Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly
Current age
13 years old
Gender
Female
Rescued date
3 December 2014
Rescue location
Tsavo Ecosystem, Taita Ranches
Date of birth (estimate)
3 June 2012
Reason orphaned
Poaching
Age at rescue
2 years old (approx)
Current location
Living Wild
She was monitored for the day and it was noted that she was not part of any of the breeding herds currently passing through the sanctuary. The KWS authorities were alerted and they contacted The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust who responded immediately. The Teita Scouts tracked her through exceptionally dense bush together with the SWT team for a good couple of hours but she was unable to be located. She was later seen that afternoon having joined a group of 4 bulls, disappearing once more into the bush. Night then fell.
At this time with the rains having broken there were as many as 400 Elephant within the sanctuary and it was hoped that the calf would find her family. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust sent an aircraft to fly the area extensively the following day to ensure she had not been abandoned again but had little success in locating her. Everyone hoped for the best thinking that she was reabsorbed with her lost herd and mother. A few days later it was reported that a lactating female Elephant had succumbed to poisoned arrow wounds, just a few hundred meters from the Teita Estate boundary on Mugeno Ranch. KWS had been called to remove her ivory. It was realized then that this was obviously the calf’s mother. Despite constantly being on the lookout this baby elephant was never sighted again until a month later.
She was monitored for the day and it was noted that she was not part of any of the breeding herds currently passing through the sanctuary. The KWS authorities were alerted and they contacted The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust who responded immediately. The Teita Scouts tracked her through exceptionally dense bush together with the SWT team for a good couple of hours but she was unable to be located. She was later seen that afternoon having joined a group of 4 bulls, disappearing once more into the bush. Night then fell.
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
On Tuesday, 24th August, the Voi Keepers awoke to find Naipoki waiting outside the stockades. This was a welcome surprise, as we haven’t seen her for many months now. She transitioned from our care in 2019, joining Edie and Mweya’s ex orphan herd. They last visited Voi just before Christmas 2020, as seems to be their holiday tradition, remaining in the area for several weeks before taking their leave in January.
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