01 September 2018

At the early morning milk feeding time, Mteto drank her milk fast then walked down and attempted to put her trunk in Namalok's bucket again. Namalok wasn't bothered at all because he knew they would see Mteto and tell her off for trying to take someone else’s share. Namalok was right as Mteto was spotted immediately and told to keep away from the bucket. Outside the stockade, five bulls were quenching their overnight thirst and after that they walked a short distance away and stopped to relax. Oltaiyoni, Galla, Esampu and Mteto decided to walk down to join the bulls. The Keepers whistled in an effort to call them back to the herd and indeed Oltaiyoni turned and walked back. When they were back, Tusuja charged and started pushing Galla. Galla tried to defend himself but was overpowered by Tusuja. Kauro kept himself busy by scratching against a nearby tree as Laragai and her rebels followed the bulls and refused to heed the call of the Keepers to return and stay with their friends. Later on at mud bath time, the weather was chilly and none of the orphans dared to step into the bathing water. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the lower Kalovoto area where Galla started to dust before going back to browsing. In the evening, Galana, baby Gawa, Sidai, Chyulu, Lenana, Sunyei, baby Siku, Lualeni and Zurura showed up at the stockade and left shortly after having enough water.

02 September 2018

Six wild bulls who arrived early before dawn at the stockade compound found that the water had been taken by other wild elephants during the night, and opted to wait until morning for the water to be turned on or put in by the water bowser. Karisa, with a branch in his mouth, led the group out and they settled for lucerne. Later Karisa had a brief chat with Namalok as he tried to find out why he takes his milk from a bucket instead of the bottle like the others. We wondered if Karisa felt like the Keepers gave Namalok more milk than the others. Tusuja engaged Wanjala in a light strength testing exercise while Esampu settled for a soil dusting exercise. At around ten o'clock in the morning, the graduate orphan herd led by Galana with her baby Gawa and Sunyei, Siku, Lualeni, Chyulu, Meibai, Makireti, Kilabasi, Kasigau, Lenana, Zurura, Taita, Kalama, Tumaren, Naisula, Murka and Kitirua joined the orphans to browse and later escorted the juniors to the mud bath where six bulls were happily enjoying a cooling-off exercise by wallowing in the water. After having water, the young dependent orphans gave their seniors room to use the big mud bath and left to use the smaller mud bath east of the big one. Galana’s baby Gawa enjoyed wallowing with her nannies but Zurura got too rough at one point, which prompted Chyulu to steer her out of the water to avoid further trouble from Zurura. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kalovoto area and had a quiet afternoon as they concentrated on browsing while Galana and her group walked away.

03 September 2018

Galana, Gawa, Sunyei, Siku, Lenana, Chyulu, Meibai, Makireti, Kilabasi, Kasigau, Kalama, Tumaren, Naisula, Kitirua, Murka, Taita, Zurura and fifteen wild elephants were at the stockade compound when the orphans were let out. The graduate orphans joined the orphans to feed on lucerne while the wild elephants concentrated on drinking water. Karisa, who always carries a branch in his mouth in the morning, decided to share the branch with Kalama. Kamok tried to bully Siku but Siku was clever enough to run to her mother who guarded her from being pushed by Kamok. Shortly later, Galana led the entire herd to the browsing field. Wanjala, who is so inquisitive, settled to feed with Ololoo and tried to interrogate him about what happened to him and how he received the wound on his back. Later Wanjala moved to feed with Vuria and saw some old scars on his back. Wanjala was rumbling to Vuria and perhaps wanted to know what had happened to him too. After a while Wanjala seemed satisfied with all the information and moved away to go and browse. Later, Galana and her graduate orphan group escorted the juniors to the mud bath and thereafter parted ways. Karisa picked a dry branch from the ground and tossed it up several times using his trunk, before dropping it. On the way back to the browsing field, Kauro, Naseku, Bomani Tumaren, Kibo and Esampu had an enjoyable soil dusting exercise in holes they had created just few meters away from the . In the afternoon, the orphans took a break from feeding to relax under a tree and resumed browsing later when the temperature dropped.

