Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly
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
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.
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.
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
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
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.
Celebrate your adoption with a personalised certificate, ready for you or your lucky gift recipient to print and display!
Each month, we send a detailed update about our Orphans’ Project direct to your email inbox, featuring photos, stories, and special highlights.
From the latest Keepers’ Diaries to a downloadable image gallery and more, adopters have exclusive access to our content library.