Chaimu

Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly

About Chaimu

  • Current age

    17 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    4 June 2009

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Chyulu Hills

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    16 June 2008

  • Reason orphaned

    Unknown

  • Age at rescue

    11 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

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Chaimu's rescue

Another arrival on the 4th June 2009, this time rescued on the slopes of the Chyulu Hills, bringing the total now in the Nairobi Nursery to 19!

Rangers had been searching for a young lone elephant for a couple of days, having heard reports about an abandoned calf. Two days later the calf, aged about 1 year, was located, secured by staff from a nearby lodge and taken to the nearest airfield to await the arrival of an SWT chartered rescue plane, having alerted us earlier that they hoped to find the orphan.

It is not known whether she is a victim of poaching or drought, both of which are affecting the area. What was evident is that she had walked over 22km from where she was originally sighted, through waterless terrain, before finally being rescued.

She arrived at the Nursery in the afternoon, emaciated and with diarrhoea, passing mud in a very runny stool, so was immediately put on a course of antibiotics and the usual coagulating agents. She was very fearful of humans, but had still sufficient reserves, thankfully.

Many of the orphans who have originated from the Chyulu hills and Amboseli ecosystems have arrived with a tremendous loathing and fear of humans which is indicative of how the elephant community has been treated in that area. They have long suffered a great deal of harassment from a community that is not ele-friendly. We named this baby “Chaimu” the Swahili word for the lava ash, since the Chyulu range of hills are of very recent volcanic origin, with an emergent mist forest covering them, which, sadly, is subjected to illegal logging. Comprised of ash, all mist and rainwater filters through to basement rock beneath to run as underground rivers and emerge in crystal clear springs, one of which is Mzima, which provides Mombasa town’s water supply, and the other Umani springs which is the only ground water for the wildlife in the Chyulu Hills National Park. Located outside of the Park the Trust now has a lease to help protect the Kibwezi forest and the fauna and flora, and at the same time support and educate the surrounding community.

Chaimu settled into the nursery but soon a cause for concern was the fact that his one eye seemed to have no sight, and an ominous milky spot in the second eye was worrying. With the help of Dr. Swendermann both eyes have improved dramatically and we believe will return to normal with ongoing intensive treatment.

Rangers had been searching for a young lone elephant for a couple of days, having heard reports about an abandoned calf. Two days later the calf, aged about 1 year, was located, secured by staff from a nearby lodge and taken to the nearest airfield to await the arrival of an SWT chartered rescue plane, having alerted us earlier that they hoped to find the orphan.

Latest updates featuring Chaimu

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Keepers Diaries

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

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The Great Elephant Migration: A Journey for Coexistence

The Great Elephant Migration is on a journey to promote coexistence.

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Chaimu's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Chaimu

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Chaimu's Calves

Chapa

On 24th September 2024, Chaimu returned home to give birth right outside the Ithumba stockades, sharing her new joy with the people who raised her. We named her baby Chapa. However, after an absence of more than a month, new mother Chaimu returned to Ithumba — without her infant son. His loss remains a complete mystery, but Chaimu did not seem distressed or dispirited; she had clearly already come to terms with her loss. Read more.

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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