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As the sun rose over the horizon into a clear sky, the milk-dependent orphans emerged from their shared stockades and sprinted down the path to the feeding area. They downed their milk and wandered over at a leisurely pace to join Mbegu, Ngilai, Murit, Ndotto, Lasayen and Sagala at the trough filled with range cubes. 

As they settled down to scoop up pellets, Kenia’s and Mweya’s herds of ex-orphans, with mature bull Laikipia in tow, walked up to the stockades and squashed in beside them. As usual, Rokka and Manda sidled up to their hero, daring occasionally to touch Laikipia with their little trunks. He tolerated the hero worship, allowing the two babies to get so close that they sandwiched the tall bull. Soon Mbegu and Tagwa took charge, leading their herd out for a day of browsing in the field, leaving the ex-orphans to finish up every single range cube whether in the trough or on the ground.

The orphans filled their bellies quickly this morning and spread out to play on the terraces in front of the stockades. As Mbegu and Pika Pika drank from the trough (while spraying water in every direction), Murit and Thamana played the pushing game. When Murit climbed playfully onto his friend’s back, Thamana accelerated away, making his wishes clear. 

The orphans set out from the stockades, browsing in single file as they ambled along in the direction of Msinga Hill. Ashanti, Ushindi, Epiya and Baraka browsed in a peaceful mini herd until boisterous Hildana interrupted their peace by clambering onto Ashanti’s back and clinging on when the little girl walked forward. Mbegu soon walked over to check on Ashanti and see off Hildana. 

In the afternoon, the orphans headed down the hill for a milk feed and a visit to the baobab tree mud wallow. As almost the whole herd stood around the edges on a cooler afternoon, water babies Pika Pika and Itinyi submerged themselves in the middle of the pool, waving their trunks as they rolled around. After a lengthy swim, the Keepers whistled and the elephants obediently followed them back out to the bush.

After the morning milk feed, the orphans settled down for their daily playing session in the stockade compound. Busara lay down for a dust bath on the mound of soil with Pika Pika watching on from the sidelines to make sure that no one disturbed the little girl’s fun. Young bulls Itinyi and Thamana stood close together, draping their trunks over each other’s heads affectionately. When Thamana lay down on the ground, Itinyi took advantage of the opportunity and rested his forelegs on his friend’s bulk. Thamana was happy to be an elephant sofa for Itinyi but clambered to his feet as soon as he saw the heavier Emoli approaching. 

Before long, the herd headed out to browse in the surrounding bush, spending a peaceful morning around Msinga Hill. Lovely Godoma was browsing with her darling Baraka and Mbegu was with Kenderi, Kilulu and Ashanti. Later in the afternoon, Emoli ambushed best friend Thamana from behind, climbing onto his back. Thamana tossed him off, strode away and turned to face Emoli. The two bulls clashed heads at the start of a lengthy sparring match.

The orphans set out early this morning after drinking their milk and playing for a short time on the terraces. They spread out over Msinga Hill with several, including Hildana, Epiya and Kenderi, climbing all the way to the summit. Godoma remained at the bottom with adopted baby Baraka. Sagala and Mbegu browsed close by with Busara, standing on either side of the little girl. Losoito was being a lone ranger today, ambling around happily without the company of any of the older females. 

After the afternoon milk feed, many members of the herd padded into the mud bath. Some paddled as others rolled around, squirting and splashing water in every direction. Naughty Itinyi climbed on top of Kenderi in the water, achieving his goal of chasing him out of the pool so he had more space for wallowing. After cooling off, the orphans wandered back to the stockades in a straggly line.

Tagwa often chooses to browse with Juni but this morning she was spending time out in the bush with Thamana while Juni was with Pika Pika and Sagala. Thamana was thrilled by the attention of the older female (as he spends most days with either Lemeki or Emoli). The two elephants stood close, draping their trunks over each other’s heads. 

When the day became hot, many orphans stood under the shade of a large peacock tree. Hildana stayed close to Ngilai as Rokka (feeling safe and secure) lay down for a nap with Mbegu standing protectively on one side and Godoma on the other. When Kilulu crouched on his forelegs to invite Losoito for a sparring game, a jealous Hildana poked Kilulu’s bottom with his tusks. His friend got such a fright that he stood up and jogged away. Lovely Lemeki squatted nearby on her haunches, whirling her trunk and flapping her ears.

In the afternoon, the orphans had another milk feed and visited the baobab tree mud wallow. Many walked in for a brief swim as others rolled on the mound of soil. When the herd meandered back out to the bush, Pika Pika remained behind – the water baby was having too much fun splashing around in the pool!

