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Tumaren, Tembo, Melia, Milo, Kalama, Mundusi, Chaimu, Sunyei, Saba, Enkikwe, Kibo, and two wild bulls joined the orphans in the morning. The two herds shared the lucerne given by the keepers before parting ways. Vaarti engaged Milo in a pushing game. When Milo felt he was losing to Vaarti, he surrendered and turned to walk towards his mother. Before he could walk far, Vaarti followed and grabbed his tail, then bit it. Milo screamed for help. Melia heard her baby's cry and came running to find out what was happening. Vaarti couldn't wait and ran away when he saw Melia approaching.

Naleku settled to play with Saba and shortly thereafter walked down to the water trough together with Vaarti, Mayan, and Sattao. Kuishi led the way to the browsing field as the Mutara group arrived to check on whatever the orphans had left behind. The orphans settled to browse north of the stockade. The hostile Kibo followed the orphans later. The keepers, who didn't want a confrontation with Kibo, managed to dodge him by using a different route while heading to the mud bath.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, the orphans had their milk and then, as usual, washed their feet before settling into a soil dusting exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area and later headed to the Kone area. Roho, Mayan, and Vaarti came across a swampy area. The three boys decided to cool off by splashing water behind their ears.

In the evening, Challa, Kibo, Melia, and the Mutara group showed up at the stockade compound and left an hour later.

After getting their morning milk, Esoit led the way out soon after the gates were opened. The orphans settled for lucerne, and shortly later, they were joined by Enkikwe and Ambo. After having enough lucerne, Sattao and Naleku walked down to the water trough to drink water as they prepared to head for browsing. Ambo and Enkikwe escorted the orphans for around two hundred metres, then returned back to continue feeding on the leftovers.

At the browsing field, Kuishi settled to browse with Kinyei, while Naleku teamed up with Larro. The orphans browsed calmly as they slowly headed to the mud bath. After getting their milk, Esoit and Mayan held a brief meeting, while Kinyei, Olorien, Roho, Suguroi, Vaarti, and Naleku settled for a soil dusting exercise. Mayan joined the soil dusting exercise later and was the last one to quit the soil dusting exercise.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Vaarti and Mayan encountered two dik diks and decided to chase them away by charging and trumpeting. The dik diks disappeared quickly, leaving the two boys charging into the empty bushes. Kindani settled to browse with Suguroi, while Mukkoka teamed up with Sattao and Lodo in browsing.

In the evening, the orphans passed by the mud bath, but the weather was not favourable for a wallowing exercise. Vaarti led the way back to the stockade.

In the early dawn, Kibo, Narok, and her boyfriend arrived at the stockade compound. At six o'clock in the morning, the orphans had their milk and then moved out to enjoy lucerne before heading to the browsing field. Shortly after, Sunyei, Saba, Enkikwe, and Ambo arrived and joined in feeding on the lucerne. A wild bull chased Kibo away when he attempted to get close to his girlfriend, Narok.

Mayan had a brief interaction with Saba while Naleku, Sattao, and Kinyei shared a pile of lucerne. When the orphans had enough lucerne, Kuishi led the way to the browsing field. Mayan settled to browse with Vaarti, while Bondeni teamed up with Kindani. The orphans browsed north of the stockade and slowly headed towards the mud bath direction.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Olorien led the first group to the midday milk feeds. Suguroi led the second group, while Kindani led the third group. The orphans had their milk, then water, and settled for a soil dusting exercise. At mud bath time, the orphans were briefly joined by Mutara, Sities, Suguta, Kainuk, Turkwel, Chemi Chemi, Saba, and Mambo.

Kuishi, Bondeni, and Kindani had a brief meeting with Esoit before parting ways. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse at the Kanziku area and browsed calmly for the remaining part of the day. In the evening, Orwa, Enkikwe, and Ambo showed up at the stockade compound, then later left for an undisclosed location.

In the morning, Narok, Melia, Milo, Tumaren, Tembo, Enkikwe, Ambo, Kibo, Kithaka, Bomani, Kauro, and three wild elephants joined the orphans for feeding on lucerne. Kinyei interacted briefly with Milo, while Kindani and Naleku competed to see who could best care for Tembo. However, Tembo proved difficult to handle as he kept pushing them away. Eventually, Tembo approached Kinyei and they seemed to come to an understanding.

After the lucerne feeding, Kuishi led her group to the browsing field, leaving the ex-orphans behind. Kuishi and Naleku teamed up in browsing, while Mayan browsed with his friend Vaarti. Roho browsed with Olorien, and Lodo teamed up with Mukkoka.