04 September 2018

Six wild bulls were drinking water at the stockade water troughs when the orphans were let out. Laragai, who appears to have woken up in bad mood today, kept on pushing the boys and taking their lucerne? The boys, Karisa, Namalok, Wanjala and Kauro, could not retaliate or complain since they knew Laragai and how she could be difficult if they tried anything funny with her. They just allowed her have her own way, hoping that a day will come when they will be big and strong enough to stop being bullied by the big girls. Out in the bush, the orphans concentrated on browsing as it is quite dry at the moment. At mud bath time, the temperature wasn’t hot enough to swim so they orphans only had milk and a drink of water before returning back to the browsing field. Eight bulls were also present at mud bath time and left two hours later after the orphans had gone back out to browse. Namalok and Karisa had a light strength testing exercise that attracted Tusuja and Galla who also decided to have their own pushing game. In the evening, Chemi Chemi, Melia and a wild female showed up at the stockade. Chemi Chemi didn’t allow anyone close to his wounds. He was given some cube supplements and later left with his two friends. Twenty five wild bulls reported for water later in the evening.

05 September 2018

Mundusi, who has learned to carry a branch out in the morning from Karisa, left with a big one in the morning. Mundusi wasn't lucky however because as soon as he stepped outside, the branch was taken away from him by Kibo who enjoyed feasting on it as Mundusi watched in disbelief and wondered why a big elephant like Kibo would take his food. Kibo didn't seem to mind that he had taken Mundusi’s branch and walked off majestically. Five bulls were drinking water at the stockade water trough and were briefly joined by Namalok, Wanjala, Tusuja and Karisa. At mud bath time Tusuja emerged as the wallowing star of the day as he dived and rolled around in the water for the longest time. Seven wild bulls were in attendance and used one end of mud bath while the orphans used the other end. Wanjala, after having enough fun in the water, tried to block Naseku from coming out, but in the end the two came to an understanding and Wanjala let Naseku pass. In the afternoon, the orphans were joined by Melia, Tumaren, the same wild female, Kibo, Chemi Chemi, Kitirua, Naisula, Murk and Kalama and they browsed together for the rest of the day.

06 September 2018

Early in the morning, the stockade compound was flooded by a total of ninety elephants that were coming for water. Noticeable were three wild babies that were under one year old. One of the babies tried to charge at Esampu but was pushed away by Kamok who isn’t as mindful of babies. We do wonder if this character trait will change with time, because if not then she might have a record of being one of the worst mothers in the history of elephants. When the wild elephants had drunk the water they needed, slowly one by one they started leaving. Lemoyian got confused and began to follow the wild elephants, only to realize later that he was in the wrong group. Lemoyian then walked back and joined his friends. At mud bath time, Mundusi, Namalok, Maramoja and Rapa, after having their milk bottles, stood a distance away and conspired on how they could go round and come back pretending to be a new group who hadn’t had their milk yet. As they started walking back, the Keepers saw them and cautioned them not to try their dirty tricks. Even if they succeeded in going back, Namalok would have exposed them since he only drinks his milk from a bucket, and the bucket had already been put back into the milk car. The weather was chilly and the orphans boycotted wallowing and instead drank some water and returned back to the browsing field. On the way out, Sapalan, Enkikwe and Kauro had a brief soil dusting exercise before catching up with their friends later. The orphans had a quiet afternoon and browsed along the western slopes of Ithumba Hill.

07 September 2018

Buchuma, who had gone missing and was last seen in September last year, brightened our faces when he made a comeback early in the morning. Amazingly, he was the only one that reported for water that morning, after being away for a whole year. After having some much needed water, Buchuma briefly joined the orphans for lucerne before heading south on his own. Pare, who had never seen or met Buchuma before, was curious and wanted to find out who this cool big elephant was, since he shared lucerne with them without intimidating or pushing them away. Shortly later, Turkwel who is responding well to treatment led the way out to browse. Later at eleven o'clock in the morning, the orphans attended mud bath where they joined twenty eight wild bulls that had reported for water. Roi caused a drama at mud bath soon after having her milk. She stood some meters away watching the Keepers chatting as they waited for the next group, and she saw this as the perfect opportunity to strike and teach the Keepers a lesson for not paying attention. Roi tiptoed behind the Keepers and quickly grabbed a bottle of milk and started drinking it. By the time the Keepers jumped into action, Roi had already finished half of the milk. She then left smiling, hoping to get a similar opportunity another time and that time, she would make sure to finish all the milk! Maramoja picked a stick from the ground and used it to scratch her chest as Galla engaged Tusuja in a strength testing exercise. The orphans spend the afternoon browsing in the Kanziku area.

08 September 2018

Twelve bulls were waiting for water early in the morning as the orphans strolled nonchalantly out from the stockades. Shortly later, the graduate orphan herd consisting of Galana, Gawa, Sunyei, Siku, Lualeni, Chyulu, Lenana, Kenze, Buchuma, Orwa, Narok and Bomani joined the orphans to feed on lucerne. Half an hour later, the graduate orphans led the juniors out to browse. Galana and her small group parted ways with the juniors and left Orwa, Narok and Bomani behind to feed with the juniors. Tusuja had a brief strength testing exercise with Bomani that ended when Karisa and Wanjala joined force with Tusuja to drive Bomani away. Bomani surrendered and moved on to browse some distance away from the three rascals. At eleven o'clock in the morning, Narok led the juniors to the mud bath where they all enjoyed wallowing in the waterhole. After wallowing, the orphans headed for a soil dusting exercise before disappearing into the bush. The afternoon and evening were quiet as the orphans concentrated on browsing.

