the evening, Teleki wound up the day’s activities by engaging Vuria in one last a strength testing game.

20 October 2015

Makireti, Kasigau and Kilabasi were at the stockade compound early before the orphans were let out. Shortly after the juniors were out they were joined by Makireti’s group. The ex-orphans emerged from east and as soon as Sities spotted them, she ran down trumpeting to meet Wiva. Sities then escorted Wiva up to where she was joined by Kilabasi in being Wiva's escort. Wendi had no problem with that and she allowed them to escort her baby. At the time of leaving for browsing, Sities and Mutara lagged behind with the ex-orphans as they felt they needed to spend more time with Wiva. The keepers persisted on calling Sities and Mutara and eventually they heeded the call and so followed their friends. In the browsing field, Orwa challenged Suguta in a strength testing game while Barsilinga challenged Bomani. Later, Barsilinga settled to browse with Bongo and from time to time Bongo would stretch his trunk and take leaves from Barsilinga’s mouth. It reached a point when Barsilinga could take losing his food no more and left Bongo to go and browse far away. At mud bath time the ex-orphans in the company of fourteen wild bulls reported early before the orphans. A female wild elephant had taken over the responsibility of taking care of Wiva. It appears that the wild female was highly respected by the ex-orphans as she was the only one escorting Wendi and the others followed from a distance. Kanjoro entwined his trunk with Makena in greeting while Ololoo tried to bully Barsilinga by attempting to mount him. Kithaka, who never seems to like crowds, moved a distance away and scratched against some trees and waited for the time of going back to the browsing field. Suguta spent some time playing with Ithumbah. An hour later, the groups parted ways. The juniors settled to browse at Kanziku area while the ex-orphans browsed as they headed towards the stockade; they arrived at stockade in the evening, drank water, then left to undisclosed location.

21 October 2015

Sixteen wild bulls were at the stockade compound early in the morning and a short while later Mulika, Yatta and Lualeni’s groups appeared. Chyulu and Lenana walked straight into the stockade and escorted Lemoyian out. The orphans didn't stay long at the stockade compound due to disturbance from their seniors. Chyulu escorted the juniors nearly seven hundred metres from the stockade and then returned back to join her friends. In the browsing field Suguta spent some time playing with Orwa. Kainuk came across a fallen dry tree that she used to scratch her belly while Shukuru spent some time soil dusting herself. At eleven o’clock in the morning the sun was hot. Kithaka led the first group to the mud bath. Though the sun was hot only Bongo, Kithaka, Laragai and Teleki participated in wallowing. The rest opted for a soil dusting exercise. The afternoon was quiet as the orphans switched between trees with good shade while browsing. In the evening, fourteen wild elephants reported for water at the stockade compound.

22 October 2015

The sky was clear as the orphans left the stockade. Lemoyian was the first one to leave the stockade followed by Narok. As the orphans waited for lucerne, Narok and Lemoyian kept themselves busy by scratching their buttocks on the nearby rocks as Kanjoro and Teleki entwined their trunks in greeting. Twelve wild bulls reported for water and left shortly after taking enough. At the browsing field, Kainuk teamed up with Garzi and Lemoyian in feeding. It was a hot day and the orphans browsed calmly up to mud bath time when Barsilinga led the first group to mud bath. Two wild bulls joined the juniors in mud bathing and left afterwards. Shukuru and Orwa shared the same tree in scratching while Suguta teamed up with Laragai in soil dusting. In the afternoon the sun was still hot and the orphans converged under a tree waiting for the temperatures to drop. Garzi and Bomani spent some time playing a pushing game that ended in a draw. In the evening, the ex-orphans in the company of three wild bulls reported at the stockade for water. They left immediately after drinking enough.