This morning, the orphans sprinted down the path as soon as the Keepers opened the doors of their shared stockades. After a peaceful time drinking milk and eating range cubes, the herd headed out to the browsing fields following along behind Tamiyoi, Juni and Tagwa. They spread out around the hill, feasting on the carpet of white ipomea flowers. With Thamana attached to Emoli, Lemeki was looking after little Losoito this morning, trunk touching her regularly as the two browsed together. 

Later in the afternoon, the orphans splashed around in the mud wallow before walking back to the safety of the stockades for the night. On their way, the rain began to drizzle and the elephants took a break from browsing to play. Kenderi, Kilulu and Itinyi rolled around on the wet ground as Ngilai and Thamana wallowed in a muddy puddle and scratched themselves against a large boulder.

Laikipia arrived at first light on a cool morning and lined up at the feeding trough with the dependent orphans. Feeling flirtatious, Sagala squeezed herself up against the ex-orphan, touching him with her trunk in a gesture of courtship. He responded with a trunk hug but then walked away as a bevy of admirers — Rokka, Godoma, and Pika Pika — watched on. Before long, Mbegu gathered up her herd with a series of rumbles and nudges and the elephants headed out, leaving Laikipia behind at the water trough. On their way out, the herd met Panda, Araba and Suswa walking in the direction of the stockades. The three ex-orphans turned around, wandered with the herd for a short time, and disappeared into the bush. 

In the afternoon, almost the whole herd wallowed in the mud bath. After cooling off in the water, Sagala, Mbegu and Ashanti massaged their backsides against the peacock tree while Ngilai, Thamana and Epiya opted for the baobab tree.

At first light, the Keepers prepared the milk, filled up the trough and opened the doors of the shared stockades. Epiya padded down the path behind Losoito. Unable to overtake his friend, Epiya trumpeted and tried to grab Losoito’s tail in his mouth. Losoito plodded calmly on and Epiya had to be happy with second place. The group lined up, drank their milk and settled at the feeding trough to scoop up range cubes. The only ex-orphan to join them this morning was Ndii – who spent most of the day with Mbegu’s herd. 

Tamiyoi, Rokka and Manda led the herd out to browse around Msinga Hill. Several clambered up to the top as the older females remained at the bottom with the babies. Murit carefully balanced his enormous bulk on a round boulder and then stretched his trunk high into a tree to pull down some delicious branches. 

In the afternoon after wallowing with the dependent orphans in the baobab tree mud bath, Ndii drank from the water trough. She sucked up trunkfuls and sprayed water in every direction – her amazing feat was watched by many of her friends with admiration. Ndii left the area before the others, wandering back on her own to the stockades and then disappearing into the bush to find her herd.

The orphans ate their breakfast and spread out on the terraces in small groups. They were not in playful moods this morning, choosing instead to trunk hug friends or stand still, flapping their ears rhythmically in the sunshine. Playing to the camera (as one of the Keepers was taking pictures), Kilulu stood nonchalantly and struck a series of impressive poses. 

Today, the herd browsed on the eastern side of Msinga Hill. Everyone except for Pika Pika and Busara wandered up the hill. Pika Pika was content to remain at the bottom looking after little Busara. On the hill, Lemeki walked along behind Seri, giving her occasional nudges as she challenged her to a sparring game. Seri ignored the invitations and continued to browse. Mbegu was spending time with Ashanti and Dabida, standing between the two babies and touching them every few minutes.

Later in the afternoon, the herd headed back to the stockades. As the Keepers shepherded them into their rooms for the night, ex-orphan Ndii arrived. She stood quietly under the tree near the gate, feeling safe on her own under the protection of the Keepers.

All the regular ex-orphans were back this morning. Soon after dawn, Mweya’s herd and then Edie’s herd (and one wild bull) ambled up the path to the stockades and gathered around the water trough. As several drank, Ndii massaged her backside against the large boulder at the entrance. The Keepers brought out the food and the dependent orphans emerged from their stockades for breakfast. This morning, the ex-orphans seemed especially hungry and were being rough towards the younger elephants at the feeding trough. The Keepers intervened to order away the pushy ones and restore the peace. 

Earlier than usual, Mbegu gathered her herd and shepherded them out to the field, leaving the ex-orphans behind. They had their teenage wild friend with them and Lasayen decided to remain and spend time with the older orphans. Out in the bush, Losoito and Rokka found a tempting patch of muddy soil and lay down for a roll around.

