Because it was so hot and dry, October was both a busy and a lazy month. The orphans spent most waking hours diligently finding leaves and branches to eat in the increasingly sparse landscape. When they weren't browsing, they were relaxing, almost as if they knew they had to reserve their energy. Many an hour was spent resting in the shade of the tamarind trees along the Mtito River.

Although they always have bottles of milk and supplementary lucerne to keep their bellies full, this focus on browsing is good practice. When they are living wild, many years from now, Mwinzi, Toto, Natibu, and Korbessa will need to know how to be diligent during the dry season, finding enough browse when food is scarce.

As October drew to a close, there were sure signs of rain on the horizon: Baobabs and acacias starting to flower, plus the telltale blanket of oppressive heat. The wet season will bring a new adventure for Toto, Mwinzi, and Natibu. We are gearing up for the boys' big graduation to a Reintegration Unit, where they will continue their journey back to the wild. They have made so much progress at Kaluku and we know they are ready for their next step. 

But for now, our compact little elephant crew is thriving. There have been lots of comings, with new rescues whom we hope to introduce soon. Korbessa has been very intrigued — we think she will blossom into a nanny of note!

Last month, we rescued a very young orphaned giraffe who had been observed on her own for several days. It was a miracle that predators didn't get her before we did. Little Pips, as we named her, has settled in beautifully. After spending a few weeks recuperating in her stockade, she was ready to join the other orphans out and about. She can usually be found paddling about with Bibi the buffalo, Gruff the buffalo, Bombi the zebra, Izera the eland, and Choke the kudu. 

The Keepers have an adorable nickname for her — Pipsi! She knows her name and responds to it. Although she is rather reserved, she loves her Keepers and follows them like a quiet shadow.

One might think that Twiggy would welcome having a little sister, but she is quite indifferent to Pips. Giraffes aren't known as the most nurturing mothers, so this behaviour isn’t wholly surprising. Truth be told, Twiggy’s mind is on other things: There are lots of wild giraffes in the area, and Twiggy seems to be taking great interest in them. She is just starting to reach maturity, so it won't be long before she sets out to find a boyfriend.

Chamboi is only two years old, but he is a force to be reckoned with! He might just be the most spirited black rhino to ever come into our care — but it comes and goes in unexpected waves. There seems to be one pivotal ingredient to his energy levels: mud. On hot days, if he has a mud bath, he gets all riled up, feeling his oats and tearing about. When he doesn't have a mud bath, he is notably calm and content.

Our eclectic herd of orphans are doing well. Bombi the zebra is obsessed with Keeper Peter — so obsessed that she doesn't want to share him with anyone else! If an animal or human approaches Peter, she quickly gallops over to cut them off.

Mr Bean the warthog is still very much in the mix, although he likes cruising around. We wonder if, like Twiggy, he is on a mission to find a mate. Because it is very hot here in Tsavo, Mr Bean has also embraced a phase of rest and relaxation. He finds an inviting patch of shade, squeezes himself into position, and spends the heat of the day lazing away. His preferred napping spot is just outside a particular tent, wedged between the tentpoles, which remains shadowed and cool until midday. The Keepers are kind enough to hand-deliver Bean's bowl of milk, so as to not interrupt his rest.

In August, we rescued a little orphaned hippo. He is doing very well, sticking to his baby hippo-sized pond and sandy beach. Although he does not socialise with the other orphans, he loves his Keepers — almost as much as he loves watermelon, his favourite snack!

Visit the video section of your online SWT account to watch a special video featuring the Kaluku orphans.

Apollo the black rhino:

At a magnificent six years old, Apollo is starting to embrace his independence. He largely follows his own schedule, leaving and returning to his 'bedroom' boma as and when he chooses. However, he is still very attached to his Keepers and — even if he is no longer the clinging vine he once was — he remains very aware of their movements. We are taking his reintegration journey very slow, as one must with a territorial species like black rhinos, but it won’t be long before he is ready to expand beyond his secure roaming grounds.

October marks the peak of the dry season. Rhino Base sits along a well-trafficked wildlife path down to the river, which has drawn even more wild visitors by Apollo's territory. Wild elephants have been particularly frequent, causing considerable unrest for our territorial young rhino. Much to Apollo’s chagrin, the crafty hippo continues his nocturnal raids outside his boma as well!

Truth be told, Apollo leads a thriving social life. The zebras who took up residence inside his roaming grounds several years ago are still very much a presence — in fact, this month, a new zebra entered the mix! A few impalas have also invited themselves inside, and they come and go as they please. 

Apollo is now at Rhino Base in Tsavo East National Park.

Watch a special video in your account, featuring the Kaluku orphans and Apollo.