Mukwaju

Has fully embraced his wild life in Tsavo East National Park

About Mukwaju

  • Current age

    25 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    3 October 1999

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    11 September 1999

  • Reason orphaned

    Stuck in mud

  • Age at rescue

    3 weeks old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Mukwaju for yourself, or as a gift

Mukwaju's rescue

A male calf born approximately 11th September 1999 and aged about 3 weeks when orphaned. This little bull got stuck in the mud of the Satao Camp waterhole at a place called Mukwaju in Tsavo East National Park. He was rather a weakling at the time, probably the first born of a young mother suffering the affects of drought exacerbated by the fires that ravaged Tsavo at that time.

About 1,000 plus elephants were drinking at Satao waterhole so there was intense competition for water amongst the thirst-crazed herds, with each matriarch desperate to ensure the survival of her particular family. In the struggle to gain access for water during the dry seasons, when survival supersedes normal good elephant behaviour, there is often aggression as older more senior matriarchs insist on taking precedence over those younger.

Mukwaju's young mother tried desperately to rescue him from the mud before being driven off, in the process inadvertently puncturing the skin behind his right ear with a tusk leaving a deep wound that became infected and which needed months of attention. Apparently, his mother returned the next day to try and find him, sadly too late, because by then he was already in Nairobi. However, whilst it is regrettable that he was not able to be reunited with his mother, it is also doubtful whether he would have survived without special care.The memory of being stuck remained vivid, and he was always very reluctant to go into the mud wallow with the others, irrespective of the heat. He grew into a fine adult bull and is now free in Tsavo East National Park.

About 1,000 plus elephants were drinking at Satao waterhole so there was intense competition for water amongst the thirst-crazed herds, with each matriarch desperate to ensure the survival of her particular family. In the struggle to gain access for water during the dry seasons, when survival supersedes normal good elephant behaviour, there is often aggression as older more senior matriarchs insist on taking precedence over those younger.

Latest updates featuring Mukwaju

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Keepers Diaries

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

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Yatta's first born wild calf

In the depths of northern Tsavo East a unique baby was born; a baby elephant strengthening the bond between the wild herds of Tsavo and the orphaned elephants of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

Read more

Mukwaju's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Mukwaju

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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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