He was brought back by ex-orphans Mbegu, Ngilai, Godoma, and Tagwa — and what a welcome he received. Everyone was thrilled to see their old friend, catch up, and hear all his stories from the past year.

As Keeper Philip reported: "Bright and early in the morning, Mbegu's herd played delivery service and brought Manda back to the stockade after spending ten months on a wild adventure!"

In case you missed his departure in the Keepers' Diaries: In late June 2025, Manda was kidnapped by a wild herd. We quickly drove towards them, calling to him, but it was too late — the elephants had already whisked him away into impenetrable bush.

While we kept a keen eye out for him, we felt confident he was in good care. Manda was already quite independent for his age, and we were familiar with the herd’s matriarch — a fiery, experienced leader. Still, we hoped for a sighting, or even better, a visit.

Ten months later, imagine our surprise and delight when Manda padded up to the stockades with Mbegu and company! His arrival caused a hum of excitement among the orphans, who immediately recognised their old friend and lavished him with love and attention. His old Kaluku friends — Lemeki, Thamana, and Rokka — were over the moon, especially Rokka, who grew up alongside Manda and graduated to Voi with him.

We can only imagine the adventures Manda has had during his absence. They have clearly been good ones: He is in exceptional condition and the picture of health. We don’t know how long he will remain with us, but we will treasure every minute.

Our goal for every orphan we rescue is to ultimately help them reclaim their place in the wild. This process unfolds differently for each individual, and the decision to leave our care is entirely their own. Our hearts sing to see Manda so happy and healthy — and to know that, even after all this time, he still knows where home is.

Revist Manda's rescue story