Chemi Chemi

Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly

About Chemi Chemi

  • Current age

    16 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    22 February 2010

  • Rescue location

    Laikipia, Loisaba Conservancy

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    18 June 2009

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    8 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

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Chemi Chemi's rescue

It was Sunday 21st February 2010 at about midday when the Manager of Loisaba Ranch Mr. Tom Silvester, received word from his ranch staff that a baby elephant had been spotted alone on the border of the Ranch with the tribal lands inhabited by the notorious warlike Pokot tribe, who are certainly not known to be ele-friendly.

There poaching, cattle rustling, and resolving tribal vendettas is rife, for Pokotland is a region where the long arm of the law is largely non-existent. The poaching of elephants for ivory, plus the killing of them for no other reason than that they are wild animals is common place, and as a result of this human/elephant conflict also takes a heavy toll of any elephants passing through Pokot country, as they have over millennia.

The Ranch workers monitored the lone calf for the rest of the day, but there were no other elephants to be seen in the area, so as nightfall approached, Alistair Boyd, the manager of Loisaba lodge, decided to save the elephant baby. With the help of his Staff, he managed to overpower the calf, who was still sufficiently strong to put up a spirited struggle. However, once subdued and tied down, he was taken to the Ranch Headquarters, where he took water from a bucket, and was given an Attendant as company for the night. It must have been a pleasant surprise for the little elephant to find a human who was caring and friendly, who offered him greens and water, and communicated with him in a gentle voice. He responded, and calmed down.

At first light the rescue plane took off from Nairobi, armed with three Keepers, all the rescue paraphanalia, milk, rehydrants and the usual medicaton and headed for Loisaba in Laikipia district. The little elephant arrived in the Nursery ahead of Daphne, Angela and Robert, who were traveling by car from Tsavo at the time.

He was found near a small spring on the Ranch boundary, and was given the name “Chemi Chemi” which is the Swahili word for a Spring, since the Samburu or Pokot tribal name for a Spring was too difficult for most people to pronounce correctly. Little Chemi Chemi, or Chem Chem for short, who is approximately eight months old we think settled in instantly, especially when he found Melia next door to him. The very next morning he was allowed out to meet all 19 Nursery inmates, who embraced him instantly. From the start, he took milk from a bottle gratefully, attended the noon mudbath, which he enjoyed immensely, and clearly loved once again being part of an elephant herd, albeit one of miniatures. Olare, who has the makings of a very caring and proficient little Matriarch was, and is, exceedingly protective of him, and being of Northern elephant stock, where the population has been distilled until only the fittest have managed to survive, he will make a wonderful addition to our orphaned herd.

Little Chemi Chemi brings the Nursery herd back to 20 and is a very friendly and forgiving little elephant, for he must have witnessed much violence against his kind in the past, not least the possible slaughter of his elephant mother either from poaching or human/wildlife conflict.

There poaching, cattle rustling, and resolving tribal vendettas is rife, for Pokotland is a region where the long arm of the law is largely non-existent. The poaching of elephants for ivory, plus the killing of them for no other reason than that they are wild animals is common place, and as a result of this human/elephant conflict also takes a heavy toll of any elephants passing through Pokot country, as they have over millennia.

Latest updates featuring Chemi Chemi

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Keepers Diaries

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

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Chemi Chemi Comes Home for Help

Even when they are leading fully wild lives, the orphans always know where to come when they need help. Chemi Chemi is but the latest of our ‘grown kids’ to return home in his hour of need.

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Chemi Chemi's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Chemi Chemi

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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

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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

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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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