Ilingwezi

Has fully embraced her wild life in Tsavo East National Park

About Ilingwezi

  • Current age

    26 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    30 April 1999

  • Rescue location

    Laikipia, Il Ngwesi Group Ranch

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    1 April 1999

  • Reason orphaned

    Found in erosion gulley

  • Age at rescue

    0 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Ilingwezi for yourself, or as a gift

Ilingwezi's rescue

A female calf estimated to have been born in April 1999, this tiny female was only 2 weeks old when she was orphaned. She comes from the Il Ngwezi Group Ranch in Laikipia district, Northern Kenya, an area belonging to the Samburu tribe who have become conservation conscious and protect their wildlife for the benefit of visitors to their beautiful little self catering Lodge, which is a popular tourist destination. Revenue derived from tourism to the area benefits the community directly.

Ilingwezi was rescued by the tribesmen, who herd an elephant commotion during the night and went out the next day to investigate. They found this tiny calf in a deep erosion gulley, signs of the other elephants' struggle to free her during the night very evident. She was unharmed, and flown to Nairobi that afternoon, arriving in good condition, one of the lucky few who has never needed the attentions of a Vet.

The Il Ngwezi Group Ranch tribesmen were concerned about the future of "their" little elephant, so in the interests of public relations, they were flown to Nairobi to satisfy themselves that she was in good hands. They arrived, some dressed in tribal regalia, and spent the day with the Nursery elephants, thoroughly enjoying the experience. Daphne Sheldrick promised them that when their elephant left the Nursery to join the older orphans in Tsavo, they would be taken there to see her again. This promise was fulfilled in February 2001 when the man who actually rescued Ilingwezi, plus the Chief and Elders of the tribe joined Kenya Wildlife Service dignitaries and a Minister in the Office of the President to spend time with all the Tsavo orphans. Surrounded by about 25 orphaned elephants of all sizes, it was an experience none of them will ever forget, particularly as one of our Big Boys, Dika, now independent, turned up unexpectedly, and greeted the people gently, towering over them.

Ilingwezi was rescued by the tribesmen, who herd an elephant commotion during the night and went out the next day to investigate. They found this tiny calf in a deep erosion gulley, signs of the other elephants' struggle to free her during the night very evident. She was unharmed, and flown to Nairobi that afternoon, arriving in good condition, one of the lucky few who has never needed the attentions of a Vet.

Latest updates featuring Ilingwezi

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Keepers Diaries

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

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Ndara's treatment & recovery

Joseph Sauni, the Head Keeper at the Voi Elephant Rehabilitation Centre in Southern Tsavo East National Park, was on a routine motorized patrol on the 13th April, 2012, when he happened upon the Ex Orphans of Emilys now wild unit, who were actually already on their way back to the Voi Stockades

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Ilingwezi's Latest Photos

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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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