The last time we saw Melia, in February, she was heavily pregnant. This time, she had a perfect little calf by her side. Milo, her firstborn, was not present; we feel certain that one of Melia's friends has taken over nannying duties while she focuses on her newest addition. Melia was supported by her old friend, Kitirua, and budding nanny Maramoja.

Melia was clearly feeling nostalgic: She showed her daughter around the place she once called home, even taking her into the stockade where she used to sleep. Moon even had the opportunity to interact with Mwinzi and Kinyei.

After the orphans headed into the bush, Melia and her team stayed back and enjoyed the stockades for about an hour before heading west. They briefly popped by the midday mud bath before making their final exit — no doubt off to reunite with Milo and his nannies.

Melia's story with us began in 2009, after our rangers discovered a lone elephant calf in the Ndara Plains of Tsavo East. Knowing that a young orphan wouldn't survive the night in lion country, we rushed to the scene and rescued her. Melia was very feisty upon arrival, but mellowed out over the years. She grew into a notably large elephant with a calm, quiet demeanour.

Melia gave birth to her firstborn, Milo, four years ago — and in an Ithumba first, she delivered him right outside the stockades! In the early morning hours of 29th October 2022, Head Keeper Benjamin heard a great commotion. Amidst all the elephants, something had fallen to the earth. Its arrival sent the wild bulls running for the hills, ears flapping and trumpets blaring in consternation. Even the older females, who are usually quite placid, made themselves scarce.

Before Benjamin could register what had happened, Melia, Loijuk, Kinna, Kitirua, Kalama, and Olare came running back over. He realised that the surprise delivery was a newborn elephant, still partially ensconced in a white placenta. Much to everyone's surprise — including her own — Melia had given birth!

Melia appeared to be flummoxed by the tiny baby lying before her. Immediately, her more experienced friends stepped in, helping the first-time mum come to grips with the situation. Loijuk, who was already a mother, took charge and lifted the baby to his feet. From there, she seemed to coach Melia through the motions of motherhood.

Melia quickly came to grips with her new role, and over the past four years, she has really flourished as a mother. While we didn't witness Moon's arrival into the world, we know that Melia has been taking excellent care of her. Moon is a little hive of activity, bright-eyed and round-cheeked. Like her brother, she appears to have inherited her mother's big bones — she already has a very sturdy stature!

Raising Melia was a labour of love. Now, we get to see her pour this love into her own calves, nurturing her own family in the wilds of Tsavo. The fact that she chose to come home and share this moment means the world to us.