Naisula

Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly

About Naisula

  • Current age

    16 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    13 October 2010

  • Rescue location

    Samburu, Archers Post

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    15 November 2008

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    22 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Naisula for yourself, or as a gift

Naisula's rescue

13th October 2010, the day that the 33 Chilean Miners were rescued from the bowels of the earth, beautiful little Naisula was also rescued, an orphan from the Archers’ Post Area close to Samburu National Reserve, an area where the Chinese road constructions works are based, and which has seen a great deal of Ivory Poaching of late. The KWS men who rescued her drove the calf to Lewa Downs, the closest airstrip and the rescue plane and Keepers arrived there in the late afternoon.

For us, she was, indeed, another miracle because as an orphan nearer two years old than one, she was friendly and trusting of the Keepers right from the very start, whereas most elephant orphans of her age, and especially those that originate in an area where elephants have been so badly persecuted by humans, want to exact revenge. However Naisula was different.

From the moment of her arrival she accepted milk frist from a bucket and later from a hand-held bottle, slept that night with the Keeper beside her, and woke up in the morning to be welcomed into the fold by all the other orphans who came to the Gate of her Stockade to greet her. The following day, having been de-wormed, she was out and about with all the other Nursery elephants, instantly forming a strong bond of friendship with another Nursery newcomer named Kitirua who is also grieving for her lost elephant family and came into our care shortly before Naisula. They have become absolutely inseperable which is heartwarming to see.

Naisula’s name is a beautiful Samburu girl’s name, chosen by our Keepers, who were so impressed by her gentle and friendly disposition. It means a victorious girl. She has distinctively large eyes shaded by long lashes – eyes that are far bigger than usual and lashes that are far longer than normal. She is, indeed, a remarkable and beautiful elephant who, only two days after coming in as a wild orphan, was at the noon mudbath amongst all the others, watched by hundreds of spectators, which she must have found very alarming, but did not display anxiety, although she was careful to be in the midst of all the others.

Whilst Naisula has been warmly welcomed into the Nursery fold by Olare and Suguta, the two Mini Nursery Matriarchs, Melia and Murka have not been so accommodating, resentful because she and Kitirua now occupy the stockades they were once in!

For us, she was, indeed, another miracle because as an orphan nearer two years old than one, she was friendly and trusting of the Keepers right from the very start, whereas most elephant orphans of her age, and especially those that originate in an area where elephants have been so badly persecuted by humans, want to exact revenge. However Naisula was different.

Latest updates featuring Naisula

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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 Toto

With half a century of elephant conservation to our name, it can sometimes feel like we have seen it all. But even among the hundreds of orphan rescues that have unfolded over the years, Toto’s story stands out as extraordinary. His story began in the northern sector of Tsavo East.

Read more

Naisula's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Naisula

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Naisula's Calves

Nyx

Nyx is the firstborn calf of Naisula, who was rescued in 2012. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, Nyx made a memorable nocturnal debut at Ithumba within hours of being born.

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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