Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly
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
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.
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
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.
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.
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