09 September 2018

Rapsu, in the company of eleven wild bulls, reported for water at the stockade water troughs. After drinking water, Rapsu briefly joined the orphans for lucerne before going back to his new found group of wild bulls. The orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area and had a quiet morning concentrating on browsing. At mud bath time, Rapsu, again with his wild friends, joined the orphans at the mud bath. Roi, after having her milk, stood aside and closed her eyes pretending to be resting, while in actual fact she was trying to play tricks on the Keepers so as to grab another bottle of milk again! Roi nearly succeeded, but the Keepers were too quick for her today and managed to grab the bottle from her. In the afternoon, the orphans were joined by Galana and her small group. The herd relaxed under some trees before resuming their browsing. In the evening, the temperature was still high and the orphans passed by the mud bath again for an evening cool-off.

10 September 2018

Six bulls were drinking water at the stockade water troughs when the orphans were let out. The orphans settled for lucerne as Sapalan, Kauro and Enkikwe remained in the stockade for some time, feeding on leftover pellets. The morning was quiet as the orphans feasted on the lucerne grass put out for them by the Keepers. Mundusi threw some of lucerne on his back which was picked on by Laragai. Laragai then pushed Mundusi away, warning him not to waste the lucerne as it is getting dry and they need all the food they can get. An hour after the orphans had left to go and browse, Galana’s group consisting of her baby Gawa, Sunyei, baby Siku, Lualeni, Chyulu, Lenana, Kenze, Meibai, Vuria and one junior wild bull came for water at the stockade. The group later joined the orphans briefly before leaving again. Mutara and her group joined the orphans at mud bath and later they all headed for browsing together. In the evening, the entire herd passed by the mud bath to cool off again.

11 September 2018

This morning just before dawn we heard the aggressive lions roaring again. Twenty one wild bulls were busy drinking water at the stockade water troughs this morning while Olare’s group, led by Melia, joined the orphans for lucerne. Olare has joined Yatta’s herd for the time being, and we have not seen that group for two weeks now. Kalama tried to bully the juniors as she pushed them away so as to have the lucerne for herself, but was cautioned by the Keepers to stop her greedy behaviour. Shortly later, Esampu the brave girl walked down and joined the bulls that were drinking water. A few meters from the stockade compound, a wild bull broke a big branch from a tree and the noise of the breaking tree attracted the orphans. Maramoja led the group in the direction where the bull had broken the branch and joined the bull to feast on the tasty leaves he had now made accessible. Melia and her group spent the exception of Kauro, who is not very water friendly. Taita and Zurura, who have become great friends and travel together, showed up at mud bath and joined the orphans to wallow. Later, six junior wild bulls joined the orphans at mud bath and brought it to an abrupt end when one bull pinned Wanjala down in water. Wanjala screamed loudly making the orphans run out of the water towards the Keepers. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the upper Kalovoto area.

12 September 2018

Esampu was the first one to leave the stockade when the gates were opened for the orphans to come out this morning. Twenty one wild elephants were drinking water at the stockade water troughs and one of the young wild girls charged towards our orphans. The Keepers intervened and told off the wild girl who ran back to her family. Kilabasi, Makireti, Buchuma and Kenze, who had arrived with the wild elephants, joined the orphans to feed on the lucerne grass. Later, Makireti led the way out to browse. After the stockade compound was clear, a lone buffalo came to drink water at the stockade water trough and left immediately after having enough water. The orphans settled in Kone area where they browsed until it was time to go to the mud bath for their milk. Esampu, the fastest milk-drinker there is, led the first group while Maramoja, the fastest runner, led the second group. Four bulls arrived at the mud bath and one of the bull’s drinking water nearly knocked Sapalan over when he turned and threw his trunk towards Sapalan who was standing behind him. Sapalan was waiting for his turn to drink water and walked fast aside to give the bullish bull the right of way. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse on the western side of Ithumba Hill. Makireti and Kilabasi snatched the rebel group of Lemoyian, Laragai, Kithaka and Garzi and walked away. At around four o'clock in the evening, the orphans converged under a tree briefly before making a unanimous decision to head for an evening mud bath before returning home, since it was still quite hot

