We rescued Makena in September 2005, after rangers heard a tiny elephant squealing. Two of our most experienced Keepers were sent to collect the little orphan — and were surprised to find one of the smallest elephants they had ever laid eyes on. We named her Makena, which means ‘happy’ in Kikuyu.

No one could believe the fuzzy bundle of mischief who arrived at the Nursery and promptly took over the compound. All the Keepers were enchanted by this cheeky little newcomer, who was happy to follow everyone and anyone. After three years at the Nursery, Makena graduated to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit. She has always been a very kind, nurturing elephant, looking after the little ones and standing up for everyone.

Even after she transitioned to the wild, Makena’s generous character continued to shine. In 2018, when Enkikwe was mauled by a lion, it was Makena who saved his life: Alongside Tumaren and Tembo, she frightened off the attacking lions, and then escorted the gravely wounded Enkikwe back to our stockades for help. Enkikwe is now fully recovered — but had Makena and co not intervened, he wouldn’t be alive today.

Makena is an exceedingly selfless elephant, but that hasn’t spared her from personal tragedy. In 2021, she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, whom we named Mumo. Showing good judgement for a first-time mum at the height of the dry season, she initially chose to remain around the stockades, taking advantage of the support system we are able to provide.

But then, she made a misstep: She led her newborn on a three-day safari deep into the drought-stricken wilds of Tsavo. When they returned to us, it was clear that the excursion had taken its toll on Mumo. She was gaunt, dehydrated, and listless. Given the precarious situation, we stepped in, plying the calf with rehydration and cosseting Makena with even more supplementary food so mother and baby could rest and replenish.

The Keepers moved heaven and earth to try to revive Mumo, but it was too late. At just 11 days old, she died at her mother’s feet. Makena stood vigil over her daughter’s body, processing her loss with the courage and stoicism so typical of elephants. It was a heartbreaking but remarkable story, which you can read in full here.

Elephants are adept at turning the proverbial page, as wild creatures must. Makena cheerfully took on the role of nanny to her friends’ babies, supporting Wendi, Loijuk, Yatta, Mulika, and other ex-orphans to raise their families. She seemed happy, but we yearned for her to have a baby of her own.

About a year after Mumo died, we were ecstatic to see that Makena was pregnant again. But time passed, her round belly returned to normal, and no baby arrived. Makena had miscarried — another loss for a lovely elephant who had already lost so much.

Makena has been a regular visitor around Ithumba this dry season. Only recently did we suspect that she was expecting again, but all the usual signs were very faint, so we assumed that she was in the early stages of pregnancy. Then, the rains arrived and most regular visitors scattered to enjoy all the new vegetation.

So, imagine our surprise and delight when Makena arrived at the stockades on the morning of 14th December 2025 — with a beautiful, brand new baby girl in tow. She was accompanied by Olare, Ola, Maramoja, Naseku, Sagateisa, Roi, Ndiwa, Gawa, Sunyei, Siku, Saba, and Subiri. It was a brief visit, clearly with the express purpose of introducing her new baby to her human family. Even in the short time they remained with us, however, we could tell that Makena was over the moon. She was extremely diligent, fussing over her daughter and proudly showing her off. The group later headed west, their tiny bundle of joy wedged between them.

We named the calf Merri — a nod to Makena’s name and to the long-overdue blessings she has received. 20 years in the making, Makena’s greatest joy has been delivered. We know she will be an excellent mother.