Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly
Current age
14 years old
Gender
Female
Rescued date
12 December 2010
Rescue location
Samburu, Namunyak Conservancy
Date of birth (estimate)
4 October 2010
Reason orphaned
Trapped in a well
Age at rescue
2 months old (approx)
Current location
Living Wild
The baby, estimated around two-three months old, had experienced a very traumatic couple of days. Initially she was rescued in the early morning of the 13th December (2010) when Sumaina Lesirite, a community Moran, reported to the Namunyak Conservancy headquarters an elephant calf had fallen into a well. She was immediately rescued and all attempts were made to locate the calf’s mother and herd to reunite the baby. Finally, that evening, everyone was delighted when their hard efforts were rewarded and they managed to locate the herd.
Unbelievably Sumaina Lesirite reported the same calf fallen down the same well the following morning of the 14th December. This time her trunk had been chewed by predators during the night, and she was visibly much weaker, and in desperate need of milk. Maybe the herd she was reunited with was not her own, and she had fallen down the well again desperately trying to drink, or maybe the herd frequents that particular watering point while in the area and accidentally she slipped in a second time. Piers and Hilary from Sarara Camp initiated the second rescue and the calf was returned to the camp while they waited for the rescue crew from The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust to arrive.
Once the plane and keepers landed at the airstrip she was fed re-hydration liquid which she guzzled, along with a couple of bottles of milk. She was obviously desperately hungry and terribly tired. She was tied and strapped for the journey and slept throughout most of the flight, seemingly totally calm. On arrival at the Nairobi Nursery she fed again, and her strength began to return. She was now inclined to shove the Keepers, but not for long as she soon collapsed on the soft hay in her stable and slept solidly for a further three hours.
She has been called Naipoki by those who worked so hard to save her from the Namunyak Conservation Area, named after the lugga where she was reunited with the herd on the evening of the 13th. In the Maa language Naipoki means ‘something painted’.
The baby, estimated around two-three months old, had experienced a very traumatic couple of days. Initially she was rescued in the early morning of the 13th December (2010) when Sumaina Lesirite, a community Moran, reported to the Namunyak Conservancy headquarters an elephant calf had fallen into a well. She was immediately rescued and all attempts were made to locate the calf’s mother and herd to reunite the baby. Finally, that evening, everyone was delighted when their hard efforts were rewarded and they managed to locate the herd.
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
In all our years of raising orphaned elephants, Ndotto stands out. He captures hearts, commands the scene, and generally steals the show. Unsurprisingly, for such a busy elephant, he gets embroiled in his fair share of interesting situations! This week's escapade was but the latest chapter.
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.
Celebrate your adoption with a personalised certificate, ready for you or your lucky gift recipient to print and display!
Each month, we send a detailed update about our Orphans’ Project direct to your email inbox, featuring photos, stories, and special highlights.
From the latest Keepers’ Diaries to a downloadable image gallery and more, adopters have exclusive access to our content library.