23 October 2015

Chaimu, Kilaguni, Rapsu and Ishanga in the company of fifteen wild elephants were at the stockade compound early before the juniors were let out. As soon as the juniors were out, they were joined by the ex-orphans. When it was time to leave Mutara rumbled signalling the orphans that it was time to go. In the browsing field Garzi engaged Bongo into a strength testing exercise but lost to Bongo a few minutes later. Garzi then moved on to Barsilinga who has become his play mate. The two pushed one another for quite some time. Their game put the other orphans in a playful mood too. Suguta engaged Mutara in a pushing game while Teleki played Sities. Later Barsilinga played with Bomani. As the day progressed Kainuk, who was feeding close to Orwa, ended up having a misunderstanding with him. Their misunderstanding resulted in a fight after failing to resolve their grievances in an amicable manner. At mud bath time, the juniors were joined by Rapsu. Rapsu supervised the orphan’s mud bath and later led the juniors to soil bathing. Shortly after that, Rapsu left to undisclosed location while Kanjoro led his friends to Kanziku area were they settled to browse. The orphans had a quiet afternoon and browsed calmly without any major events.

24 October 2015

The partially independent group in the company of seventeen wild elephants was at the stockade compound early in the morning. When the juniors came out Kibo engaged Orwa into a strength testing exercise as Suguta played with Olare. Afterwards both groups, the juniors and the partially independent group, left together for browsing. The two groups settled to browse at Kalovoto area. Bomani spent some time playing with Barsilinga but their game was cut short by Kandecha who pushed both of them away. Chemi chemi invited Bongo to a pushing game by placing his trunk on Bongo’s head but bongo was hesitant. At eleven o’clock in the morning, Kithaka led the way to the mud bath but the partially independent group lagged behind only to report to mud bath later as the orphans were preparing to leave. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area. Kainuk teamed up with Lemoyian, Barsilinga and Kithaka in browsing. Bongo and Kanjoro browsed far away from their friends. Shortly before five o’clock in the evening, Teleki engaged Turkwel in a pushing game. Their game didn't go on for long as Teleki surrendered and started walking towards the stockade; the rest of the herd followed him.

25 October 2015

It was a bright morning when we woke up early to find a large group of wild elephants waiting for water. We opened the valves and it started flowing down to the troughs as they drank. The orphans came out of their stockade slowly, so as not to interrupt the wild elephants. They ate their lucerne and drank water after the wild group were satisfied, and after that left for the bush with their keepers. Sities with Narok started play fighting while Orwa tried to mount Kithaka. Suguta was also very active running here and there. The orphans then became a bit scared when they saw four wild dogs and they started running around trumpeting. After they had settled down and enjoyed some moments browsing, they set off on their journey to the mudbath. The orphans and keepers arrived at the mudbath with a water-bowser truck to pour more water. Unfortunately upon arriving, we met a dead wild boy baby stuck in the mud, with all his body covered in mud except for his back. We all rushed towards the scene to help rescue him, but unfortunately he was already dead. It seemed that he had been stuck since yesterday evening and one of the other elephants had fallen on him which made him stuck completely. It was a very sad incident and the orphans avoided going near the area. We took him out and tried all means but he was already dead. Bongo Kithaka, Vuria, Laragai, Bomani, Sities and Barsilinga played inside the mudhole, but the rest stayed away. They later started having a dust bath and set off back to the bush for browsing. Back at the stockade, they came across Wendi's herd with her baby Wiva, together with Mulika, Yatta with their babies Mwende & Yetu; they drank water and later left. Later in the evening we had ten wild bulls that came to drink water at the stockade too. Mutara led the orphan herd back home in the evening.

