Kuishi

She overcame a traumatic rescue to become one of our most nurturing females

About Kuishi

  • Current age

    9 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    28 November 2016

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    4 February 2016

  • Reason orphaned

    Drought related

  • Age at rescue

    9 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Ithumba Reintegration Unit

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Kuishi's rescue

On the 28th November 2016, just as expectant clouds promised more hoped-for rain to relieve the drought that had gripped Tsavo National Park, the pilot from the Tsavo Trust sighted a tiny elephant calf standing beside her collapsed mother on the plains near Aruba.

Although some rain had fallen recently, it had come too late for the mother, who had obviously been struggling for a long time evidenced by the bare earth that surrounded while her desperate baby helplessly stood by her side. This sighting was immediately reported to the SWT/KWS funded Mobile Veterinary Unit headed by Dr. Poghon, and together with Keepers from our Voi stockades, the rescue teams proceeded to the scene, having been given coordinates by the Tsavo Trust Pilot.

Upon arrival it seemed likely that the calf’s mother had succumbed to the effects of the past brutal dry season and was dying of starvation for she was barely breathing and too far gone to get to her feet and retrieve, her emaciated calf, of approximately l0 months old, bravely standing by her side protecting her. The calf was still feisty, although thin, for she too had clearly suffered the effects of the drought, having been deprived of her mother’s milk. The Rescue Team worked hard to try and save the collapsed mother, but sadly she slipped away, so their attention then turned to capturing the young calf. This was accomplished swiftly after which she was restrained and placed in the back of a Landcruiser and brought safely back to the Voi stockades to await the arrival of a rescue aircraft from Nairobi to ferry the baby to the SWT Nairobi Nursery.

Named “Kuishi”(meaning “to live” in Swahili) , the baby arrived during our Foster Parents’ visiting time at 5.00pm, very thin but still with sufficient strength to put up a fight and with a strong will to live. Having been comforted by other resident elephant orphans, she settled fast and it was only two short days before she was able to join the other orphans out in the forest. She embraced her new life, relishing the abundance of food that was provided for her, since clearly during her young life this had been in short supply as she lived through a drought year, with unforgiving heat and little nourishment, as her mother struggled to stay alive.
Kuishi is an extremely lucky calf to have been rescued in time since Tsavo encompasses a vast landscape. She is shy yet playful, but has made good friends with feisty Esampu who no doubt will be teaching her naughty ways in the fullness of time!

Although some rain had fallen recently, it had come too late for the mother, who had obviously been struggling for a long time evidenced by the bare earth that surrounded while her desperate baby helplessly stood by her side. This sighting was immediately reported to the SWT/KWS funded Mobile Veterinary Unit headed by Dr. Poghon, and together with Keepers from our Voi stockades, the rescue teams proceeded to the scene, having been given coordinates by the Tsavo Trust Pilot.

Latest updates featuring Kuishi

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Keepers Diaries

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

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Mayan and Vaarti Graduate to Ithumba

On 19th May 2024, two very special orphans — boys who have been best friends from day one — made the journey to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit, where they will continue their journey back to the wild. For one of them, this graduation was also a return home.

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Kuishi'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.

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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