Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly
Current age
16 years old
Gender
Female
Rescued date
21 July 2009
Rescue location
Laikipia, Tumaren Ranch
Date of birth (estimate)
26 September 2008
Reason orphaned
Poaching
Age at rescue
9 months old (approx)
Current location
Living Wild
Fearing the calf would not survive without its mother, especially with predators prevalent on the ranch, Kerry Glen and Jamie, along with the ranch workers secured the baby. To end her suffering, the mother was later euthanased by KWS. The rescued calf was taken to Kerry and Jamie's home, where Jamie remained near the calf in an adjoining room all night. It was a sleepless and very disturbed ordeal, because the distraught baby, cried all night for her mother, and even tried desperately to climb through a window.
The calf was flown to the Nairobi Nursery on the 21st July 2009 arriving at noon. She was still strong and aggressive (a good sign denoting the will to live and the reserves to make an effort), but she soon calmed down once the other Nursery elephants were brought in to impart hope and encouragement. The other orphans gave her a warm welcome, and immediately she responded, turning into a very affectionate member of the herd, calm and friendly to both her elephant orphan peers and their human family.
We named the new arrival “Tumaren” to denote her origin. She is about 10 months old and becomes the 22nd member of our Nursery herd of mini orphans ever partaking of the mudbath along with the others. An enchanting addition to the group, popular with the other elephants as well as her human admirers.
Fearing the calf would not survive without its mother, especially with predators prevalent on the ranch, Kerry Glen and Jamie, along with the ranch workers secured the baby. To end her suffering, the mother was later euthanased by KWS. The rescued calf was taken to Kerry and Jamie's home, where Jamie remained near the calf in an adjoining room all night. It was a sleepless and very disturbed ordeal, because the distraught baby, cried all night for her mother, and even tried desperately to climb through a window.
View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers
It has been a season of happy arrivals in Ithumba! Ex-orphan Olare just became a first-time mother, giving birth to a beautiful baby girl, who we have named Ola.
On 26th October 2023, we met Tembo, Tumaren's first baby — an enchanting little boy whose name means 'elephant' in Swahili. After losing her mother so cruelly at such a young age, we are delighted that Tumaren now has the opportunity to raise her own baby in the wild. Read more.
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.