Weka's Story

With drought victims, time is of the essence. Dehydration and emaciation take an enormous toll on a young elephant, and if an orphan comes to us too far gone, it is extremely challenging to bring them back from the brink. In a vast wilderness like Tsavo, orphaned elephants could easily be swallowed up by the landscape, left to their lonely fate before they are ever discovered. 

Oftentimes, our pilots make the first crucial sighting that ultimately saves a life — for during a drought, aerial patrols take on a whole new dimension. From their vantage point, they are uniquely positioned to spot something amiss in the infinite wilderness that would otherwise be lost forever. Those who are spotted and rescued in time are sadly the lucky few.

Such was the case with Weka. On the morning of the 8th September 2022, our fixed-wing pilot was conducting a routine patrol of the Voi River circuit. Scanning Tsavo East National Park as it unfolded below him, he spotted a small, lone elephant calf who looked to be in a very bad way. Based on her skin-and-bones emaciated appearance, she had been without her herd for some time.

Weka's Story

With drought victims, time is of the essence. Dehydration and emaciation take an enormous toll on a young elephant, and if an orphan comes to us too far gone, it is extremely challenging to bring them back from the brink. In a vast wilderness like Tsavo, orphaned elephants could easily be swallowed up by the landscape, left to their lonely fate before they are ever discovered. 

Oftentimes, our pilots make the first crucial sighting that ultimately saves a life — for during a drought, aerial patrols take on a whole new dimension. From their vantage point, they are uniquely positioned to spot something amiss in the infinite wilderness that would otherwise be lost forever. Those who are spotted and rescued in time are sadly the lucky few.

Such was the case with Weka. On the morning of the 8th September 2022, our fixed-wing pilot was conducting a routine patrol of the Voi River circuit. Scanning Tsavo East National Parkas it unfolded below him, he spotted a small, lone elephant calf who looked to be in a very bad way. Based on her skin-and-bones emaciated appearance, she had been without her herd for some time.

To be absolutely certain that she was indeed an orphan, the pilot proceeded to spend an hour circling over the area. What he saw was heartbreaking: The calf trailed a couple of herds that came to drink, but each time was chased away. Drought is all about survival, and elephants cannot afford to feed an extra milk-dependent baby.

The pilot landed and joined the SWT/KWS Buchuma Anti-Poaching Team and a group of Voi Keepers, who had assembled at the scene. Together, they managed to secure the calf and drive her to a nearby airstrip, where a caravan and our Nursery Keepers were waiting.

Weka arrived at the Nursery in very poor condition. Despite some collapses in the beginning gentle, nurturing care worked its magic. Very slowly, her cheeks began to fill out and her skeletal appearance softened as her strength increased. She had a good appetite and embraced Nursery life from the outset, which undoubtedly helped her recovery. She is a shy little girl, but she is part of a lovely trio of friends with whom she feels very comfortable. Her friends arrived in the Nursery around the same time she did, so they have lived a parallel journey. Out in the forest, Weka, Muwingu, and Kitich enjoy quietly browsing together, away from the rowdy antics of the bigger elephants.  

Weka was named by our Keepers. Her name means ‘lonely’ in the local Kamba language. Weka had a solitary start to life, but now she will never be alone again. 

Adopt Weka for yourself or as a gift.

Adopt Weka for yourself or as a gift.

Current Age

3 years old

Gender

Female

Rescued date

8 September 2022

Rescue Location

Tsavo Ecosystem, Tsavo East NP

Date of Birth (approximate)

10 March 2021

Reason Orphaned

Drought related

Age at Rescue

17 months old (approx)

Current Location

Nairobi Nursery

Weka's featured photos

Our digital adoption programme includes the following:

Personalised adoption certificate.

Monthly email update on your orphan and the project.

Monthly watercolour by Angela Sheldrick.

Access to special content; latest Keepers' Diaries, videos and photos

Give Weka the gift of life by adopting today.

Latest updates featuring Weka

Our Growing Nursery Herd

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The rescue of Loldaiga

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The Rescue of Kitich

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Weka's latest photos

Taroha being looked after by Weka

Weka standing tall

Weka looking after Olomunyak

Weka playing with a water bucket

Mageno, Muridjo and Weka

Muridjo and Weka playing

Weka playing in the mud

Weka feeling feisty