Muridjo

Energetic and always up for fun and games, she is a friend to everyone

About Muridjo

  • Current age

    3 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    15 September 2022

  • Rescue location

    Laikipia, Ol Malo Ranch

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    12 November 2021

  • Reason orphaned

    Drought related

  • Age at rescue

    10 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Nairobi Nursery

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Muridjo's rescue

A passing glance could have easily missed the elephant hiding in the bushes on Ol Malo. She was small and determined to remain camouflaged. And yet she had been there for several days, trying to fend for herself but desperately vulnerable.

This was the peak of the 2022 drought, which held much of Kenya in its grips. Laikipia was hit particularly hard, creating a crisis situation for its resident elephant population. We cannot be certain how this calf came to be orphaned, but the drought certainly played a role. Elephants are particularly susceptible to drought. As vegetation disappears, they are unable to consume enough to sustain themselves — and lactating mothers, who are feeding for two, struggle the most. If they do not succumb to drought conditions first, many stop producing milk and are forced to leave their babies behind. Drought also creates an uptick in human-wildlife conflict, as competition over dwindling resources intensifies.

Once it became clear that the calf was indeed an orphan, KWS green lit a rescue. On the morning of 15th September, a team of Keepers flew up to Laikipia in a Cessna Caravan. Meanwhile, Ol Malo handled logistics on the ground, capturing the calf and driving her to the airstrip. The operation was carefully choreographed, so the plane landed just as its precious cargo arrived.

We called the calf Muridjo, after an area on Ol Malo. Given how instrumental the Ol Malo team was in her rescue, it is a meaningful name that will forever link her to the people who helped save her life.

Like most drought victims, Muridjo was terribly thin and weak when she arrived at the Nairobi Nursery. In these cases, an orphan’s survival often hinges on their own determination to live. Muridjo was very feisty during her early days, which kept her Keepers on their toes, but also made it clear that she was fighting to live. As the weeks passed, she began to grow stronger and calmer.

The Keepers describe Muridjo as a very outgoing elephant. She is one of the smallest orphans currently at the Nursery, but she does not want to be regarded as a ‘blanket baby’. While Mzinga, Nyambeni, and Shujaa seem to relish their status as the youngsters of the herd, Muridjo is eager to establish herself as a much older elephant. She tends to eschew the company of her peers, preferring instead to link up with the bigger orphans. But really, this plucky young girl is a friend to everyone.

This was the peak of the 2022 drought, which held much of Kenya in its grips. Laikipia was hit particularly hard, creating a crisis situation for its resident elephant population. We cannot be certain how this calf came to be orphaned, but the drought certainly played a role. Elephants are particularly susceptible to drought. As vegetation disappears, they are unable to consume enough to sustain themselves — and lactating mothers, who are feeding for two, struggle the most. If they do not succumb to drought conditions first, many stop producing milk and are forced to leave their babies behind. Drought also creates an uptick in human-wildlife conflict, as competition over dwindling resources intensifies.

Latest updates featuring Muridjo

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Keepers Diaries

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

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The Rescue of Wamata

It started, as it so often does, with a routine aerial patrol. Our fixed-wing pilot was flying along the Tiva River when he spotted a little elephant near Wamata, in the northern sector of Tsavo East National Park. She was alone and visibly forlorn, partially shrouded in the riverine forest.

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Muridjo's Latest Photos

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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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