Tsavo

Has fully embraced his wild life in Tsavo East National Park

About Tsavo

  • Current age

    25 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    1 January 2001

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    1 January 2000

  • Reason orphaned

    Natural causes

  • Age at rescue

    12 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Tsavo for yourself, or as a gift

Tsavo's rescue

A male calf estimated to be roughly one year old when orphaned near the Tsavo bridge on the main Mombasa - Nairobi highway, his mother having died nearby. One leg was seriously infected, so we suspect she died from septicemia, possibly caused either by a snare or an arrow wound. The rescue of this calf was unique, in that he was still very strong, but somehow managed to be subdued without being tranquillized, rescued by a handful of our Keepers and the Orphans' Overseer, Isaac Maina.

Little Tsavo gave them quite a run for their money, but they managed to overpower him and load him onto the Orphans' Lorry after which he was transported back to the Elephant Stockades in Voi. He was, of course, extremely wild, and quite capable of inflicting some damage, but Emily's group surrounded him, and successfully calmed him. In no time at all he was taking milk from a bottle, following the example of Mweiga, so his was the easiest capture we have ever had, because the first we knew about it in Nairobi was a report about the presence of another orphan in Tsavo, who was doing well and even taking milk.

Being the smallest in Emily's group, he usurped the privileged place of Mweiga in Emily's heart, and is very much part of her group, mingling happily with wild elephants they encounter, which makes Emily somewhat anxious lest she lose him to them. In fact, on one occasion, he followed a wild herd, and leaving the other orphans with Aitong, Emily followed him and the wild herd for two hours, until he could be persuaded to return.

Tsavo was always a bossy little elephant, confident and delighted to have found a new "mother" and a new "family", and possessive of her affections as well.

Little Tsavo gave them quite a run for their money, but they managed to overpower him and load him onto the Orphans' Lorry after which he was transported back to the Elephant Stockades in Voi. He was, of course, extremely wild, and quite capable of inflicting some damage, but Emily's group surrounded him, and successfully calmed him. In no time at all he was taking milk from a bottle, following the example of Mweiga, so his was the easiest capture we have ever had, because the first we knew about it in Nairobi was a report about the presence of another orphan in Tsavo, who was doing well and even taking milk.

Latest updates featuring Tsavo

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Keepers Diaries

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

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Tsavo's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Tsavo

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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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