Lima Lima
Now living wild, she remains an integral part of our Umani herd, and a mother of one
About Lima Lima
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Current age
13 years old
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Gender
Female
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Rescued date
20 February 2013
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Rescue location
Laikipia, Loisaba Conservancy
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Date of birth (estimate)
27 February 2012
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Reason orphaned
Poaching
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Age at rescue
11 months old (approx)
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Current location
Umani Springs Reintegration Unit
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Lima Lima's rescue
A female calf of about 1 year old was first seen on the 18th February 2013, thought to be an orphan of recent poaching that had taken place within Laikipia West. The calf was then reported to have turned up in the grounds of Loisaba lodge two days later on the 20th and her presence was immediately reported to the lodge management by the gardener.
The calf, who was very thin and clearly distressed, was restrained by the lodge staff whilst a call was made to the rescue team at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi and a rescue plane was organised. Once the SWT team was on their way the calf was transported to Loisaba airfield where she was taken care of by Joanna Silvester whilst awaiting the arrival of the plan. During this time the calf was given a rehydrate mixture and three buckets of water to keep her hydrated pending the arrival of the plane some 3 hours later.
On arrival the rescue team assessed the orphan’s situation and decided to put her on life support for the plane journey, also giving her prophylactic Nuroclav to guard her against pneumonia and a little Stresnil to lessen the trauma.
The calf was thin and was passing runny pink stools upon arrival at the Nursery, clearly having been browsing during her abandonment on the invasive ‘Prickly Pear’ plant, which can prove very poisonous. However, she took milk from a hand-held bottle and was warmly welcomed by the 20 resident Nursery elephants, all of whom crowded around her stockade rumbling their greetings. She was given the name “Lima Lima”, which is the name by which Loisaba Lodge is known.
Since settling into her new life at the Nairobi Nursery Lima Lima has been understandably mourning for her lost family and has been unsure and nervous of her new human keepers. Having joined the other orphans out in the forests of Nairobi National Park over the last couple of days Lima Lima has been secluding herself from both elephants and humans, choosing to be alone with her grief, which is sad but natural behaviour for an older orphan who has been through such trauma. Despite Lima Lima’s self-isolation, the rest of the orphan family are not giving up on her and continue to shower her in love and affection in an effort to remind her she is not alone. Within a few more days she will become more accepting and happier as she settles down, whilst we hope she will continue to put on weight and regain her strength.
The calf, who was very thin and clearly distressed, was restrained by the lodge staff whilst a call was made to the rescue team at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi and a rescue plane was organised. Once the SWT team was on their way the calf was transported to Loisaba airfield where she was taken care of by Joanna Silvester whilst awaiting the arrival of the plan. During this time the calf was given a rehydrate mixture and three buckets of water to keep her hydrated pending the arrival of the plane some 3 hours later.
Latest updates featuring Lima Lima
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Keepers Diaries
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
Zongoloni Gives Birth to Her First Baby, Zigi
Our extended elephant family continues to grow! Zongoloni has given birth to a beautiful baby boy — her first calf and our fourth Umani grandchild.
Lima Lima's Calves
Lenny
Lenny is Lima Lima's first baby and Umani Springs' second 'grandchild.' Lima Lima introduced us to him shortly after giving birth. Just like his mother, he is an effervescent little elephant. Read more.
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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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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