Aitong

Has fully embraced her wild life in Tsavo East National Park

About Aitong

  • Current age

    30 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    1 November 1994

  • Rescue location

    Maasai Mara, Aitong

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    1 November 1994

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    0 weeks old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

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Aitong's rescue

Aitong is an elephant from the Masai Mara population of elephants, orphaned early in November 1994 when she was approximately just 2 weeks old. She takes her name from the area where she was found staggering around in circles having obviously suffered a head injury, probably during a stampede when her family fled from poachers.

When first seen, she was still surrounded by her confused elephant family who for the next three days desperately tried to get the brain damaged infant, who could only walk in circles, to follow. In the end, they had to give up and leave her, by which time she was in a near dead state of total collapse. Fortunately, it was a Veterinarian who rescued her and who was able to administer rehydration through a tube inserted down her throat directly into her stomach, which undoubtedly saved her life.

She was flown back to the Nairobi Nursery, and for many weeks precariously hovered between life and death, still only able to walk in tight circles. We feared that she would never recover, and, would end up having to be euthanised. Indeed, there was one night when she almost died, but again was saved by the insertion of a pipe directly to the stomach by the same Vet who rescued her.

Weeks turned into months, and slowly and painfully Aitong began to recover, initially learning to walk straight by holding onto Imenti’s tail, so that she could follow the other Nursery elephants. Their patience, care of her, and sympathetic understanding undoubtedly contributed towards her final recovery.

Aitong was a very caring “nanny” who assisted “Emily”, the Senior Matriarch of the Voi orphaned unit. As Emily’s Nannie, Aitong was extremely caring of each and every member of the group, usually the first to rush to the rescue of any who need help and the one who kept the peace by separating sparring young bulls. She was out-going and comfortable socializing with the wild herds, with a particular attraction for handsome bulls! One of her longstanding “boyfriends” was Edo, an orphan from Amboseli, who was seen to cohabit with her on many occasions and when he did the same to Emily, elicited Aitong’s jealousy! Her greatest love, however, was a young female originally from Sweetwaters Ranch, named “Sweet Sally”, who could be likened to her shadow, and firmly refused to be separated when both Aitong and Emily were of an age when they no longer needed to be enclosed in the Night Stockades during the hours of darkness; large enough to take care of themselves and not end up a meal for a lion.
The three now totally “wild” orphans form what is referred to as “Emily’s group” in the monthly Keepers’ Diaries. However, they remain in close touch with the younger still dependent orphans. In the old days, Emily, Aitong and Sally used to wait outside the Stockade Gates first thing in the morning to accompany the others out into the bush, and also escort them back to the Stockades in the evenings before leaving for a night out. Whenever they met up with the youngsters, Emily was still viewed as Leader and Aitong next in seniority.
Nowadays Emily's herd chooses to spend time away with their wild friends further afield, and are therefore absent for several weeks or months at a time, but they return to make contact with the dependent orphans whenever they happen to be in the area; either at the stockades, out in the bush, or at the noon mud bath. Whenever they are reunited, there is tremendous excitement and outpouring of love in a full-blown elephant welcome. We believe that all the Trust’s orphans will retain these family bonds for life, having grown up as a family, even though each and every one comes from a different part of Kenya, and even further afield.

Aitong turned into a wonderfully caring elephant who could always be relied upon to come to the help of others in trouble, the adored mother figure to Sweet Sally. Although we have not seen her for some years now since she left Emily's herd, we are confident she is enjoying a wonderful life out in the wild where she belongs, with her wild friends and family.

When first seen, she was still surrounded by her confused elephant family who for the next three days desperately tried to get the brain damaged infant, who could only walk in circles, to follow. In the end, they had to give up and leave her, by which time she was in a near dead state of total collapse. Fortunately, it was a Veterinarian who rescued her and who was able to administer rehydration through a tube inserted down her throat directly into her stomach, which undoubtedly saved her life.

She was flown back to the Nairobi Nursery, and for many weeks precariously hovered between life and death, still only able to walk in tight circles. We feared that she would never recover, and, would end up having to be euthanised. Indeed, there was one night when she almost died, but again was saved by the insertion of a pipe directly to the stomach by the same Vet who rescued her.

Latest updates featuring Aitong

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Keepers Diaries

View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers

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Ndara's treatment & recovery

Joseph Sauni, the Head Keeper at the Voi Elephant Rehabilitation Centre in Southern Tsavo East National Park, was on a routine motorized patrol on the 13th April, 2012, when he happened upon the Ex Orphans of Emilys now wild unit, who were actually already on their way back to the Voi Stockades

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Aitong's Latest Photos

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What's included in your adoption?

By adopting, you play a vital role in the life of an orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe — helping us provide the round-the-clock, loving attention each one needs and deserves over many years, so they can ultimately reclaim their place in the wild.

Your adoption supports the 100+ orphans in our care at any given time, covering the cost of milk and food supplies, Keepers' salaries, veterinary treatment, and other essentials.

Personalised adoption certificate

Celebrate your adoption with a personalised certificate, ready for you or your lucky gift recipient to print and display!

Monthly updates

Each month, we send a detailed update about our Orphans’ Project direct to your email inbox, featuring photos, stories, and special highlights.

Exclusive content

From the latest Keepers’ Diaries to a downloadable image gallery and more, adopters have exclusive access to our content library.

Do you have any questions?

Please refer to our FAQs for more information on the Adoption Program. However, if there is any specific question that is not on the FAQs page, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
FAQs

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