 In the afternoon, many of the orphans had a wonderful mud bath. As others splashed around, Epiya knelt near the edge and dug into the walls of the pool with her tiny tusks, twirling her trunk in the air as she did so. Baraka joined in the game and then Kenderi knelt to do some digging. Three was a crowd and the first two moved away. The rest of the browsing day was peaceful. Lasayen did not return to the stockades at night, choosing to spend the night with the ex-orphans.

The ex-orphans arrived at dawn this morning and were already at the feeding trough, led by Ndoria and Araba, when the resident elephants emerged from their stockades. As the first group of orphans lined up to drink their milk, Naipoki sidled up to the Keepers in the hope of cajoling a bottle from her former carers. They whistled her away, she turned around obediently and returned to the trough. 

Mbegu was keen to move out to the field again this morning, not wanting to risk any of her herd being kidnapped by the visitors. She shepherded them out to the bush almost as soon as they had finished their milk. She gave Busara a strong nudge as she rubbed her backside against the boulder and then pushed Seri who was kneeling and digging in the soil with her tiny tusks. 

Ex-orphans Arruba and Suswa did not visit today. They were spotted close to the middle lower water hole standing close to Lasayen, encouraging the bull to stay with them rather than return to the stockades. Their efforts were in vain as Lasayen ambled home later in the day, to be greeted with rumbles from many of the herd.

The sun was rising into a clear sky when the orphans headed out this morning. They browsed all over Msinga Hill, with most climbing all the way to the top. As the day became hotter, Mbegu, Sagala and Busara sheltered under the shade of a large acacia tree and Hildana, Kilulu and Kenderi soon followed their example. 

In the afternoon, the orphans ambled down the hill for another milk feed and a visit to the mud wallow. As he drank from the trough, Ndotto dangled his front feet over the edge, sucked up water and sprayed himself. Not far away, the pool was full of wallowing, splashing elephants. Swimming was followed by scratching and dusting. Sagala massaged her neck against the boulder near the water trough while Emoli enjoyed a rub against the small rock and Kilulu against the famous rock. Meanwhile, Juni, Akina, Ushindi and Seri rolled around on the mound of dry soil, covering every part of their bodies with soothing soil. Later, the herd left to browse again on the hill.

After drinking their milk and eating range cubes and lucerne, the orphaned elephants played briefly in the stockade compound before setting out to the browsing grounds led by Tagwa and Juni. As they left, Mweya and Edie’s herds of ex-orphans wandered into the compound and gathered around the pile of lucerne. Lasayen was tempted to stay behind but decided to follow his own herd. 

The orphans spread over the grasslands at the bottom of the hill, peacefully twisting up white ipomea into their mouths. In the afternoon the Keepers gathered the elephants and sent them to the mud bath in groups. Baraka, Busara and Ashanti were in the first group. They gulped down their milk and padded on to the baobab tree mud bath. On a cloudy afternoon, the orphans chose to drink water rather than wallow before walking out to the bush.

In the early morning, the orphans drank milk, shared range cubes peacefully, played for a brief period, and headed out to Msinga Hill. They spread out to browse on the western side of the hill, with Murit and Ndotto skilfully balancing on boulders and stretching their trunks up high to pluck down branches from trees. Mbegu and Pika Pika stood so close that they were touching - Mbegu was draping her trunk affectionately over Pika Pika’s head and inside her mouth. 

In the afternoon, the orphans went down for another milk feed and a wallow in the mud bath. It was hotter than yesterday and so most of the elephants cooled off in the water. Water baby Pika Pika remained in the water when her friends walked back out to the bush. When Lasayen saw two mature wild elephants approaching the water trough, he turned around to fetch his younger friend. Lasayen climbed into the wallow, nudged a floating Pika Pika, and escorted her out. The two elephants walked quickly to catch up with the herd.

The area outside the stockade was full of elephants this morning as the ex-orphans arrived at first light. Laikipia was first and he was followed closely by Edie, Mweya, Kenia and their herds. After finishing all the range cubes, they wandered over to enjoy the fresh green lucerne. Murit and Araba played a wonderful sparring game, clashing heads and trumpeting loudly. Laikipia’s fan club - Manda, Rokka and several of the Voi kids – clustered around the mature bull, so impressed with his size. They kept pestering him, touching him with their small trunks at every opportunity, and soon Laikipia wandered away, having had enough of the hero worship. 

