Kitiak

Has fully embraced his wild life in Tsavo East National Park

About Kitiak

  • Current age

    5 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    5 November 2022

  • Rescue location

    Maasai Mara, Olare Motorogi Conservancy

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    9 April 2020

  • Reason orphaned

    Unknown

  • Age at rescue

    2 years old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Kitiak for yourself, or as a gift

Kitiak's rescue

Much of Kitiak’s story remains a mystery, but troubling signs hint at the trauma he went through. His story as an orphan began on 5th November 2022, when a lone calf was reported in the Mara.

Like Elerai, who we rescued a few weeks prior, Kitiak painted a deceiving picture: He was young yet with fairly large tusks which initially gave the impression that he was a much older elephant than in fact he was. Upon closer inspection, however, our SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit concluded he was actually far too young to be on his own.

More troubling were the injuries on his body. Human-wildlife conflict is a pressing challenge in the Mara, and our teams have become all-too-familiar with its signs. They quickly recognised the punctures as arrow wounds.

We will never know Kitiak’s full story or how he became orphaned. We think perhaps he lost his family in the same incident of human-wildlife conflict that left him wounded, or it is also possible that he ran into trouble during his lonely days in the Mara.

In consultation with the KWS and Mara management, the decision was made to rescue the young calf. Despite his not-insignificant size, the entire operation went smoothly. He was driven to Olare Motorogi airstrip, where an aircraft scooped him up and flew him to Nairobi.

While Kitiak’s future will now unfold in Nairobi and later in the Tsavo ecosystem, we will never forget his beginnings in the Mara. He was rescued along a seasonal stream called Ntiakitiak, hence his name Kitiak, which will forever connect him to his origins.

Kitiak is a stoic and independent bull. He can be quite shy and submissive at times, allowing younger bulls like Mukutan and Taabu to have the upper hand when playing, despite the fact that he could easily out-muscle them. Perhaps he will become more dominant as time passes, or perhaps he is docile by nature — only time will tell. He has become good friends with Ahmed and Elerai, and the trio can often be found browsing quietly in the forest. For a calf who came from such fraught beginnings, it is wonderful to see Kitiak today, at peace and surrounded by friends.

Like Elerai, who we rescued a few weeks prior, Kitiak painted a deceiving picture: He was young yet with fairly large tusks which initially gave the impression that he was a much older elephant than in fact he was. Upon closer inspection, however, our SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Vet Unit concluded he was actually far too young to be on his own.

Latest updates featuring Kitiak

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Keepers Diaries

View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers

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A Serendipitous Reunion With Kitiak

Given how elephants continue to amaze us, our surprise meeting with Kitiak should really come as little surprise at all: These are creatures that work in mysterious ways. But still, our serendipitous encounter with a long-lost orphan has left us reeling.

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Kitiak's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Kitiak

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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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