Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly
Current age
11 years old
Gender
Female
Rescued date
22 October 2014
Rescue location
Maasai Mara, Olare Orok Conservancy
Date of birth (estimate)
27 December 2013
Reason orphaned
Poaching
Age at rescue
9 months old (approx)
Current location
Ithumba Reintegration Unit
The next day the tragedy unfolded and the same visitor found a very different scenario with the baby confused by her dead mother's side, but in the company of the rest of the herd, trying to come to terms with it all. The little calf was then whisked away by the rest of the herd but not before she had said her painful goodbyes to her lifeless mother. As a milk dependent baby she would have little hope of survival without being rescued as a lactating mother in the herd would never have enough milk to satiate two calves.
The tragedy was reported to the Mara Elephant Project and KWS. Everyone realized that her young milk dependent calf had little hope of survival without her Mum and that she needed to be rescued before the herd travelled great distances with her, possibly into Tanzania where the hope of any rescue would be lost forever. The baby without sufficient milk would only get weaker and weaker and eventually be unable to keep up with the herd, and be left behind.
The next day the tragedy unfolded and the same visitor found a very different scenario with the baby confused by her dead mother's side, but in the company of the rest of the herd, trying to come to terms with it all. The little calf was then whisked away by the rest of the herd but not before she had said her painful goodbyes to her lifeless mother. As a milk dependent baby she would have little hope of survival without being rescued as a lactating mother in the herd would never have enough milk to satiate two calves.
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
It’s a girl! On 6th December 2024, Kinna introduced us to the newest addition to her family — a beautiful baby girl.
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.
Celebrate your adoption with a personalised certificate, ready for you or your lucky gift recipient to print and display!
Each month, we send a detailed update about our Orphans’ Project direct to your email inbox, featuring photos, stories, and special highlights.
From the latest Keepers’ Diaries to a downloadable image gallery and more, adopters have exclusive access to our content library.