Galla

Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly

About Galla

  • Current age

    10 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    21 March 2016

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    25 December 2014

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    14 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Ithumba Reintegration Unit

Adopt Galla for yourself, or as a gift

Galla's rescue

The 21st March began as a particularly fraught day for us with the news that two orphaned elephants were in need of rescue at different ends of the country, one having fallen down a well in the Namunyak Conservancy in Northern Kenya (rescued separately), and the other most likely a victim of poaching in Tsavo East National Park near to the huge lone rock named “Sobo”, close to the Eastern boundary of the Park.

Were this not enough, we then received the tragic news that one of our Elephant Keepers based at the Voi Rehabilitation unit had collapsed and died very suddenly and unexpectedly whilst out in the bush with the orphans. It is testament to the commitment and professionalism of our team that they were able to continue efficiently and effectively with the important rescue of the young calf from Tsavo despite the shock of losing a colleague so unexpectedly.

The orphan from Tsavo had been sighted alone with no evidence of any other elephants in the region by KWS Rangers who called our Voi Unit to notify them about the calf that was far too young to be alone. Our Voi team of Keepers responded swiftly but arrived at the scene to find the calf was nowhere in sight. Following his tracks they managed to trace his movements and located him standing under a tree shading himself from the unforgiving sun. He cut a very forlorn and lonely figure and being under a year old he was already showing signs of being extremely thin, obviously having been without Mum for quite some time. A lactating elephant carcass had been sighted from the air one week before and not far from this area so it is assumed that this might well be his dead mother.

The orphan was captured by the team and safely loaded into a SWT vehicle and driven all the way to our Voi stockade, a distance of some 60 kms. Here he was given rehydration and settled in a shady stockade as the team waited for the rescue aircraft from Nairobi to arrive. He was then sedated for the flight and loaded onto the aircraft, resting on a canvas stretcher and made comfortable for the one hour and fifteen minute return journey to Nairobi.
He arrived at the Nursery in the late evening and quickly rose to his feet full of fight. Although thin he took to his milk bottle almost immediately, and fed on the fresh cut greens throughout.
Thankfully with no external injuries, although slightly thin, his chances of survival are good. He has been named “Galla” after the pastoral tribe that once traversed Tsavo at the turn of the 20th Century, and whose pebble stone cairn graves can be found throughout what is now the Tsavo East National Park.
Upon his arrival Galla remained strong and aggressive and had to be confined to his Stockade in order to settle into his new surroundings and become accustomed to his new human family. Over the past few days he has settled down, and is now out with the other orphans on their daily jaunts into the forest to forage. We are confident with time this baby will grow into a fine and healthy young bull, ready to begin his journey back into the wild.

Were this not enough, we then received the tragic news that one of our Elephant Keepers based at the Voi Rehabilitation unit had collapsed and died very suddenly and unexpectedly whilst out in the bush with the orphans. It is testament to the commitment and professionalism of our team that they were able to continue efficiently and effectively with the important rescue of the young calf from Tsavo despite the shock of losing a colleague so unexpectedly.

Latest updates featuring Galla

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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 story of Dupotto, Karisa and Kelelari's adventure, and safe return

Dupotto, Karisa and Kelelari disappeared from the Ithumba stockade compound in May having been spooked by something just days after arriving from the Nairobi Nursery

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Galla's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Galla

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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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