Salama
Has fully embraced his wild life in Tsavo East National Park
About Salama
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Current age
26 years old
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Gender
Male
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Rescued date
15 September 1999
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Rescue location
Laikipia, Rumuruti Ranch
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Date of birth (estimate)
1 June 1999
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Reason orphaned
Problem animal control
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Age at rescue
3 months old (approx)
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Current location
Living Wild
Adopt Salama for yourself, or as a gift
Salama's rescue
A male calf estimated to have been born in June 1999 and therefore 3 months old on arrival, Salama is named for the village near which he was captured, and has the distinction of being the only elephant in the world to have been formally "arrested" in the wild! His herd went crop-raiding and Salama paid the price, frog-marched by irate tribesmen to the nearest Police Station.
The Police called the Kenya Wildlife Service, and they called us. Salama is lucky indeed to have been rescued, for he comes from the troubled Laikipia population of refugee elephants who have fled from the North due to poaching, and who try to eke out an existence within an area densely populated by a farming connumity. Consequently, these elephants are always in trouble.
Salama is tough, hardened to hardship. His strength of character is reflected in supreme confidence among his peers. He can also be a little "pushy" - in the Swahili language known affectionately by the Keepers as "mangaa" or in other words "mischievous". He, Laikipia and Lolokwe, others with strong Northern genes, are fiercely competitive. He was always very courageous, usually the first to back up Imenti to chase away any intruders.
The Police called the Kenya Wildlife Service, and they called us. Salama is lucky indeed to have been rescued, for he comes from the troubled Laikipia population of refugee elephants who have fled from the North due to poaching, and who try to eke out an existence within an area densely populated by a farming connumity. Consequently, these elephants are always in trouble.
Latest updates featuring Salama
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Keepers Diaries
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
Ndara's treatment & recovery
Joseph Sauni, the Head Keeper at the Voi Elephant Rehabilitation Centre in Southern Tsavo East National Park, was on a routine motorized patrol on the 13th April, 2012, when he happened upon the Ex Orphans of Emilys now wild unit, who were actually already on their way back to the Voi Stockades
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