13 September 2018

The rebel group of Laragai, Kithaka, Garzi and Lemoyian, who left with Makireti and Kilabasi the previous day and spent the night out, reported back in the morning. It was a tense night as the Keepers waited for them to turn up as usual but when they failed to do so they became worried. We were very relieved to see them this morning. This rebellious group totally refuses to be controlled by the Keepers and gave the Keepers a long night as the lions had been heard in the area and are a real threat to the lives of the young orphans. The group joined Sunyei, Siku, Lualeni, Chyulu, Meibai, Lenana, Galana, Gawa and Vuria who had arrived earlier in the company of twenty eight wild elephants. Shortly later, Melia, Tumaren, Naisula, Kitirua, Murka and Kalama arrived without Chemi Chemi. Meibai, Naisula and Kitirua decided to take a few minutes to have a rest and take a nap in the compound where they were sure of maximum security. Out in the bush, Siangiki, Olsekki, Turkwel and Barsilinga summoned Laragai, Garzi, Kithaka and Lemoyian and rumbled at them, perhaps scolding them for spending the night out when all the elephants know it is dangerous at the moment. Laragai, Lemoyian and Garzi ignored them and just walked away. Only Kithaka stayed with them and perhaps this was a sign that he was sorry. Chemi Chemi, who was missing from this group in the morning, joined the orphans on the way to the mud bath. The mud bath was flooded by thirty wild elephants that made it difficult for the orphans to have their wallowing session. They just had their milk bottles and walked over to enjoy wallowing in the second smaller mud bath. In the afternoon, Melia’s group joined the orphans in the upper Kalovoto area and they all browsed together for the rest of the day.

14 September 2018

Galana’s group consisting of Galana, Gawa, Sunyei, Siku, Lualeni, Chyulu, Meibai, Vuria and Lenana, accompanied by a wild herd, showed up at the stockades early in the morning. Karisa, with a branch in his mouth, led the way out of the stockades. Esampu walked down to the water trough and joined the wild herd to drink water. A wild calf the size of Esampu tried to bully Esampu by pushing her away from the water trough. The smart Esampu retreated towards the orphans, pretending that she was surrendering, but in actual fact she wanted the calf to follow her for she knew her friends would discipline the calf! Mundusi saw what was happening and waited for the wild calf to move away from the main herd and the moment the calf drew close enough Mundusi stroke and punished the calf for bullying his adopted sister. Later the calf met with Laragai and Galla and they both drove the calf away too. Out in the bush, the slow and independent Sapalan took a break from feeding to scratch his belly against some shrubs. Namalok had a light strength testing exercise with Roi while Siangiki settled to browse with Naseku and they all rumbled amongst themselves, perhaps wondering where they might be able to find some nice vegetation. At mud bath time, the orphans had a spectacular time wallowing without any interruptions as no wild elephants showed up today. After wallowing, the orphans participated in a soil dusting exercise where Karisa attempted to ride on Mteto. Later in the afternoon the temperature became unbearable making the orphans take a break from feeding to relax under a tree. They later resumed browsing when it was cooler again.

15 September 2018

Melia and her group with Taita and Zurura joined the orphans for lucerne in the morning as sixteen wild bulls were busy drinking water at the stockade water troughs. Taita took Zurura aside and tried to climb on his back. Karisa who was watching keenly picked on Mundusi and tried practicing what he had seen Taita do. Chemi Chemi reported later on his own and had some water before heading straight to mud bath where he joined his team. Naseku and Roi competed who among them would reach the milk bottles first, and Naseku emerged as the winner of the race. Twenty one wild bulls attended the bathing exercise. In the afternoon, Melia and her group joined the orphans for the rest of the day.

16 September 2018

Mutara’s group in the company of Orwa, Narok, Bomani, Kilaguni and Chaimu reported at the stockade compound at dawn and waited for the orphans to be let out. Six bulls were busy drinking water at the stockade water troughs when the orphans were let out. After exchanging morning greetings with the graduate orphans, the juniors then settled for lucerne pellets. Kithaka spotted Guinea fowls coming for water and decided to bar them from accessing the water. He charged and ran towards the poor thirsty birds, but the birds scattered making it difficult for Kithaka to get them. The guinea fowls kept taking Kithaka in circles until he got tired and gave up. It's only then the guinea fowls settled for water without any further harassment from Kithaka! On the way out to the bush, Karisa settled for a strength testing exercise with Namalok, a game that attracted Wanjala and Tusuja too. Bomani was close by and intervened, separating Wanjala and Tusuja in an effort of trying to force Tusuja to play with him. Tusuja was angered by Bomani's actions and decided not to play with him, and left in search of nice vegetation to eat. Due to the dry surroundings, Rapa was spotted kneeling down so as to get the best plants he could. At mud bath time, ten bulls and one warthog were present and joined the orphans to cool off. The warthog wasn't lucky as he was chased away by Galla and Karisa. The afternoon was quiet as the orphans concentrated on browsing without any major observation.

