Mudanda
Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly
About Mudanda
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Current age
12 years old
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Gender
Female
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Rescued date
3 August 2013
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Rescue location
Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP
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Date of birth (estimate)
1 August 2012
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Reason orphaned
Poaching
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Age at rescue
12 months old (approx)
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Current location
Living Wild
Adopt Mudanda for yourself, or as a gift
Mudanda's rescue
This female calf was first sighted by our pilot on the 3rd August 2013 whilst flying over the Mudanda area of Tsavo East National Park on a routine aerial recce mission. The calf was alone in the Mbololo watercourse desperately searching for water in a dry sandy lugga. The carcass of a female elephant that could have been the mother had been spotted near Mudanda Rock a week ago by KWS.
The calf, estimated to be about one year, was rescued by the Voi Elephant Keepers that same day, and driven to the Voi Stockades in the back of a pickup truck, where she was put into the new Taming Stockade next door to Mbirikani. She was very dehydrated, obviously having been without her mother for several days, and was understandably aggressive, but calmed noticeably when she was introduced to the other Keeper Dependent orphans currently based at night at the Voi Stockades, all of whom were happy and excited to welcome and greet her. She has been named “Mudanda”.
The decision was made to continue her milk dependency at the Voi Stockades, rather than transfer her to the Nairobi Nursery, since accommodation space at the Nursery was in short supply, many newcomers having come in during the month of July due to the current poaching pandemic. Mudanda’s arrival at the Voi Rehabilitation Centre brings the number of Keeper Dependent Elephants there to 18.
The calf, estimated to be about one year, was rescued by the Voi Elephant Keepers that same day, and driven to the Voi Stockades in the back of a pickup truck, where she was put into the new Taming Stockade next door to Mbirikani. She was very dehydrated, obviously having been without her mother for several days, and was understandably aggressive, but calmed noticeably when she was introduced to the other Keeper Dependent orphans currently based at night at the Voi Stockades, all of whom were happy and excited to welcome and greet her. She has been named “Mudanda”.
Latest updates featuring Mudanda
See all updates
Keepers Diaries
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
Mweya’s New Baby, Mwangaza
Our extended elephant family has grown yet again! Just 10 days after Mudanda debuted her new baby, Mweya strolled up to the Voi stockades with a tiny girl in tow.
Mudanda's Calves
Miale
On the morning of 16th October 2024, first-time mum Mudanda gave birth right outside the Voi stockades. We named her daughter Miale, which means ‘sunray’ in Swahili. In a heartbreaking turn of events, however, Mudanda lost her baby just two months later — a bitter reminder of the hardship wild elephants sometimes endure. 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
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
