Mbirikani

Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly

About Mbirikani

  • Current age

    15 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    29 June 2013

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Chyulu Hills

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    13 December 2009

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    3 years old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Mbirikani for yourself, or as a gift

Mbirikani's rescue

On the 29th June 2009, a Big Life ranger team in the Chyulu area were alerted about a calf with a cable snare on the foot, unable to walk properly and clearly in distress. They in turn immediately contacted KWS and the Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit funded by The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. The Unit’s Vet Dr. Poghon travelled to the Chyulus in order to administer immediate assistance.

The female calf was approximately 3–4 years old, and her right front foot very swollen, and walking was extremely painful for her, so this was most probably why she could not possibly keep up with her herd. The reason for this horrendous injury was a cable snare taught around the foot. She was darted, the snare was cut away, and then the team set about the gory task of cleaning out the maggots and pus, and giving her huge doses of antibiotic.

It was clear that the wound was in need of ongoing treatment, and this compromised calf, on her own, was very vulnerable. The decision was made for the calf to be transported to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Voi stockades, here Dr. Poghon could continue to give her treatment and monitor her condition, and she would be in the company of the Voi Orphans ensuring that she has the best possible care, and company. She was transported the long journey on a bed of hay in the back of the Ol Donyo Lodge pickup.

The grueling journey took 8 hours with KWS vet Dr. Poghorn nursing her throughout. She was sedated, enough to take the edge off the stress of both the operation and trip. On arrival at the other end the presence of the concerned Voi elephant orphans provided her with great comfort and we are pleased to report that a week down the line she is doing well, feeding well and has settled into her new environment. Most importantly the horrendous wound on her foot is healing well.

We thank the Big Life team headed by Richard Bonham and all those involved who helped rescue this calf from a slow and agonizing death. We have called her Mbirikani, after the group ranch where she was found and rescued.

The female calf was approximately 3–4 years old, and her right front foot very swollen, and walking was extremely painful for her, so this was most probably why she could not possibly keep up with her herd. The reason for this horrendous injury was a cable snare taught around the foot. She was darted, the snare was cut away, and then the team set about the gory task of cleaning out the maggots and pus, and giving her huge doses of antibiotic.

Latest updates featuring Mbirikani

See all updates

Keepers Diaries

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

Read more

Helping a Lion Speared in Human-Wildlife Conflict

Speared in human-wildlife conflict and surrounded by cattle, cars, and hundreds of people — this lion was in a dire situation.

Read more

Mbirikani's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Mbirikani

View 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

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

You can also adopt

Chapeyu

Gender

Male

Age

7 years

Unit

Voi

Reason orphaned

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Adopt Chapeyu

Tali

Gender

Male

Age

2 years

Unit

Nairobi Nursery

Reason orphaned

Found alone

Adopt Tali

Wamata

Gender

Female

Age

21 months

Unit

Nairobi Nursery

Reason orphaned

Found alone

Adopt Wamata

You can also adopt

Chapeyu

Gender

Male

Age

7 years

Unit

Voi

Reason orphaned

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Adopt Chapeyu

Tali

Gender

Male

Age

2 years

Unit

Nairobi Nursery

Reason orphaned

Found alone

Adopt Tali

Wamata

Gender

Female

Age

21 months

Unit

Nairobi Nursery

Reason orphaned

Found alone

Adopt Wamata