17 September 2018

As the orphans were being let out this morning, we saw five wild bulls arrive at the stockade water troughs. Maramoja was the first one to leave the stockade, followed by Esampu. Olsekki, Kithaka and Wanjala then joined the wild bulls at the water troughs, whilst Namalok exchanged morning greetings with Galla by entwining trunks. Later, Oltaiyoni lead the orphans to the browsing field. It was a fairly quiet morning as the orphans kept themselves busy browsing. The dry season is fast approaching and the orphans know not to waste time. They know they need to eat enough otherwise this means going back to the stockades with half an empty belly. By 11am, the temperature was starting to rise; the orphans fully enjoyed wallowing in the mud bath. Thereafter they joined another four wild bulls at the water troughs before returning to browse. By afternoon, the orphans had settled to browse on the western side of Ithumba Hill. The temperature continued to soar and the orphans converged under a tree, for almost two hours, to take a break from the heat. Once it was cooler, they continued browsing.

18 September 2018

Rapsu was in the company of six wild bulls when they arrived at the stockade early this morning, followed soon by Melia’s group. Once the juniors were let out, Melia and her group made their way in to the stockade area to help themselves to any leftover lucerne. Two buffaloes arrived soon after and had a long drink from the water troughs. Laragai, feeling rather brave, walked to the water troughs to join the buffaloes and wild bulls. One of wild bulls tried to charge at the buffaloes but the two buffaloes carried on drinking, unperturbed, until they had their fill. The orphans had settled to browse at Kanziku area when suddenly Naseku raised her trunk, alerting everyone of a passing intruder. It was a hyena that was late returning to its den; the hyena passed quickly and soon disappeared out of sight. Esampu, Mteto and Mundusi who had never seen a hyena before, panicked somewhat, and started walking towards the Keepers for safety. Later, Pare found a suitable tree he used to scratch his belly on. At mud-bath time, the orphans were joined again by Melia’s group; everyone had a spectacular wallowing session before going their separate ways. The orphans settled to browse in the upper Kalovoto area that afternoon. In the evening, a new group of ten wild bulls arrived at the stockade water troughs and left as soon as they had their fill.

19 September 2018

This morning, just as the orphans were being let out, Orwa, Narok, Bomani and Kainuk, arrived at the stockades with fifteen wild bulls. Kainuk walked into the stockades to check on her longtime friend Turkwel, who has been undergoing treatment for the past seven weeks. It seemed the two had a brief conversation where we assumed Turkwel assured Kainuk that she was in good hands and was receiving the best treatment. Turkwel has lost her tail but her wounds are almost healed now. Karisa, Maramoja and Rapa left the stockades with branches in their mouths and enjoyed feeding on them whilst waiting for their lucerne pellets. Kainuk, also not wanting to be left out, grabbed a branch and walked out enjoying its delicacy. Whilst the orphans took their time patiently feeding on the lucerne, picking one pellet at a time, Ukame, whose name means “drought”, and was rescued during a prolonged drought in the Rukinga Ranch area, was living up to her name. She was behaving like a drought victim, scooping up the pellets and stuffing her mouth, always wanting more. A wild bull watched the orphans from a distance, as they fed on the pellets, wondering what the elephants were doing. His curiosity piqued, and he approached the orphans in a slow measured walk. He picked up one pellet and after tasting it, decided it wasn’t worth the effort of feeding on one pellet at a time. A bull his size requires such a large amount of sustenance and the pellets were just not enough. Karisa was in quite an excitable mood, kicking up dust and charging at invisible foes and after some time, he decided the best way to end his charging session is by mock attacking Tusuja. At the mud-bath, a big group of twenty bulls joined the orphans to cool off in the mud. The orphans decided to give the bulls a wide berth by moving over to the smaller mud-bath. Back at the browsing field, Enkikwe came across a shrub that he liked but was unable to pull it using his trunk, so instead he bent down and used his mouth to pull it out. In the evening, on the way back to the stockades Kauro, Namalok and Kamok decided to play a little game of hide and seek, they dodged the Keepers for almost half an hour before they were finally found and taken back to the stockade.

