Olsekki

Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly

About Olsekki

  • Current age

    11 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    3 September 2014

  • Rescue location

    Maasai Mara, Naboisho Conservancy

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    10 September 2013

  • Reason orphaned

    Natural causes

  • Age at rescue

    11 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Ithumba Reintegration Unit

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Olsekki's rescue

On the 3rd September 2013, Angela Sheldrick was alerted by Dr. Limo, the KWS Veterinary Officer seconded to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit, about a tragic case reported from the Maasai Mara. Dr. Limo and the Mara Veterinary Team were taking their much deserved off days and were elsewhere in the country at the time, but had received a report of an injured female elephant. In their absence the SWT funded Sky Vets was requested.

What made this case particularly challenging is the injured female had a young milk dependent calf of about a year old. She had been observed for a number of days by the scouts on the ground and it appeared she had a severely broken leg and was virtually immobile as a result. The prognosis was bleak.

KWS Veterinary Officer Fred Olianga was flown by the SWT Sky Vet program to the Mara in the company of SWT Keepers just in case the decision was to euthanize, which is what all reports indicated. The decision would not be taken lightly and would be made once on the ground with the mother anesthetised and when the KWS Veterinary Officer and his assistant could examine her thoroughly and make a full diagnosis and decision.

It was a very sad day for all concerned as close inspection revealed that her leg was broken with no chance of recovery. She was in extreme pain and virtually immobile as a result of her injuries. The decision sadly was euthanasia and to rescue her milk dependent calf before he fell prey to the Mara predators, and so the SWT Keepers were called to assist in rescuing the baby.

We estimate the baby bull to be approximately 12 months old. Amazingly once at the Nairobi Nursery despite obviously missing his mother terribly he settled fast and began feeding on milk from a bottle the same day. He tamed down quickly thanks to the comfort of Suswa who was right next door, and just two days later he was able to join the other orphans in the bush. Olsekki has enjoyed the balm of the other elephants and the keepers and only time will heal his emotional scars, but little Olsekki (named after the area he came from) is feeling safe in the company of the others.

The reason for his mother’s dramatic fracture remains a mystery.

What made this case particularly challenging is the injured female had a young milk dependent calf of about a year old. She had been observed for a number of days by the scouts on the ground and it appeared she had a severely broken leg and was virtually immobile as a result. The prognosis was bleak.

Latest updates featuring Olsekki

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Keepers Diaries

View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers

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Mukutan, Choka, and Loldaiga Graduate to Ithumba

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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Olsekki's Latest Photos

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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.
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