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Date |
Entry |
4/20/2013 |
The orphans browsed around the Stockades this morning, Ololoo attempting to mount Mutara, but was prevented from doing so by Kilaguni. This angered Ololoo who then challenged Kilaguni to a test of strength which ended in a draw. After the Juniors had moved further into the bush, the Ex Orphans came by the Stockades. Missing from the group was Yatta and her baby, Yetu, Napasha, Challa, Ithumbah, Lenana, Sidai, Madiba and Tomboi. Meanwhile the Juniors enjoyed their usual noon mudbath.
 | | Ololoo mounting Mutara |
 | | Kilaguni and Ololoo strength testing |
 | | Mwende and Lenana |
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4/15/2013 |
Although Murera is the oldest Nursery Member, she has yet to show any interest in being the Leader of the orphaned family after the departure of Turkwel and Mutara, possibly because her movement is compromised by the stiff back leg. Tano is not sufficiently healthy to take on this role, so the orphans are under the Matriarchship of young Naipoki and Kihari who were Mini-Matriarchs during the reign of Mutara and Turkwel, Naipoki is more responsible than Kihari, and without doubt she will prove a wonderful future adult Matriarch.
 | | Murera |
 | | Naipoki with Julius |
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4/11/2013 |
There was a heavy rainstorm overnight, so it was a wet morning. Lualeni came to join the Juniors at 6.30 a.m. and immediately sought out Ololoo who was happy to see her. She kept watch over Ololoo as he rolled in the wet mud. Lualeni led the Juniors to the mudbath and enjoyed it with them until Mutara decided it was time to quit. The other orphans then followed her lead, but Lualeni and Ololoo were the last to leave.
 | | Lualeni watching over Ololoo |
 | | Mutara feeding |
 | | Chaimu and Kasigau |
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4/3/2013 |
Today, was scheduled for the arrival of 3 more Ex Nursery babies. Turkwel, Kainuk and Sities left the Nursery in the early hours of the morning for the journey to Ithumba in the Trust’s Elephant Moving Truck. Kilabasi, Kanjoro, Kalama, Mutara, Murka and Kasigau having spent some time in the compound, were taken by the Keepers to browse nearby awaiting the new arrivals. The Elephant Mover drew up at the Unloading Bat at 11 a.m., by which time Mutara had led the Juniors back to greet the new arrivals. As Turkwel, Sities and Kainuk walked out of the truck, recognition was instant, since Mutara, Shukuru, Kilabasi, Ishanga, Murka and some of the others had shared Nursery time with them. There followed a noisy and ecstatic reunion amidst excited trumpeting, rumbling, urinating and bellowing as the three newcomers were embraced and surrounded by their Nursery friends. Thereafter the three newcomers trailed Mutara and the others wherever they went, settling in instantly having found themselves amongst long-time friends again. All went out to browse happily and in the evening Chaimu led the group back to the Stockades. That evening all the Ex Orphans turned up at the Stockade compound, very interested in the three newcomers who at the time were back in the Stockades for the night.
 | | The moving truck carrying the three new babies |
 | | Sities, Turkwel and Kainuk having some milk |
 | | Mutara leading the group to meet the new arrivals |
 | | The newcomers with the Ithumba orpahns |
 | | Sities, Turkwel and Kainuk browsing together |
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2/21/2013 |
The Ex Orphans joined the Juniors as usual at the Stockades in the morning, and after sharing the Lucerne, Mutara led the Juniors out to browse. Kilaguni and Murka had a Pushing Match which was won by Kilaguni. At the noon mudbath the Juniors were joined again by the Ex Orphans who came with 14 wild elephant friends. In the evening the Big Bull named “Mshale” came with some wild friends. He was limping from a wound, probably again inflicted by an arrow.
 | | mshale limping |
 | | murka & kilaguni playing |
 | | makena |
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