17 years ago, a tiny calf wandered into a Samburu village, desperately seeking help. Today, that same elephant proudly strode up to our Ithumba stockades, introducing us to her brand new baby boy. Suguta has become a mum!
Suguta as a new rescue
Suguta's story shows us the best and worst of humanity. While her mother was killed by poachers, so many good-hearted people fought to save her — and it was a hard-won fight. As we wrote at the time of her rescue: Suguta came to us in a state of collapse — so much so that our Keepers were convinced she would slip away before they even landed in Nairobi. She lay limp on the mattress, little life left in her eyes, totally dehydrated and emaciated, her skin literally hanging from her bones, her cheeks sunken and gaunt. This baby had obviously been without her mother for as long as five days — an inordinate amount of time for a milk-dependent calf this young. One could only imagine the nightmare she had endured.
Hers was a hard-won success
On 18th August 2008, an infant elephant walked into a manyatta (village). She immediately followed anyone who came close, desperate for protection, food, and comfort. The elders discussed the best course of action for their surprise visitor and decided to walk the calf to the closest Kenya Wildlife Service ranger station. This was a long and time-consuming journey, but they forged ahead.
It was late by the time Suguta and her rescuers arrived at the station. One of our rangers from the area, Daniel, fortuitously happened to be on leave at the time. He was able to provide some guidance on her care — including a warning not to give the hungry calf cow's milk, which is lethal to elephants. At first light the following morning, we flew up to rescue her.
But she was an absolute cherub!
For 24 hours after her arrival at the Nursery, Suguta hovered on a razor-thin line between life and death. We plied her with drips, milk, and rehydration salts — and slowly, slowly, she started to return to the land of the living. We count her as one of our miracle babies.
Suguta with her perfect baby boy
After two years at the Nursery, Suguta graduated to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit in Tsavo East National Park. This was a big adjustment for our little girl, who had arrived at the Nursery so young. She found support in a rather unlikely corner: Wendi! In the middle of Suguta's first night at Ithumba, Wendi's group arrived at the stockades and kept vigil throughout the night, waiting until dawn to meet the new graduates. Sensing Suguta's apprehension, Wendi paid special attention to her, tenderly hugging and guiding her until she felt fully settled in. (It must be said that Wendi hasn't shown such maternal instinct towards her own three daughters!)
The proud mum made a beeline home after giving birth
Suguta grew up quickly at Ithumba, showing a wonderful nurturing instinct and leadership acumen. She has been living wild for many years, alongside her closest friends — Mutara, Sities, Turkwel, and Kainuk — a unique, close-knit little herd that has stood the test of time. We are lucky to see them often, as they are frequent visitors around Ithumba. We followed Suguta's progressing pregnancy and wondered when her baby might make his debut.
We can't wait to watch Sullivan grow up
On the night of 7th December 2025, we got our answer. Shortly before nine o'clock, Suguta arrived at the stockade compound with a baby boy, escorted by Larro, Sana Sana, and Naboishu. The small group decided to spend the night at the stockade compound — a wise decision for the safety of the newborn.
We have named Suguta's new baby Sullivan. Looking upon her perfectly plump, bright-eyed son, we cannot help but remember the skeletal, half-dead orphan we rescued 17 years ago. It is a wonderful, full-circle moment for all of us who have been part of this remarkable elephant's life.