Nyiro
Has fully embraced his wild life in Tsavo East National Park
About Nyiro
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Current age
25 years old
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Gender
Male
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Rescued date
15 December 1999
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Rescue location
Samburu, Loisaba Ranch
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Date of birth (estimate)
1 August 1999
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Reason orphaned
Drought related
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Age at rescue
4 months old (approx)
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Current location
Living Wild
Adopt Nyiro for yourself, or as a gift
Nyiro's rescue
A male calf estimated to have been 4 months old on arrival and therefore born in August 1999, this little elephant hails from one of the remotest corners possible of the vast Northern Frontier aridlands of Kenya.
He takes his name from an isolated massif known as Ol Donyo Nyiro which rises from the lava deserts of the region. Found by tribesmen, like Ilingwezi, stuck in a trench, the fate of his mother and family is not known.
Hailing, as he did, from the hardened population of desert elephants honed by natural selection, Nyiro was sturdy and strong, by far the friendliest but also the most demanding of all the young bulls. He was Aitong's special pet, and a great favourite with everyone, but the one person and thing he wanted above all else was our Head Keeper, Mishak Nzimbi, and Mishak's thumb to suck! Given half a chance Nyiro would have been happy doing this all day long, going into a trance of bliss.
He takes his name from an isolated massif known as Ol Donyo Nyiro which rises from the lava deserts of the region. Found by tribesmen, like Ilingwezi, stuck in a trench, the fate of his mother and family is not known.
Latest updates featuring Nyiro
See all updates
Keepers Diaries
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
Welcoming Naserian's First Baby, Njema
17 years ago, an orphaned elephant was desperately attempting to latch onto wild herds and suffering continuous rejection. In a last ditch effort, she tried to follow a passing group across the Uaso Nyiro River, but one particular member continuously thwarted her efforts and even pushed her underwater. It was a visceral reminder of how alone this calf was in the world.
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
