Kenderi

One of the Voi Kids and notably protective of her fellow orphans

About Kenderi

  • Current age

    6 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    22 August 2022

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East National Park

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    3 February 2019

  • Reason orphaned

    Drought related

  • Age at rescue

    3 years old (approx)

  • Current location

    Voi Reintegration Unit

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Kenderi's rescue

Tsavo was hit particularly hard by the 2021-2022 drought. Kenderi is one of the ‘Voi kids,’ an older orphan who was rescued from the Tsavo ecosystem and brought directly to our Voi Reintegration Unit.

On 22nd August 2022, a three-year-old orphan was reported at the Sentrim campsite in Tsavo East National Park. She was tellingly thin, very alone and very frightened. Sadly, these sights were all-too-common during the drought: As food depleted, mother elephants were left with a reduced milk supply. Eventually, their undernourished calves were no longer able to keep up with the herd. During difficult times, wildlife must be singularly focused on survival — and thus, the weakest are left behind.

The Voi Keepers reported to the scene. They along with KWS spent several hours trying to trace her family, but there were no other elephants in the area. Once KWS determined that she was an orphan, the team organised a rescue. Because of her older age and proximity to Voi, she was taken to our Voi Reintegration Unit, in the hope that maybe one day she will reunite with her natal herd.

Aside from malnutrition, Kenderi didn’t have any major health issues. However, she was quite large and very flighty, so she spent a good long while in the taming stockades to acclimate to her new life.

Since joining the Voi herd out in the bush, however, Kenderi hasn’t skipped a beat. She is very protective of her new family. We were reminded of this when Ndotto challenged matriarch Mbegu to a wrestling match. Kenderi was alarmed to see her nanny twisting around with a big bull and, in a desire to protect her, she bravely attempted to interrupt the contest.

Another day, the dependent herd encountered a large group of wild elephants at the mud bath. Kenderi and a few other ‘Voi kids’ sprinted towards them, ears flared and trunks aloft. They were determined to defend the rest of the Voi orphans from these [harmless] interlopers. Despite being rescued on the older side, Kenderi loves her new family and will do anything to protect them. This lucky young elephant is extremely happy with life.

On 22nd August 2022, a three-year-old orphan was reported at the Sentrim campsite in Tsavo East National Park. She was tellingly thin, very alone and very frightened. Sadly, these sights were all-too-common during the drought: As food depleted, mother elephants were left with a reduced milk supply. Eventually, their undernourished calves were no longer able to keep up with the herd. During difficult times, wildlife must be singularly focused on survival — and thus, the weakest are left behind.

Latest updates featuring Kenderi

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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 Rescue of Itinyi

Itinyi is the last of the ‘Voi Kids’ to be rescued in the 2022 drought. He was orphaned after his mother was killed before his eyes — a heartbreaking note upon which to end a time of great hardship.

Read more

Kenderi's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Kenderi

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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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