Ajok

Has fully embraced his wild life in Tsavo East National Park

About Ajok

  • Current age

    35 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    23 May 1990

  • Rescue location

    South Turkana, Nasalot National Reserve

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    1 May 1990

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    3 weeks old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Ajok for yourself, or as a gift

Ajok's rescue

Ajok is a desert elephant, born in one of the harshest and most arid environments of Kenya, Turkana country, which is a virtual lava desert bordering Lake Turkana, formerly known as Lake Rudolf.

It is the very hardy elephants that remain in this hostile environment, where life is governed by the survival of the fittest, and a heavy death toll is taken of the young due to environmental challenges, as well as having the misfortune of being born in an area where the long arm of the law extends no protection.

The name of this calf, Ajok is the word for Hallo in the Turkana tribal dialect, and it is appropriate indeed, for tribesmen happened upon this tiny week old calf wandering along a dry riverbed, all alone. This was such an unusual event, and he was so vulnerable and tiny, and as such so trusting of the humans, that instead of killing him for food, they spared him and instead took him to the nearest Police Outpost. From there, and in a roundabout way, we were alerted of his presence, and hurriedly set about arranging an air rescue, knowing that he would not have survived the long car journey, having been without milk for several days, and also having been given cows milk, which is death to an elephant baby.

It is the very hardy elephants that remain in this hostile environment, where life is governed by the survival of the fittest, and a heavy death toll is taken of the young due to environmental challenges, as well as having the misfortune of being born in an area where the long arm of the law extends no protection.

Latest updates featuring Ajok

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Keepers Diaries

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

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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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