Kauro

Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly

About Kauro

  • Current age

    11 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    30 January 2014

  • Rescue location

    Samburu, Sera Conservancy

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    2 January 2014

  • Reason orphaned

    Trapped in a well

  • Age at rescue

    4 weeks old (approx)

  • Current location

    Ithumba Reintegration Unit

Adopt Kauro for yourself, or as a gift

Kauro's rescue

Kauro came to the Trust on the 30th January 2014, after a report from Sera Conservancy - via the Lewa Conservancy - about a rescued elephant calf. This approximately one month old calf had fallen down a well in Sera, and was fortunate enough to be rescued in time, although not before a jackal or small predator had bitten off the tip of his trunk.

Sera forms part of the rangeland of the Samburu, Borana and Rendille tribes in Northern Kenya. These communities are primarily pastoralists, but Sera has important populations of many wildlife species too, including elephants. It was one of the wells used to water livestock that this tiny calf fell into and was later found by Sera Rangers and casual workers involved in trying to establish a Rhino Sanctuary under the auspices of the Northern Rangelands Trust.

Since it was already too late for a rescue plane from Nairobi, he spent the night at Kisima Hamisin before being driven to the Kauro Security Camp at Sera H.Q. the next morning, to await the arrival of the rescue plane.

The SWT rescue team was sent to Sera in northern Kenya where Samburu tribesmen waited with the tiny calf on the bush airstrip. They landed late morning, and the baby was first fed before being prepared for flight and loaded onto the Cessna Caravan readied for the one hour flight back to Wilson airport in Nairobi. Although very young, possibly only about two weeks old, he was a large calf, dwarfing the other babies in the Nursery, despite them all being older.
His damaged trunk was a challenge as not only was the tip severed altogether but he had a number of holes in his trunk from the predator’s teeth which were very painful. He also soon developed a terribly sore mouth, obviously from when he was rubbing against the rough well walls while trapped. It was not long before he succumbed to a bad bacterial infection from the effects of being submerged in water, but thankfully he pulled through his course of antibiotics and remained feeding well throughout this very difficult time, and slowly his wounds healed. Despite losing condition his healthy appetite ensured that he soon regained condition and very much became a part of our infant herd, pampered by tiny Kamok and Ashaka. Of course the older orphans love spending time with the babies, imparting warmth and love, but these infants become terribly hooked on their Keepers and Kauro was no different.
After about six weeks in the Nursery he began the dreaded teething stage, and this fraught time spanned a couple of months in Kauro’s case before his four first molars were safely through. Kauro had many challenges to overcome which is why we have taken so long to place him on the fostering program, but we sincerely hope he is now well on his way.

Sera forms part of the rangeland of the Samburu, Borana and Rendille tribes in Northern Kenya. These communities are primarily pastoralists, but Sera has important populations of many wildlife species too, including elephants. It was one of the wells used to water livestock that this tiny calf fell into and was later found by Sera Rangers and casual workers involved in trying to establish a Rhino Sanctuary under the auspices of the Northern Rangelands Trust.

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Kauro'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.

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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.
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