As usual, Mbegu moved her herd out to the field first, with the ex-orphans leaving later. Today, Lasayen chose again to go with his dependent friends rather than the older independent elephants. The orphans spent the morning enjoying the still abundant browse around Msinga Hill.

The orphans played on the terraces and then headed out in single file for a morning of browsing before visiting the baobab tree water hole in the afternoon for mud bathing. Some paddled along the edges as others lay down in the middle. Although he is normally a reluctant swimmer, today Ndotto joined his friends, paddling in the wallow and spraying himself with the muddy water. Rokka and Manda submerged their bodies in the deepest part of the pool. As soon as Ngilai climbed out, little Losoito did so too, toddling along behind the older bull to the mound of soil where both lay down for a dust bath. 

Later in the afternoon, Lemeki took a break from browsing to lie down and play in an erosion trench. She was soon joined by Sagala and the two girls rolled around, twirling trunks and waving legs. As the herd was meandering on, Lemeki and Sagala had to walk quickly to catch up with them.

It was a full house this morning with resident and visiting orphans gathering outside the stockades to share range cubes and lucerne grass. As usual, Mweya and Edie’s herds arrived with Laikipia in tow. Ex-orphan Ndii greeted Ndotto and the two stood together with trunks draped over each other’s heads. Laikipia drank from the water trough and stood relaxing, resting his trunk on the boulder, as his fan club (many of the Voi kids and several older females) clustered around him. Older bulls such as Murit and Lasayen stood at a safe distance, feeling wary of the older, much stronger visitor. The two herds set out together but soon went their separate ways. 

After the afternoon milk feed and mud bath, the orphans spread out to browse over the western side of the hill. Tamiyoi, Pika Pika and Lasayen remained together at the bottom of the hill. As the sun sank in the sky, the Keepers whistled and shepherded their charges back to the safety of the stockades for the night.

The orphans headed out early for their daily browsing adventures, leaving several ex-orphans behind at the stockades. This morning, Laikipia chose to tag along with Mbegu’s herd as he was keen to continue his courtship of Sagala. Mbegu embraced little Busara as she stood in her shadow beneath the matriarch’s head. While spending the morning together, Laikipia draped his trunk over Sagala as she allowed his attention and presented herself with trunk raised.

In the afternoon, the Keepers sent the elephants down the hill in groups for a milk feed and a visit to the mud bath. Laikipia was still with them. As soon as he paddled into the water, Itinyi, Pika Pika, Kenderi, Seri, Godoma and Dabida (who had been wallowing in the middle) stood up and climbed out. Only little Manda paddled over to greet the mature bull and swim with him. Younger bulls Ndotto, Lasayen and Murit kept their distance from Laikipia, not coming close to the wallow and then browsing far away from him. As Laikipia ambled back to the stockades with Sagala, the three bulls headed off in a different direction and had to be cajoled into returning to the stockades for the night.

The only visitor this morning was Laikipia. He arrived while the resident orphans were picking up pieces of lucerne. Excited to see him, Manda and Rokka walked out to greet him – he touched them briefly in response and strolled over to join the herd. As he did so, big boys Ngilai, Lasayen, Ndotto and Murit moved away from the others. The presence of the mature bull was making them uncomfortable and so they gathered in the walkway to the bush, keeping a close eye on Laikipia.

The orphans soon headed out to browse in the bush led by Tagwa and Tamiyoi with Mbegu bringing up the rear as usual. Laikipia walked along behind Sagala who kept turning her head to look at him. The herd spread out around the hill, excepting the four young bulls who moved off to browse with a nearby herd of wild elephants.

Laikipia and Sagala spent the whole day together. After several more hours of courtship and flirtation, they mated in the afternoon, returning to the stockades with each other afterwards. When the Keepers shepherded Sagala into her stockade at dusk, they had to prevent Laikipia from following her. He reluctantly stood guard outside, beneath a tree near the entrance. Ngalai, Lasayen, Ndotto and Murit did not return that night.

Laikipia spent the night close to the stockades and walked in at first light as the elephants were eating breakfast. When the herd headed out to the bush, he followed along behind Sagala. Several Keepers drove out to find Ndotto, Lasayen, Ngilai, and Murit comfortably browsing with the herd of wild elephants. The Keepers called the four bulls, they responded and were shepherded back to join Mbegu’s herd. 

