Tumaren

Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly

About Tumaren

  • 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

Adopt Tumaren for yourself, or as a gift

Tumaren's rescue

5pm on the 20th July 2008 brought a call for Kerry Glen of Tumaren Ranch, in Laikipia, that a baby elephant had been seen standing beside a dying mother, with no other elephants around. The mother elephant appeared paralyzed, possibly poisoned but the reason was uncertain.The decision was made to rescue the calf, since the mother was obviously beyond recovery.

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.

Latest updates featuring Tumaren

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Keepers Diaries

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

Read more

Olare Gives Birth to Her First Baby, Ola

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.

Read more

Tumaren's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Tumaren

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Tumaren's Calves

Tembo

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.

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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