Akina's story with us began on the afternoon of 8th September 2022. While patrolling along the Voi River in Tsavo East National Park, our pilot spotted a young elephant calf all on her own. Kenya was in the grips of a severe drought at the time, and elephants were among the most affected. We witnessed a sharp increase in orphans who had lost their mothers or become too weak to keep up with their herds.

Our pilot circled the area, searching for lactating females or herds that might be the calf's family, but none were to be found. With this confirmation that she was an orphan, the Kenya Wildlife Service called for a rescue, and our Voi team mobilised to the scene.

The team tracked the calf from the Ndololo Camp water hole along the Voi River. She was very weak and emaciated — her rescue had come not a moment too soon. Given her slightly older age and location, we decided to skip the Nursery stage and bring the calf directly to our nearby Voi Reintegration Unit.

We named the calf Akina, which means unity and family bonds. Although Akina had lost her own family, we could offer her the love, security, and nurturing that any young elephant deserves.

Akina spent several weeks recovering at the stockades, slowly but surely building trust, gaining weight, and improving her condition. The other orphans were incredibly supportive, visiting her throughout the day.

Finally, once she was sufficiently strong and acclimated, Akina was ready to join the Voi herd out in the bush. She was joined by Kenderi, a fellow 'Voi Kid' rescued just a few weeks before her. Both girls were exceptional, taking everything in stride, holding their own against the rowdy young bulls, and enjoying all the attention they received from Mbegu and the other nannies.

Over the years, Akina has really come into her own. Her closest friends are Juni, who has ascended to mini matriarch of the Voi herd, and Seri, another Voi Kid who was rescued around the same time. The Keepers remark on her calm nature — Akina is an elephant who is wise beyond her years.

Akina is also an elephant who loves water! The Keepers call her the 'water baby' — she shows just as much enthusiasm for swimming and splashing around as our original mermaid, Pika Pika. She always tries to get the rest of the herd out of the water so she can have the whole space to herself and show off to everyone on shore. If it's chilly and the other orphans show no interest in swimming, Akina proves everyone wrong by diving in and having a marvellous time.

Another funny quirk about Akina: She likes to have her personal space and gets upset if anyone invades the invisible circle she has set around herself, particularly when feeding. While the other orphans eat communally, Akina grabs her browse and carries it to a far-off location, so she can enjoy it in peace!

As one of the Voi Kids, Akina will grow up in the heart of the Tsavo wilderness, the same landscape where she was born. In the fullness of time, she will reclaim her place in the wild and raise her own family — but she will always have a family and a home with us.