Laikipia and Sagala disappeared together in the morning, returning later in the afternoon while the herd was meandering back to the stockades. Rokka and Manda welcomed their idol with rumbles and trunk touches as the four bulls walked away from the herd. This time, three Keepers followed Ngilai, Lasayen, Ndotto and Murit, allowing them to stay away from Laikipia but keeping them close to the herd. In the evening, Laikipia and Sagala did not want to be separated. To avoid a confrontation, the Keepers allowed Sagala to stay out with Laikipia. The pair strolled away into the bush and the four younger bulls calmed down and walked into their stockade.

The orphans left the stockades earlier than usual this morning. They spent a short time eating range cubes and lucerne before Mbegu led them out to the field. Aware of Sagala’s absence, the matriarch took her herd out early so she could look for her friend. They walked in the direction of Msinga Hill, finding Laikipia and Sagala resting under a tree at the bottom. The herd spread out to browse on the slopes. When Laikipia and Sagala began mating again, Ngilai, Ndotto, Lasayen and Murit sprinted away into the bush, ever wary of the dominant bull. The ex-orphan and his girlfriend disappeared, the boys relaxed and returned to the fold, and the herd browsed peacefully for the remainder of the day. 

On a hot afternoon, Tamiyoi, Manda, Rokka and Hildana were the first to paddle into the mud wallow. Many others followed in their wake. Some rubbed their faces against the edges as others splashed and played with their friends.

This morning, the orphans set out early again after the usual milk feed and browse on range cubes and lucerne. Out in the field Thamana browsed with the older orphans in between bouts of sparring with best friend Emoli. Although they share a stockade at night, Thamana was not with old friend Lemeki, choosing instead the company of the big bulls. Little Lemeki opted to be with Losoito – the two girls spent the better part of the day together. 

In the afternoon, as usual, the orphans padded down the hill to the mud bath. As they spread out around the wallow, Laikipia (without Sagala in tow) strolled in to join them. Excited by his arrival, Rokka welcomed him with a rumble and a trunk touch. Also feeling excited, Emoli play-mounted Thamana as they wallowed together. Laikipia cooled off quickly in the water and disappeared into the bush, possibly in search of Sagala. Mbegu’s herd remained in the water for some time before meandering back to the safety of the stockades for the night.

The dependent orphans filled their bellies with range cubes and lucerne before scratching themselves on rocks or playing and dust bathing on the large mound of soil. Lemeki and Losoito played a gentle chasing game as Emoli and Thamana rolled around on the pile of red earth. Tamiyoi and Epiya joined the two boys on the mound and the four orphans tumbled around like enormous puppies. The ex-orphans did not visit this morning and Sagala did not return – the Keepers wondered if they were with Laikipia and Sagala on the northern side of the hill. 

Tagwa, Juni and Tamiyoi led the herd out to the browsing grounds. After wandering deep into the bush in the morning, the herd enjoyed a relaxing time in the mud bath in the afternoon. When Mbegu lay down for a dust bath, Kilulu, spotting an opportunity, leant on top of her and massaged his bottom. Eventually, the two orphans clambered to their feet and set out to catch up with her herd.

After five months away, ex-orphan Rorogoi sauntered up to the Voi stockades this morning! Rorogoi arrived looking content and healthy with a large escort of friends including Naipoki, Panda, Kihari, Suswa and Mudanda. Independent and dependent orphans shared the pile of lucerne and hung out on the terraces together. Ndotto and Naipoki celebrated Rorogoi’s return with a sparring match on the lower terrace while Godoma and Panda wrestled on the upper terrace. Mbegu and Rorogoi stood with their heads together and trunks entwined, catching up on several months’ separation. Laikipia arrived as the orphans were playing but left after a quick drink of water.

Ex-orphans and orphans headed out together to browse around Msinga Hill with Ndotto following Rorogoi like a shadow for the whole morning. Feeling protective, Lemeki shepherded Losoito away from the older orphans to a secluded browsing spot. In the afternoon, the two herds gathered around the baobab tree mud bath for a time before the ex-orphans headed back out to the bush.

Only three ex-orphans visited today - Ndii, Panda and Mudanda ambled in soon after dawn and joined the resident orphans at the feeding trough. In contrast to other days, there was plenty of space for them at the trough with the Voi babies. Today, Thamana was not playing with Emoli and Lemeki had him all to herself – she stood guard over her friend as he rolled on the mound of red soil. 

The elephants all headed out together but Mbegu’s herd continued on to Msinga Hill as the three visitors peeled off in the opposite direction. In the afternoon, the herd plunged into the mud bath for a cool down after another milk feed. Buddies Kenderi and Itinyi sparred against each other in the water, pushing heads in a noisy contest of strength and splashing water in every direction.

