The second half of 2022 felt like a time of nonstop rescues for our Voi team. Tsavo was in the grips of a severe drought that hit the southern sector particularly hard. Elephants struggled enormously: as food sources dwindled, mothers were unable to produce enough milk and their calves' strength was sapped away. So many orphans were found alone, left behind when they could no longer keep pace with their herd in the relentless quest to find food.

On 15th August 2022, we received reports of one such orphan on Mwatate Sisal Estate, bordering Tsavo East. She was very thin and dehydrated. The Voi team rushed to the scene and, with the assistance of community rangers, managed to rescue the calf. We named her Dabida, after the area where she was rescued.

Dabida was on her last reserves when she arrived at the Voi stockades. We immediately put her on a drip, which continued on and off for many weeks to stabilise her.

Finally, Dabida was ready to join the herd out in the bush. She made her debut with Hildana, who was rescued just a week before her. Mbegu, Arruba, and Sagala oversaw the welcoming committee and escorted them around, introducing them to everyone and everything. Before long, they were fully ensconced in the herd.

Being so young and so new, all the older girls were jostling to look after Dabida. One day, a comical custody battle ensued: Rorogoi and Pika Pika chased after Dabida, each wanting the honour of looking after her. They managed to sandwich her between them, but it was very unclear who was in charge, and they left the compound in a state of confusion. Mbegu noticed the three elephants sprinting out and came over to assume control, allowing for a more peaceful interaction between Dabida and the two aspiring nannies.

However, Dabida quickly proved that she was not in need of coddling — in fact, she is known as the most 'kali' (spirited in Swahili) of the Voi Kids. The boys have learned that she is a redoubtable opponent and not to be underestimated. Itinyi learned this the hard way one afternoon, when a good-natured sparring match with Dabida turned serious. Itinyi butted Dabida hard on the head; in retaliation, she bit his trunk.

In fact, Dabida can be recognised from a mile away because of her kali nature. In December 2025, a skirmish with Kilulu left her with a broken left tusk. Just three months later, a play-fight with Manda resulted in a broken right tusk. Now, she has two stubby little tusks — which will grow back, but her temper shows no signs of abating!

For all her fire, Dabida has a soft side, too. She loves looking after the younger orphans and has proven to be exceptional with our ex-orphans' babies, especially Arruba's daughter, Aura, and Naipoki's son, Nsimba. Whenever they visit, Dabida is first in line to offer her nannying support. She has also become an excellent ‘big sister’ to little Lumo. In the fullness of time, we know that she will make a formidable mother, raising her own family in the wilds of Tsavo.