Wanjala

Now living wild, though he continues to visit us regularly

About Wanjala

  • Current age

    10 years old

  • Gender

    Male

  • Rescued date

    3 September 2016

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    29 January 2015

  • Reason orphaned

    Drought related

  • Age at rescue

    19 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Ithumba Reintegration Unit

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Wanjala's rescue

A young elephant calf, approximately 19 months old, was first sighted near the SWT-funded Dida Harea Windmill waterhole on the southern plains of Tsavo East National National Park by the SWT maintenance team who regularly monitor the Trust's windmills and water troughs throughout Tsavo. The calf was weak, extremely emaciated and judging by its condition, obviously an orphan who had been without its mother’s milk for some time.

He was accompanied by a teenage bull at the time who later ran off at the approach of the vehicle, leaving the calf alone and extremely vulnerable to predators due to his poor condition.The maintenance team observed the calf for much of the day during which time wild elephant herds came to drink leaving the weakened calf behind who was unable to follow. The decision was therefore made to rescue it, since it was unlikely to survive the night being so vulnerable.

The Kenya Wildlife Service Senior warden of Tsavo East was informed and he called the Trust’s Voi elephant Keepers to mobilise a rescue after which the calf was duly captured with little residence due to its emaciated condition. He was a young male and was driven to the airstrip to wait for the aircraft from Nairobi which had in the meantime been arranged; this ensured the rescue was seamless with little delay. The rescued baby was prepared for the flight, hydrated throughout the journey and placed in a stockade at our Nairobi Nursery.

He was very weak and collapsed a number of times requiring emergency attention to retrieve him, but as the days passed he began to regain his strength. We think the reason for his being orphaned is a result of the brutal dry season, and drought conditions, most probably abandoned by his family simply because he could no longer keep up with the herd. He was named Wanjala after the area from where he was found.
After a week or so he had regained significant strength enough to be able to join the other nursery ele orphans and their Keepers in the forest and on the plains of Nairobi National Park and very quickly made special friends and settled into all the routines like a veteran. Over the past month we have been delighted with Wanjala’s progress, rescued literally from the jaws of death as the last remnants of his strength were ebbing away. A lovely gentle bull who has grown stronger thanks to intensive care and is back to perfect health surrounded by a new loving nurturing family, both two footed and four.

He was accompanied by a teenage bull at the time who later ran off at the approach of the vehicle, leaving the calf alone and extremely vulnerable to predators due to his poor condition.The maintenance team observed the calf for much of the day during which time wild elephant herds came to drink leaving the weakened calf behind who was unable to follow. The decision was therefore made to rescue it, since it was unlikely to survive the night being so vulnerable.

Latest updates featuring Wanjala

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Wanjala'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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