Imenti was born on the 19th January 1994 near the Imenti Forest in Meru. He was only hours old upon arrival in Nairobi, and was named after the forest that still harbours what remains of his beleaguered herd, entirely surrounded by cultivation and cut off from their traditional migratory route to Mount Kenya. He was still covered in the foetal membranes on arrival, born as his mother died in a hail of gunfire, so is the youngest wild born elephant ever to have been successfully hand reared. Deprived of his mother's first colostrum to stimulate a new baby's immune system, he was a very fragile infant. Normally such calves never survive more than a few weeks, but in this case an infusion of plasma drawn from the blood of one of the older orphans saved the day.
Imenti's Story
Adopt Imenti for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
Important Note: Thank you for adopting and being part of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust family. It is important to note that your donation will help any orphan in need. Our orphans will need more than one adoptive parent.
Adopt Imenti for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.
Important Note: Thank you for adopting and being part of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust family. It is important to note that your donation will help any orphan in need. Our orphans will need more than one adoptive parent.
Current age
25 years old
Gender
Male
Rescued date
19 January 1994
Rescue Location
Meru Region, Imenti Forest
Date of Birth (approximate)
19 January 1994
Reason Orphaned
Poaching
Age at Rescue
0 weeks old (approx)
Current Location
Living Wild
Imenti's featured photos
Our digital adoption programme includes the following:
Personalised adoption certificate.
Monthly email update on your orphan and the project.
Monthly water colour by Angela Sheldrick.
Access to special content; latest Keepers' Diaries, videos and photos