20 September 2018

There was not a cloud in the sky this morning as the orphans exited the stockades; this meant it was going to be a very hot day. Maramoja led the orphans to feed on lucerne pellets and shortly after, this street wise boy, also led the way to the browsing fields. Siangiki settled to browse with her friends Olsekki and Enkikwe while Wanjala engaged Galla in a brief strength testing game. At around 10am, as predicted, the heat became unbearable; the orphans had no choice but to seek shelter under a tree from the scorching sun. The 11am mud-bath, turned into a grand affair, the orphans were joined by Zurura, Taita and one wild bull. Esampu led the orphans into quite a long wallowing session. She spent a considerable amount of time splashing water and showing off her mud wallowing moves. Once the orphans were done, Naseku led everyone to her favorite pastime, dust bathing and then, led them back to browsing. The orphans settled to browse along the banks of the Kalovoto seasonal river, an area with big trees that give a lot of shade. Later in the evening, Turkwel and Enkikwe were seen browsing together, sharing their experience of their encounter with the ruthless lions.

21 September 2018

The light showers this morning were a welcome relief. Naisula, Kitirua, Murka, Kibo and Zurura joined the orphans who were already busy feeding on their lucerne pellets. Brave Esampu opted to team up with Murka and Naisula in sharing the pellets. Galla, Mundusi and Rapa settled for a different pile of pellets. Rapsu emerged from the eastern side of the stockade and immediately engaged Zurura in a strength testing exercise. On the way to the browsing fields, Kauro and Kamok practiced their own strength testing games after watching Rapsu and Zurura. Upon reaching the browsing fields, Turkwel took independent boy Sapalan and brave Esampu a distance away from the rest. They settled to browse together rumbling and discussing what the Keepers could only guess were “elephant-matters”. The clouds cleared giving way to sunshine. Namalok and Naseku settled under a tree flapping their ears in an attempt to cool off their bodies. Mud-bath time was quiet today, without any wild elephants joining the orphans. Only Naisula, Kitirua, Kibo and Murka who had been with orphans since morning, accompanied the juniors for some wallowing and soil dusting. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse along the western side of Ithumba Hill. As they made their way back to stockade, the Keepers noticed somehow Sapalan had managed to get away undetected. After searching for nearly an hour, the Keepers found him browsing about a kilometer away, totally unconcerned. The Keepers then slowly walked him back to the stockade.

22 September 2018

Twenty wild elephants arrived at the stockades today well before dawn. They spent a long time at the water troughs, drinking as much water as they could and then took a break. Some of the elephants decided to grab a short nap, whilst others kept watch over those who slumbered. At day-break, once the water troughs were re-filled, they decided to have another long drink before quietly leaving, one by one, to unknown locations. It was quite a hot day but this didn't deter the orphans from carrying on with their browsing. Olsekki joined Enkikwe, browsing together and chatting away about the current drought and escalating temperatures. Namalok teamed up with Pare while Esampu settled to browse with Maramoja. 11am mud bath was quite a busy affair; the orphans were joined by Chemi Chemi, Kandecha, Meibai, Tumaren, Melia, Kalama and eleven other wild bulls. Kauro and Kamok both boycotted the wallowing exercise and opted instead for some light strength testing games at a nearby tree. On the way to the browsing field, Pare spotted two warthogs ahead of him and decided to teach them a lesson but before he could pick up speed, the warthogs had disappeared into the thickets leaving him staring at a dust cloud left behind by departing the warthogs. In the evening, thirty five wild bulls arrived at the water troughs at the stockades and left shortly before dark. Galana group also checked in, had a refreshing drink at the water troughs and departed soon after.

23 September 2018

As the orphans settled for their lucerne pellets this morning, fifteen wild elephants arrived at the water troughs. Out of the fifteen, two elephants decided to join the orphans for their morning breakfast. One wild female calf, after tasting the pellets, got rather greedy and decided to have all the pellets for herself. This little uninvited girl had forgotten her manners,in the mad rush to get to the pellets, she knocked down a couple of the orphans. The Keepers, not very impressed with her behavior, decided to show her the door. The orphans were finally left in peace to enjoy their pellets. The wild bull, not wanting to be kicked out as well, happily shared the pellets with the orphans. Kauro who loves playing with Kamok entwined trunks in morning greeting before heading to the browsing field. The sun was hot as the orphans searched for feed. At mud bath time, everyone with the exception of Kauro, who doesn’t like the water much, participated in wallowing. Twelve wild bulls joined the orphans. Namalok had a narrow escape when one of the bulls decided to charge. The Keepers quickly intervened, shouting at the bull; luckily he listened and backed off, giving Namalok a chance to escape out of the mud and to a safer area. After witnessing this, all of the other orphans withdrew from that mud bath and moved to the smaller one. A little later all the orphans spent time at the dustbath before making their way back to the browsing field. The rest of the afternoon was uneventful with the orphans focusing on filling their bellies before heading home.