At mud bath time, Larro led the first group while Suguroi led the second. After having their milk, the orphans waded through the water but found it too cold, so they settled to drink water and participated in a soil dusting exercise. Later, they joined Melia's group, which included Melia, Tembo, Tumaren, a wild boy, Milo, and Kalama, relaxing under an acacia tree. Mayan had a brief interaction with Milo before Mukkoka passed between them, interrupting their moment.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Due to rising temperatures, they took breaks under trees but resumed browsing when it cooled down. In the evening, Narok joined the orphans, running away from bulls that were after her. Later, Narok escorted the orphans back to the stockades.

In the morning, Narok arrived with a different boyfriend and joined the orphans for feeding on lucerne. Shortly after, Ambo, Enkikwe, Tumaren, Tembo, Melia, Milo, Chaimu, Kibo, Karisa, and three wild elephants also arrived and participated in the lucerne feeding. About an hour later, the orphans decided it was time to head to the browsing field, led by Vaarti and Mayan.

In the browsing field, Naleku browsed with Suguroi, Mayan teamed up with Kuishi, and Kindani browsed with Roho. Esoit engaged Vaarti in a light strength testing exercise, while the rest of the morning passed quietly as the orphans focused on browsing.

At eleven o'clock, Vaarti, Olorien, and Kindani formed the first group for their midday bottle feeds. After having their milk, Lodo led the way to the wallowing mud bath. Only Mayan, Kindani, and Kinyei fully participated in the wallowing exercise, while the others washed their feet and then joined in a soil dusting exercise.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Kibo and a wild boy passed nearby, but the orphans ignored them, knowing they might be bullied if they engaged. They avoided unpredictable Kibo and focused on their browsing activities.

In the evening, Mutara's group and Melia's group briefly stopped at the stockade compound before heading to an undisclosed location.

Enkikwe and Ambo arrived at the lucerne feeding venue early before dawn. The two boys relaxed while waiting patiently for the official time of letting the orphans out and distribution of lucerne. At six o'clock in the morning, the orphans had their milk and thereafter Vaarti led the way out soon when the gates were opened. The orphans joined Enkikwe and Ambo outside and shared the lucerne together. Sattao and Naleku walked down to the water trough for a drink and were later followed by Enkikwe and Kinyei. 

Larro led the way to the browsing field when she had enough of lucerne. The rest of her colleagues followed. The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. Vaarti and Mayan visited the Kone dam to drink water and later returned to join their colleagues in browsing. 

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Mayan led the first group to the midday bottle feeds. The weather was chilly and none of the orphans dared to step into the mud bathing water. The orphans had their milk and thereafter returned back to the browsing field without even bothering to go for the drinking of water. In the afternoon, Bondeni and Esoit had a meeting and later engaged one another in a light strength testing exercise. Mayan settled to browse with Sattao while Kinyei teamed up with Kindani. Later, the orphans were joined by Karisa, Enkikwe, Kithaka, Galla, Kauro, Mapia, Ambo, and Rapa. 

In the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockades.

Bomani, Galla, Orwa, Enkikwe, Ambo, Kithaka, Narok, and two bulls were present in the morning during the lucerne feeding time. When Bomani and Kithaka felt that they had enough lucerne, the two boys walked down to the water trough to drink water. They were followed by Suguroi and Vaarti, who joined them in drinking water. 

Kuishi led the way to the browsing field. The rest of the team followed her. Larro lagged behind, picking the leftovers with the ex-orphans, and later ran to catch up with her colleagues. The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area and were briefly joined by the Queen's family. The orphans didn't stay long with the Queen's family as some teenagers in the group were hostile towards them. 

The orphans climbed up east of Ithumba Hill and settled to browse. Naleku came across loose soil and settled for a soil dusting exercise and later resumed browsing. The orphans browsed calmly up to eleven o'clock in the morning when Olorien led the first group to the noon bottle feeds. The temperatures were low, and none of the orphans dared to touch the mud bathing water. The orphans settled for drinking water then had a brief soil dusting exercise before heading back to the browsing field. 

The afternoon was quiet as the orphans browsed calmly throughout the remaining part of the day. In the evening, the ex-orphans reported in large numbers at the stockade compound and shortly later headed to an undisclosed location.

As it continues to get dry, more ex-orphans and wild elephants are showing up at the stockade compound. Close to forty ex-orphans and ten wild elephants visited the stockade compound this morning. The bulls were more interested in Narok, who is in season, as the ex-orphans joined the juniors in feeding of lucerne. Mambo, who these days is standing as a tough boy, challenged Mukkoka and Kinyei in a strength testing exercise as Naleku played nanny to young Lisha. 

