Mashariki

Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly

About Mashariki

  • Current age

    13 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    21 August 2013

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    21 May 2012

  • Reason orphaned

    Unknown

  • Age at rescue

    15 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

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Mashariki's rescue

The orphaned calf was sited alone by a Tour Driver on the 21st August 2013 in the Sobo area of Tsavo East National Park by a Tour Driver. The tour driver monitored the calf for a while and saw that it was staggering and in a state of collapse.

Its location was passed on to the Voi Elephant Keepers who immediately mounted a rescue and, having driven to the area, spotted the orphan after an hour’s search. It was very weak and easily captured. Tsavo is very dry at present and there is not much to sustain a baby elephant without its mother.

The Nairobi SWT team, having waited for confirmation that the calf had been located by the Voi team, departed Wilson airport at about 3.30pm. The Voi team had driven to Aruba airstrip and secured the elephant ready to be brought back to Nairobi. The Nairobi Team arrived at the Aruba airfield at about 4.45pm where the race was on to get the baby onto the plane and back to Wilson before dark. She was quickly loaded, given Stresnil to calm her and put on a saline drip for rehydration.

The plane touched down at Wilson at 7pm just before it became completely dark and the baby elephant was transferred onto the waiting SWT pickup for the short journey back to the Nursery. Unfortunately rush hour traffic and ongoing road works conspired to make what should have been a quick 15 minute journey into a 1 hour 15 minute slog. The keepers were masterful at restraining the excitement emanating from surrounding vehicles, the passengers of which were agog at the sight of an elephant, albeit a baby, on the back of a pick-up. Finally, at 8.30pm, everyone arrived home safe and sound.

The newcomer, a female, is estimated to be about 15 months old, and has been named “Mashariki” the Swahili word for “East” in order to denote her origin as Tsavo East National Park. Sobo would have been chosen, as the location where the baby had been found, but there had previously already been an orphan of this name. The baby is severely emaciated, as are many that come in of her age, who have been without mother’s milk for some time. She has a swelling on her underbelly which will be investigated further once she has tamed down.

Its location was passed on to the Voi Elephant Keepers who immediately mounted a rescue and, having driven to the area, spotted the orphan after an hour’s search. It was very weak and easily captured. Tsavo is very dry at present and there is not much to sustain a baby elephant without its mother.

Latest updates featuring Mashariki

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Keepers Diaries

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Mashariki's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Mashariki

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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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