24 September 2018

It was a quiet morning with only four bulls visiting the stockade water troughs. The orphans quickly settled into enjoying their lucerne pellets after their morning greetings. Laragai was being greedy; she kept a very watchful eye on the piles of lucerne not allowing any of the other orphans to get close. The Keepers had some stern words for Laragai to stop her selfish behavior. Naseku and Rapa shared one pile as Kauro shared his with Sapalan. Today, out in the browsing fields, Sapalan and Enkikwe brought up the rear of the group as they are not able to walk as fast as the others, they continued to browse together until 11am. The orphans had a great time, splashing water and wallowing in the mud, showing off their bathing skills. The afternoon sun became quite unbearable, forcing the orphans to briefly pause their browsing and take shelter under one of the many large trees. They only returned to browse once the temperatures had dropped. The rebel group, headed by Laragai, who detests being controlled by the Keepers, disappeared to browse in an undisclosed location. Later Esampu found a dust mound and partook in a lone dusting exercise, whilst Galla engaged Karisa in a light strength testing exercise. On the return to the stockades in the evening, the orphans saw twenty five bulls arrive at the water troughs, and stay for almost two hours, leaving just before dark.

25 September 2018

The fifteen wild bulls that arrived at the water troughs this morning we joined by Rapsu, Buchuma, Kenze, Kandecha, Chemi Chemi, Kalama, Melia, Tumaren, Zurura and Meibai. The orphans soon settled for their lucerne pellets as soon as they exited the stockades, the ex orphans were very happy to join them and exchanged greeting by entwining trunks and trumpeting. Kandecha, who seemed to have woken up in bad mood, gave the orphans a hard time as he kept pushing them around simply because he wanted to have all the pellets for himself. At last the Keepers had to intervene and put an end to Kandecha’s bullying/pestering/harassing. Turkwel started her day with a soil dusting exercise, enticing both Esampu and Mteto to join. They stopped briefly to watch Mundusi lose a strength testing game to Rapsu. The ex orphans decided to accompany the orphans up to the mud bath area and thereafter parted ways. The rebel group consisting of Laragai, Kithaka, Garzi, Lemoyian and Barsilinga left with the ex-orphans and were not seen or heard from until they returned to the stockades around 5pm. In the afternoon, the orphans chose to browse in upper Kalovoto area. Wanjala settled to browse with Kamok as Rapa, Oltaiyoni, Siangiki and Olsekki took a break from browsing and relaxed under a tree. They only resumed browsing much later when the temperatures were more favorable. Galana, Gawa, Sunyei, Siku, Lualeni, Chyulu, Lenana and Ololoo showed up in the evening to quench their thirst at the water troughs, and left soon after.

26 September 2018

Galana and her small group of Gawa, Sunyei, Siku, Lualeni, Chyulu, Lenana and Ololoo joined the orphans for lucerne pellets this morning. Also present were Tomboi, Rapsu, Taita, Orwa, Narok, Bomani and Kainuk. It seems that Kainuk has left Mutara’s group and joined Narok’s, since Kainuk’s only friend Turkwel who was in Mutara’s group, is recuperating at the stockade hospital after the lion attack. Siku happened to pass behind Narok but was startled to get a back kick from Narok that nearly sent her stumbling. Siku, a little bewildered, wondered what crime she had committed that warranted such treatment from Narok. As she pondered on what to do next, Narok threw another kick that missed Siku by a few inches. It was only then Siku decided to get out of Narok’s way and find some safety with Esampu. Esampu was enjoying her lucerne pellets and wasn't too happy at the thought of having to share her pile of pellets with Siku and drove away the little baby. Siku ran to the safety of her mother. Gawa followed her and placed her trunk on Siku’s back for comfort. The ex-orphans and the rebel group parted ways with juniors soon after leaving the stockade compound. At mud bath time, the orphans were joined by thirty wild bulls. After mud bath, the orphans led by Naseku settled for soil dusting before Kamok and Dupotto led the way back to the browsing field. In the evening twenty five wild bulls arrived at the stockade water troughs whilst the rebels were seen reporting back at stockade at 10pm and were ushered in by the Keepers on night duty.