26 October 2015

The sky was clear with no signs of rain. Ten wild bulls were drinking water at the stockade water trough that morning. The juniors settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade and a little while later Rapsu, the lone ranger, emerged and joined the juniors in feeding. Mutara spend some time scratching her buttocks on the nearby rocks as she waited for her friends to finish feeding. As the orphans were preparing to leave Makireti, Kasigau and Kilabasi arrived. Makireti entwined her trunk with Shukuru in greeting. Mutara then led the way to the browsing field as the rest followed behind her. Garzi was proud by walking hand in hand with Kasigau as Shukuru made a stopover on the way to participate in soil dusting. Soon after arriving at the browsing field, Orwa engaged Sities in strength testing exercise that lasted for a few minutes. Later Orwa engaged Kasigau in a pushing play game that saw him lose to Kasigau. Sities spend most of her time browsing with Kilabasi. At mud bath time, the orphans wallowed with the exception of Bomani who stood under an acacia tree playing with a rock that he tried to kick using his hind legs. In the afternoon, the juniors settled to browse at Kanziku area. The sun was really hot making it so hard for the juniors to concentrate on browsing. They converged under different trees with good shade and relaxed until the temperature dropped. In the evening the two groups all rescued from Tsavo West reported for water, including Chaimu, Kilaguni, Ishanga, Makireti, Kasigau and Kilabasi. Chaimu spent some time playing with Kasigau before the group disappeared into the bush.

27 October 2015

The ex-orphans and several wild elephants reported at the stockade compound at around mid night and lay down to sleep. The herd woke shortly before six o’clock in the morning to drink water. The orphans joined the ex-orphans soon after they were let out. Kitirua spend some time playing with Lenana. Wiva tried to nurse from Kinna as Wendi stood nearby. Wendi wasn't happy about it and she tried to stretch her trunk to get Wiva but Kinna refused to let the baby go to its mother. Later the baby walked to join her mum after failing to get any milk from Kinna. Orwa engaged Kibo in a strength exercise that ended when Kandecha walked behind Orwa and attempted to mount him. After his game was cut short, Orwa left to play with Kainuk. Suguta spent some time having fun with her partially independent group. The group surrounded Suguta as they asked her for how long she would continue to stay in the stockade. Suguta promised them she would join them again soon. After getting a satisfactory answer, Olare led the partially independent group away. Sities joined Sidai in guarding Wiva as Chyulu remained close to Lemoyian. When it came time to leave, Chyulu escorted Lemoyian for two hundred metres then returned to join her friends. There was slight drama when the ex-orphans protested a wild bull who tried to kick Wiva. Wiva bellowed prompting all the ex-orphans to run towards her in a show of solidarity. The wild bull walked away unbothered about what he had done. Towards nine o’clock the sun was getting hot and Kainuk and Mutara relaxed under a tree. At mud bath time Laragai and Teleki held their trunks in their mouths soon after drinking their milk. Barsilinga and Garzi had a misunderstanding, the kind that they always settle by pushing one another. Vuria took an advantage of Teleki who was rolling in the mud by mounting him. Lemoyian and Kainuk relaxed under an acacia tree as they watched their friends wallowing in mud. Shortly after the orphans returned back to the browsing field, two wild bulls came for water. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at upper Kalovoto area. Though the sun was hot, the orphans browsed calmly without any major distractions.

28 October 2015

Four wild bulls were drinking water at the stockade water trough when Lemoyian led the orphans out from the stockade. Kithaka and Barsilinga took some time to scratch on the rocks before Mutara led the way to the browsing field. Suguta found a dead tree on the way and tried to push it but she was unable to move it due to its huge size. On arriving at the browsing field Garzi played with Barsilinga but their game ended when Garzi attempted to mount Barsilinga. Orwa spent some time challenging Sities in a pushing game that ended in a draw. At mud bath time, Shukuru spent some time suckling her trunk soon after drinking her milk. Kanjoro and Orwa had a brief strength testing exercise before getting in the mud. Four wild bulls showed up at mud bath for water and Garzi, who was relaxing under one of the acacia trees, walked close to the water trough and raised his trunk, communicating with them. He then turned and walked away. Back in the browsing field, the orphans settled for the still dry vegetation since they had no option. The orphans were wishing for the rain to come soon due to the persistent high temperatures and the dry vegetation. Since the rain clouds have started to show, hopefully the rainy season isn't too far away. This would alleviate the trouble of walking long distances in search of better pastures.

