Kithaka
Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly
About Kithaka
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Current age
13 years old
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Gender
Male
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Rescued date
20 November 2011
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Rescue location
Meru Region, Imenti Forest
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Date of birth (estimate)
12 November 2011
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Reason orphaned
Panic separation / stampede
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Age at rescue
1 week old (approx)
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Current location
Living Wild
Adopt Kithaka for yourself, or as a gift
Kithaka's rescue
This tiny newborn male calf was orphaned during the morning of 20th November, 2011, apparently left by his mother when she and her herd were chased out of an area of human settlement near the Ruiri outpost in the lower Imenti Forest. The calf wandered into an adjacent village searching for company from whence KWS Rangers rescued him.
Due to the terrain and dense forest conditions reuniting him with his herd would prove impossible, so we were contacted by the Senior Warden Mount Kenya with the news of a rescue. The calf was transported to the Lewa airfield so that he could be airlifted from there to the Nairobi Nursery, arriving in torrential rain, well after dark.
This baby is tiny, no more than, and possibly even less, than a week old on arrival, the hind side of the ears soft and petal pink and the umbilicus newly detached. We hope that he has been able to ingest her first Colostrum milk to trigger his natural immune system. He has been named Kithaka the Meru word for forest. He is a real character, larger than life and full of attitude and, of course, is absolutely adored by the older orphans in the Nursery.
Due to the terrain and dense forest conditions reuniting him with his herd would prove impossible, so we were contacted by the Senior Warden Mount Kenya with the news of a rescue. The calf was transported to the Lewa airfield so that he could be airlifted from there to the Nairobi Nursery, arriving in torrential rain, well after dark.
Latest updates featuring Kithaka
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Keepers Diaries
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
The Rescue of Doldol
Doldol is our miniature miracle. She is the smallest orphan to ever come into our care — claiming a title previously held by Kithaka and then Ndotto — and, truth be told, she hasn’t grown much since then! Beneath this diminutive frame is an enchanting personality and a mighty determination.
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
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Monthly updates
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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.
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