Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly
Current age
9 years old
Gender
Female
Rescued date
21 March 2017
Rescue location
Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP
Date of birth (estimate)
20 November 2015
Reason orphaned
Drought related
Age at rescue
16 months old (approx)
Current location
Ithumba Reintegration Unit
Having circled around her a number of times and scoured the area for any elephant herds, Neville Sheldrick continued with his patrol, but took precautions to ensure that the SWT Burra Anti Poaching Team accompanied by KWS rangers and some of our Voi Keepers moved into the area to further monitor her from a distance. They observed her for some time, and combed the area for signs of her herd, but judging by her desperate condition, and the lack of any elephants in the area is was clear that she was in grave trouble. Once they were satisfied she was definitely an orphan and, in consultation with KWS, a rescue was mobilized.
Capturing the calf proved a serious challenge as the young baby was extremely frightened and took off for two kilometers before the men managed to surround, catch and restrain her. She appeared very thirsty and extremely dehydrated, and it was obvious she had been without Mum for quite some time, so the first thing the team did was give her the much needed hydration she required.
Having circled around her a number of times and scoured the area for any elephant herds, Neville Sheldrick continued with his patrol, but took precautions to ensure that the SWT Burra Anti Poaching Team accompanied by KWS rangers and some of our Voi Keepers moved into the area to further monitor her from a distance. They observed her for some time, and combed the area for signs of her herd, but judging by her desperate condition, and the lack of any elephants in the area is was clear that she was in grave trouble. Once they were satisfied she was definitely an orphan and, in consultation with KWS, a rescue was mobilized.
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
Our new year started on a special note: On 11th January 2025, our Nursery big boys — Mukutan, Choka, and Loldaiga — graduated to our Ithumba Reintegration Unit, where they will continue their journey back to the wild.
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