Tomboi

Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly

About Tomboi

  • Current age

    22 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    15 December 2002

  • Rescue location

    Samburu, Samburu National Reserve

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    10 December 2002

  • Reason orphaned

    Panic separation / stampede

  • Age at rescue

    0 weeks old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

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Tomboi's rescue

On the morning of the 15th December 2002, an alert came from Ian Craig of Lewa Downs that there was an infant orphan in Samburu National Reserve. Immediately a rescue was scrambled, the plane left, and when it was 15 minutes out of Nairobi, we received another phone call from Ian Douglas-Hamilton of Save The Elephants Foundation to the effect that they would, if feasible, like to try and return the calf to its rightful owner - the mother.

We recalled the plane and awaited news of the success or otherwise of this exercise, having warned Ian that although we had been successful returning a baby to its mother in Amboseli on two occasions, the lesson of little Seraa prompted caution with the Laikipia population, who have been subjected to a great deal of poaching and human harassment.

Ian Craig had told us that gunshots had been heard in Samburu the previous night, and we suspected that this could have caused the calf to be either separated from the herd and abandoned, or orphaned.He had a nasty gash in his cheek, which the Rangers thought might be as a result of an attack from a leopard before being rescued at 5.30 a.m. after he was heard screaming near the Ranger Quarters. However, upon closer inspection of the wound, it is obviously caused by a blunt object, and we suspect as a result of being tusked, probably when the herd panicked. His name is "Tomboi" which, in the Samburu dialect means "Boy without a Father". His mother's name is Temperome, his aunt known as Chastity and he apparently belongs to the family known as the Virtues.(Endurume was his Virtue name).

Tomboi did very well at the Nairobi Nursery and was moved in the first group with Wendi and Yatta to Ithumba in 2004. He has maintained a tight bond with these females as well as his human family, and frequents the Ithumba stockades to say hello to the Keepers and the dependent orphans there.

We recalled the plane and awaited news of the success or otherwise of this exercise, having warned Ian that although we had been successful returning a baby to its mother in Amboseli on two occasions, the lesson of little Seraa prompted caution with the Laikipia population, who have been subjected to a great deal of poaching and human harassment.

Ian Craig had told us that gunshots had been heard in Samburu the previous night, and we suspected that this could have caused the calf to be either separated from the herd and abandoned, or orphaned.He had a nasty gash in his cheek, which the Rangers thought might be as a result of an attack from a leopard before being rescued at 5.30 a.m. after he was heard screaming near the Ranger Quarters. However, upon closer inspection of the wound, it is obviously caused by a blunt object, and we suspect as a result of being tusked, probably when the herd panicked. His name is "Tomboi" which, in the Samburu dialect means "Boy without a Father". His mother's name is Temperome, his aunt known as Chastity and he apparently belongs to the family known as the Virtues.(Endurume was his Virtue name).

Latest updates featuring Tomboi

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Keepers Diaries

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Boromoko, Sirimon and Sokotei head to the Ithumba Unit

On Sunday the 10th of July it was time again to move three more naughty Nursery boys, namely Sokotei, Boromoko and Sirimon, to the Ithumba Relocation Unit where they immediately met up with their Nursery friends who had preceded them - Siangiki, Olsekki and Enkikwe who made the journey the month before and who were completely settled and thriving in their new home

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Tomboi'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.
FAQs

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