During an aerial patrol, we spotted two familiar faces, far from home: Jotto and Musiara! Jotto was rescued in 2016, and Musiara came a year later. Both boys were neonate orphans when they arrived and became hooked on their Keepers, who were the only family they had ever really known.

Musiara and Jotto spent the better part of a decade in our care, morphing from tiny babies to capable young bulls. After tiptoeing into their independence, they finally decided they were ready to embrace their wild lives. The best friends have been adventuring around Tsavo, side by side. (Read about their last visit, which was memorable in its own right.)

But these elephants will always be near and dear to our hearts. Our pilots recognised Jotto and Musiara right away — and worryingly, they noticed that Jotto had an injury on his leg.

What followed was remarkable. Taru and Roan, who grew up alongside Musiara and Jotto, mobilised to the scene with the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit. Hearing their familiar whistle, the bulls were completely comfortable around their old family. The team was able to walk right up to Jotto, dart him, and tend to his wounds, while Musiara calmly watched on.

It is important to note that this trust does not extend to all humans. Our ex-orphans would treat strangers with a healthy wariness — but they never forgot the people who raised them.

We are happy to report that Jotto will make a full and speedy recovery. He has his best friend by his side — and he will always have his She