On 17th June 2025, a distressed community member reported that an infant elephant calf had followed his cattle into their boma and was now lingering nearby. She was all alone and appeared exhausted and emaciated.

Scouts from the Mara Elephant Project and rangers from the Pangolin Project went to investigate. The calf was already in a dire state — and then, as they observed her, she collapsed. At approximately four weeks old, she was far too young to be on her own and had clearly been without milk and possibly water for some time. It later emerged that others in the community had seen her wandering alone three days prior. This brave little elephant had already pushed the limits of survival for one so young.

Time was running out to save Kipekee’s life. The Kenya Wildlife Service alerted us to her situation and determined that a rescue was required. While we organised all the necessary logistics, the KWS veterinarian administered emergency IV drips, which were life-saving and helped revive the tiny calf. The rangers stayed with the recumbent calf and did an excellent job comforting her until the rescue plane bearing our Keepers arrived.

Meanwhile, the full, tragic extent of Kipekee’s story came to light. MEP rangers located her mother in Nyekweri Forest. She had been suffering from severe lameness, which made her particularly vulnerable. She was in a terrible state, struggling to move and now bearing arrow wounds. Marooned in an area that has become heavily trafficked by humans, she had clearly found herself caught in the crosshairs of conflict. As her condition deteriorated, she had stopped producing milk and Kipekee was ultimately forced to abandon her mother. The wider herd had probably scooped up the calf, but as she grew weaker, they could only look after her for so long.

If little Kipekee was to survive, she required urgent nutrition, nurturing, and veterinary attention. These are the heartbreaking realities one must contend with in the field, as we work to undo the harm caused by humans.

Kipekee arrived at the Nursery in a desperate state. She continued to collapse for a number of days after her rescue. To further complicate matters, she was riddled with parasites, which drained what little sustenance remained in her. The first week was very touch-and-go, as we patiently nurtured her back to life.

The SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit attempted to treat her mother. It was always a long shot, given her condition was critical. Despite surviving the operation, heartbreakingly, she passed away the following day.

As we mourned the senseless loss of a beautiful, innocent elephant mother, we found some comfort in the fact that we could give her daughter the chance for a full life. We named the little orphan Kipekee, which means ‘unique’ in Swahili — a lovely name befitting a lovely young elephant.

For all she was up against, Kipekee really has helped herself. After what must have been a long, frightening spell on her own, she was visibly relieved to find herself loved and cared for. She latched onto her Keepers and has become incredibly attached to them. From milk bottles to blankets, she eagerly embraced Nursery life, understanding that she finally had a safe place to call home.

Kipekee is an enchanting little elephant. Although still quite weak, she grows stronger every day. She is friendly and fun-loving, equally at home nestled between her new nannies or padding after her Keepers, swaddled in a bright blue blanket. She adores dust baths and mud baths, although she is still so young that she needs a helping hand from her Keepers. Despite the setbacks she is still overcoming, Kipekee is incredibly playful — and even a bit mischievous!

Kipekee is a quirky little girl who likes things just so. To tempt her out of her cosy stable in the mornings, a Keeper must be holding a bottle — either empty or full will do. If he is not holding a bottle, she will not follow him! She does not like to sleep with the light on and will make her feelings known if she catches a glimmer of light. Everyone who meets Kipekee remarks on her long, lovely eyelashes and hairy trunk.

All eyes are on Kipekee. We have stabled her next to Wamata, who now finds herself relegated to the second-youngest Nursery baby. Muridjo, Kerrio, and Nyambeni are all jockeying for primary custody of the little newcomer but have more or less agreed to share her among themselves. The newbie happily follows whichever nanny finds her first. Even our junior girls, Wamata and Talek, are stepping up as big sisters. Everyone is rallying around lovely Kipekee, our Nursery darling.