27 September 2018

It was a quiet cloudy morning and only Naisula, Murka, Kibo and Kitirua were the guest elephants to visit the stockades. Two buffaloes checked in a little later. Kithaka tried to charge at one of the buffaloes but the buffaloes stood their ground. The buffaloes only left after quenching their thirst. After feeding on the lucerne pellets, the orphans passed by the water troughs, to arm themselves with enough water that would see them through the morning. The junior ex-orphans accompanied the orphans to the browsing field and spent the entire morning browsing together. Murka settled to browse with Karisa as Kibo took on the role of “trainer” showing Wanjala and Tusuja some pushing skills. The independent and slow Sapalan teamed up with Enkikwe while Esampu settled to browse with Maramoja. At 11am, the temperatures dropped slightly and only Taita joined the orphans at mud bath. Once the orphans had their milk and water, they opted out of wallowing due to cold weather. On the way back to the browsing field, Karisa engaged Namalok in a strength testing game that ended as soon as Tusuja intervened by separating the two boys. Sapalan enjoyed a brief soil dusting exercise as he slowly made his way to catch up with his friends. As the sun started to set, we watched with great joy and pride, Lualeni walk into the stockade with hew new baby girl! Lualeni was accompanied by two wild boys. An hour later, there was trumpeting and bellowing of happiness and celebrations as Lualeni‘s friends arrived to congratulate on her first baby! It was a great end to the day!

28 September 2018

The morning started off a bit chilly, as the orphans exited the stockades to greet little wild born baby Lulu. Lualeni arrived around 7pm yesterday evening with her baby and thought it wise to spend the night close to the stockades as she understands the dangers that are faced when you have a newborn calf. It started to drizzle as Lualeni, Lulu, Galana, Gawa, Sunyei, Siku, Lenana and Chyulu settled for lucerne pellets with the orphans. Lulu had the toughest and strictest nannies in Chyulu and Lenana who provided the much needed security for the newborn baby. The orphans didn't even get a chance to say hello to Lulu, they only sniffed her at a distance and managed a little wave. Shortly after, Galana and Sunyei left and twenty minutes later, Lualeni, with her security team followed and weren’t seen for the rest of the day. At the browsing field, Sapalan and Enkikwe understood that they were birds of the same feather since they couldn't walk fast like their colleagues and so settled together for browsing. Namalok came across a suitable rock that he used to scratch his buttocks while Esampu teamed up with Maramoja in browsing. At 11am, Karisa and Mundusi raced each other to see who would get to the milk first. Mundusi who is lighter in weight managed to beat Karisa at the race. This didn't go down too well with Karisa, as soon as the two finished their milk, Karisa tried to attack Mundusi. The Keepers intervened and warned Karisa to behave himself. The temperatures were still low and so none of the orphans dared to step into the bathing water and no wild elephants or ex-orphans turned up at the mud bath that day. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at upper Kalovoto area and in the evening returned safely back to the stockade.

29 September 2018

Yatta, Yoyo, Yetu, Kinna, Kama, Ithumbah, Makena, Ishanga, Sidai and Naserian who haven’t been seen for a month, showed up at the stockades after receiving news that Lualeni had a baby and wanted to congratulate her. After sharing lucerne pellets, Yatta continued their journey to look for Lualeni who had left the previous day for an undisclosed location. This dry season, we have seen the formation of new groups among the ex-orphans. Yatta has her own group now, Galana another one and there is a possibility for Lualeni, who for years has tried to form her own group but failed, to now start another one but only time will tell. Nasalot also has got her own group but it's not clear who the members are since Wendi, Wiva, Mwende and Mulika who used to be in Yatta’s group, have not also been seen for a month. No-one knows how long the formation of these new groups will hold; only time will tell. The orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area and the rest of the day was uneventful.

30 September 2018

Yatta and her group had come all the way from the Tiva area after receiving news that Lualeni had a baby. They finally managed to catch up with Lualeni to congratulate her. In the morning, the two groups of Yatta and Galana showed up at the stockade and had great time sharing the lucerne pellets with the orphans. Siku, who thought she was equal to Esampu and settled to feed on pellets with Esampu, couldn't believe it when Esampu knocked her down. Siku turned to Kamok thinking Kamok would save her but also got a rude shock when Kamok tossed her like a ball. Luckily Siku landed where Siangiki was feeding on her pellets and Siangiki happily welcomed the little girl. Shortly after Yatta and Galana’s group left, the orphans settled to browse at Kanziku area. Enkikwe had friendly strength testing games with Mundusi as Pare settled to browse with Karisa. At mud bath, only ten wild bulls arrived and joined the orphans in bathing. Naseku and Wanjala enjoyed a light pushing game in water before one of the bulls scared them away by charging at them. Mutara, Sities, Kanjoro Makireti, Kasigau and Kilabasi who had crossed the fence and had gone to the Kanziku community area, returned to stockade water troughs around 5pm.