29 October 2015

The partially independent group in the company of two wild bulls was at the stockade compound in the morning. Orwa was busy as soon as he came out of the stockade as he tried challenging most of his seniors. He started with Kibo and after losing the game to Kibo, he moved to play with Naisula and later Murka. On the way to the browsing field, Sities, Kainuk and Kithaka came across a fallen log that they used to scratch their bellies. The sky was partially covered by cloud and the temperature was high. The orphans concentrated only on browsing until eleven o’clock in the morning when Kithaka led the first group to the mud bath. After mud bathing, Vuria stood at the edge of mud bath waiting for Bongo who was taking a long time to come out of the water. At one time Vuria attempted to mount on Bongo while he was still bathing. This was to try and force Bongo to come out of water but instead Bongo moved further into the mud! This angered Vuria and he just shook his head and left. Laragai and Garzi spent some time soil dusting before following their colleagues who had just left for browsing. The orphans had a quiet afternoon as they wandered far and wide in search of better pastures for by failing to do so it would mean returning back to the stockade without getting enough food for the day.

30 October 2015

The stockade compound was flooded by elephants early in the morning, both wild elephants and ex-orphans; Wendi and Wiva were present. As soon as the juniors were let out, Sities and Mutara went to greet Wiva. When it came time to leave Mutara dodged the keepers and returned to spend time with Wiva. At one time Mutara tried to offer Wiva her breasts to nurse but by then Wiva was nursing from her mother. Later the keepers discovered that Mutara was missing and so returned back to the stockade to collect her. When the sun became too hot Teleki, Kithaka and Barsilinga went to relax under a tree, from time to time Teleki would put his trunk in Barsilinga's mouth. At mud bath time, the sun was still hot and all the orphans participated in wallowing. Shortly later, the juniors were joined by Half Trunk, a wild elephant and Zurura. After mud bathing, Kithaka, Lemoyian, Narok, Zurura and Vuria occupied different trees for scratching as Orwa, Laragai and Turkwel settled for soil dusting. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area. Kanjoro teamed up with Bongo in browsing while Sities kept close to her friend Garzi. Kithaka browsed with Barsilinga and Lemoyian as the rest scattered across the field. Rain clouds could be seen in the evening but the rain remained elusive.

31 October 2015

The partially independent group, which is led by Olare, was at the stockade compound in the morning. As soon as the gates opened for the juniors to come out, Kalama and Tumaren went into the stockade to find out if there was anything left to feed on. The rest of the partially independent group joined the juniors in feeding of lucerne. After, Mutara led her group away leaving the partially independent group relaxing at the stockade compound. In the browsing field the orphans concentrated only on browsing. At around nine o’clock in the morning the temperatures skyrocketed, sending the orphans to seek shelter under a tree that had good shade. At one point Kanjoro, Barsilinga, Bomani and Lemoyian drew water from their stomachs and sprayed it behind their ears. At mud bath time, all the orphans participated in wallowing. As the orphans were winding up the mud bath activities, Kainuk spotted three warthogs approaching mud bath. From the looks of the warthogs, they knew very well that it would be very difficult for them to access the mud bath with the presence of the orphans there too. As the warthogs stopped to analyze the situation, Kainuk didn't give them a chance but charged, trumpeting as she sent the warthogs back to the bush by running after them. The warthogs ran as fast as their legs could carry them. When they were out of sight, Kainuk returned back happy as she rejoiced for sending the warthog’s away singlehandedly. In the afternoon, Orwa spent some time scratching on a fallen tree as Vuria teamed up with Kithaka in browsing. Towards evening, Mutara, Kanjoro, Kithaka, Lemoyian, Turkwel, Bongo and Barsilinga dodged the keepers and returned back to the stockade early before the normal time. They found the stockade gates closed and relaxed at the water troughs spraying water behind their ears before they were walked back to join their friends.