Sonje

Now living wild, she remains an integral part of our Umani herd, and a mother of one

About Sonje

  • Current age

    14 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    11 February 2012

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Galana Ranch

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    20 April 2011

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    9 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Umani Springs Reintegration Unit

Adopt Sonje for yourself, or as a gift

Sonje's rescue

In the Galana Wildlife Conservancy, abutting the Eastern boundary of Tsavo East National Park, a lone calf of approximately 12 month old was sighted alone on the 7th February 2012. The calf was again seen on her own by the Galana Conservancy Warden on the 11th February; it was now clear that this was a milk dependent orphan with no chance of survival unless rescued.

The Warden and his team monitored the calf all day, having reported its presence to the Senior Warden, Tsavo East National Park, and the Trust’s Field Officer, who alerted the SWT’s Nairobi Headquarters and the elephant Keepers based at our Voi elephant stockades that a rescue was on the cards.

The capture took place on the 11th, the female orphan too weak and lame to put up much resistance. The right hind leg had a huge protrusion on the top joint which appeared to possibly be the result of a previous fracture. Two small scars at the site of swelling indicate that it could be an old arrow or spear wound, leaving the calf walking with a pronounced limp.

It was clear that this was a very lucky little elephant to have been found before a hungry lion, who was roaming the area, made a meal of her, which undoubtedly would have happened had she not been rescued that day.

The Galana Conservancy is the home of the small Waliangulu tribe who are traditional Elephant Hunters, elephants interwoven into their tribal culture in the same way that the spearing of a lion marks the passage to warrior hood for members of the Masaai tribe. It was therefore decided by the Rescue team that the elephant orphan be named “Sonje”, the Mliangulu word for “lame”.

Back at the Nursery the Keepers set about the task of calming little Sonje, who was quite aggressive to begin with, and persuading her to accept milk from a hand-held bottle. This was accomplished by the following morning. She began taking her milk eagerly.

The Warden and his team monitored the calf all day, having reported its presence to the Senior Warden, Tsavo East National Park, and the Trust’s Field Officer, who alerted the SWT’s Nairobi Headquarters and the elephant Keepers based at our Voi elephant stockades that a rescue was on the cards.

The capture took place on the 11th, the female orphan too weak and lame to put up much resistance. The right hind leg had a huge protrusion on the top joint which appeared to possibly be the result of a previous fracture. Two small scars at the site of swelling indicate that it could be an old arrow or spear wound, leaving the calf walking with a pronounced limp.

Latest updates featuring Sonje

See all updates

Keepers Diaries

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

Read more

Zongoloni Gives Birth to Her First Baby, Zigi

Our extended elephant family continues to grow! Zongoloni has given birth to a beautiful baby boy — her first calf and our fourth Umani grandchild.

Read more

Sonje's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Sonje

View more

Sonje's Calves

Sulwe

Sulwe is our Christmas morning miracle. In the early hours of Christmas Day, Sonje presented us with the most precious gift: Her first child, a beautiful baby girl. Sulwe means ‘morning star’ in the Luo language. Read more.

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

You can also adopt

Chapeyu

Gender

Male

Age

7 years

Unit

Voi

Reason orphaned

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Adopt Chapeyu

Tali

Gender

Male

Age

2 years

Unit

Nairobi Nursery

Reason orphaned

Found alone

Adopt Tali

Itinyi

Gender

Male

Age

6 years

Unit

Voi

Reason orphaned

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Adopt Itinyi

You can also adopt

Chapeyu

Gender

Male

Age

7 years

Unit

Voi

Reason orphaned

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Adopt Chapeyu

Tali

Gender

Male

Age

2 years

Unit

Nairobi Nursery

Reason orphaned

Found alone

Adopt Tali

Itinyi

Gender

Male

Age

6 years

Unit

Voi

Reason orphaned

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Adopt Itinyi