As the sun sank in the sky, the herd wandered back to the stockades. It is now several days since Sagala left with Laikipia. The Keepers believe that she is likely to be with Kenia and her herd but hope that she will return soon.

This morning at the feeding trough, Tagwa was standing next to and fussing over adopted baby Juni while Lemeki was looking after and leaning into little Losoito. In the past, Losoito tended to be quite nervous and solitary – the arrival of sweet Lemeki has changed her life, making her happier and more confident. On the terraces, Ashanti was standing close to Manda and Rokka while Hildana and Kilulu clashed heads in a contest of strength.   

In the afternoon, the herd returned to the stockades for their milk feed and wallow. Tamiyoi, Godoma and Kenderi hosed their bodies with soothing soil as Murit and Ngilai drank from the water trough and Lemeki and Manda swam in the refurbished stockade mud bath. When Lemeki climbed out of the wallow, Thamana greeted her and invited her old friend to play, an invitation accepted by the little girl with a twirl of her trunk.

Early in the morning, Mweya’s herd accompanied by Laikipia arrived at the stockades. They mingled with the younger orphans at the feeding trough and around the pile of lucerne. The Voi babies clustered around Laikipia, touching him lightly with their trunks and rumbling in admiration. He accepted their attention, especially that of Manda and Rokka, as older bulls Ndotto, Lasayen, Ngilai and Murit continued to maintain a respectful distance from the much older bull. Dependent and independent orphans splashed and paddled together in the upgraded stockade water hole. 

The two herds headed out to browse in different directions. In the afternoon, Mbegu’s herd returned to the stockades for a milk feed, a drink of water and a wallow. Ngilai and Emoli sparred energetically in the pool as Seri rubbed her head and wriggled around on the mound of dry soil. The orphans then ambled out for a final browse of the day on the southern side of Msinga Hill.

The orphans set out earlier than usual this morning, pausing only to feed before gathering in the walkway to the bush. The herd spread out over the savannah at the bottom of Msinga Hill, twisting up tasty ipomea creepers with beautiful white flowers. Emoli and Thamana played yet another sparring match on the northern side of the hill as Godoma browsed with Pika Pika and Baraka, and Mbegu with Manda and Busara nearby. 

The orphaned elephants returned to the stockades in the afternoon for a milk feed and a mud bath in the stockade water hole. As little Busara lay relaxing in the water, kind Ndotto stood guard – just in case any of her feisty friends spoilt her swim. When the orphans walked out for a final browse, Thamana approached Lemeki with his trunk held high and the two friends stood so close that they were touching for a long time. 

In the evening, Mweya, Mwitu, and Panda visited the stockades – the three ex-orphans drank from the water trough, played on the dust hill and walked back out to the bush.

Rather than herds of ex-orphans, just Naipoki and Panda visited the stockades this morning. When the resident elephants emerged from their shared stockades, they found the two older orphans standing at the feeding trough. After filling their bellies, several had an early morning swim in the stockade mud bath. Pika Pika was at her most impressive in the middle of the pool – she dunked and dived as the Voi kids watched on from the sidelines. 

Ndotto and Panda began a sparring match on the terraces. Seeing that Ndotto was gaining the upper hand and pushing Panda further and further back, Naipoki stepped in. Much to Ndotto’s annoyance, she poked the bull in the backside with her sharp tusks. Trumpeting loudly, he turned, pushed back and walked away to the mound of soil with Panda following in his wake.

Not long after the contest, Naipoki and Panda left the stockades to return to their friends. In the early evening, some Keepers spotted a herd of ex-orphans in thick bush close to the middle water hole on the hill. Neither Laikipia or Sagala were seen today.

On a bright sunny morning, the orphans padded out of their bedrooms and down the path to the stockade compound. They ate first and then played and bonded. Emoli and Thamana draped trunks over each other while Tagwa, Juni, Tamiyoi, Kilulu and Ushindi rolled around on the dust hill, trumpeting in excitement. 

Mbegu led her herd out to browse on Msinga Hill. Lemeki was in constant contact with adopted baby Losoito while Godoma was looking after Baraka and Tagwa was being a wonderful nanny to Juni. Older bulls Ndotto and Murit climbed up to the summit as the nannies and their little charges remained at the bottom. 

In the afternoon, the orphans visited the baobab tree mud wallow. When a wild matriarch and her herd arrived to quench their thirst, Mbegu’s herd immediately left, walking in the direction of the stockades. For a second day, neither Laikipia nor Sagala were seen, either near the stockades or around the hill, by the Keepers.