The orphans didn't stay for long and instead decided to give their seniors space by walking to the browsing field. Kuishi teamed up with Esoit in browsing while Kindani settled to browse with Lodo. Mukkoka, Sattao, and Roho browsed a distance away from their colleagues and only rejoined them at the time of heading to the mud bath. The mud bath was delayed for some minutes as the ex-orphans and wild elephants blocked the way for the orphans. The Keepers had to clear the way first by gently asking the ex-orphans and wild elephants to give way. The wild bulls were a little bit hostile as they thought the Keepers were trying to get Narok, whose affections they were all trying to win. Lucky enough, Narok headed south and the bulls followed. 

After the orphans had their milk and water, the keepers steered the orphans towards north to avoid confrontation with any of Narok’s wild suitors. The orphans had a quiet afternoon as they browsed calmly. 

In the evening, Larro dodged the Keepers to join the ex-orphans who were rumbling a distance away. Later, just before six thirty in the evening, Larro reported back in the company of many ex-orphans, including several who had not visited the stockade compound for nearly a month. These ex-orphans included Wendi and her daughters, then Galana and her two daughters. Larro was allowed to join her colleagues inside the stockades, even though she arrived late.

Enkikwe, Malkia, Mutara, Mambo, Suguta, Kainuk, Sities, Ambo, Mapia, Kauro, and Karisa arrived at the stockade compound before dawn and patiently waited for the orphans to be let out so that they could enjoy lucerne with them. After getting their six o'clock milk, Vaarti led the way out. The orphans joined the ex-orphans outside and shortly later more ex-orphans arrived in the company of three wild elephants. Naleku was happy to play nanny to baby Gala, who fortunately had no nanny accompanying her and whose mother, Galana, was busy feeding on lucerne. Kinyei and Kindani settled to scratch on a nearby rock as Mayan engaged Mambo in a light strength testing exercise. Kuishi had a brief meeting with Mteto as she tried to find out how life outside the stockade was treating her, as Kuishi herself is thinking of joining them one day. 

There was an interesting moment as Kibo and Wendi met. Both are notorious rascals, and there was a fight of supremacy as each tried to outdo the other. As their fight escalated, the wild-born babies ran away. All the females started running too in an effort to calm the babies down. The Keepers called their orphans by name, and everyone duly withdrew from the ex-orphans’ group. 

At the browsing field, Naleku teamed up with Suguroi and Mukkoka while Mayan settled to browse with Vaarti and Esoit. The temperatures were low and the orphans browsed calmly up to mud bath time, when Mayan led the first group. The orphans had their milk and water. As they were leaving, Wendi, Wiva, Galana, Gawa, Gala, Wema, Wimbi, and Karisa showed up. Mayan and Vaarti showed interest in spending time with Gala and Wimbi. The Keepers called them to withdraw as they were not sure how far that group would walk. Naleku settled for a soil dusting exercise before following her colleagues. 

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Suguroi teamed up with Naleku and Lodo. The rest of the team scattered all over for browsing. In the evening, on the way back to the stockades, the orphans were joined by Barsilinga, Galla, and Kithaka, who escorted them all the way to the stockades.

Kithaka, Galla, Mutara, Mambo, Malkia, Narok, Kainuk, Sities, Turkwel, Naboishu, Sana Sana, Orwa, Sagateisa, Olare, Ola, Sapalan, and a wild bull joined the orphans in feeding on lucerne in the morning. Both herds shared the lucerne peacefully. After having enough, Kuishi started walking away, rumbling. Kuishi was signalling to the orphans that it was time to leave for browsing. The orphans responded by following Kuishi. Olorien, Larro, and Lodo lagged behind with the ex-orphans but later followed. 

The orphans settled to browse at Kone area where they were briefly joined by a wild herd that was heading to the Kone dam for water. Olorien settled to browse with Vaarti and Mayan, while Lodo, Mukkoka, and Sattao relaxed under a tree for some time when the sun got hot. 

At mud bath time, Suguroi led the first group while Vaarti led the second one. After taking their milk, the orphans headed to the water trough to drink water before getting into the mud bath water to wash their feet. Only Lodo and Kindani participated fully in the wallowing exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Sattao teamed up with Olorien as Naleku browsed with Suguroi. In the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockades.

In the morning, the Keepers found a one-tusked wild elephant, her baby, and Kitirua sleeping peacefully outside the stockade. They woke up shortly before the orphans were let out. The orphans had their milk at six o'clock in the morning then walked out to start their day. Mukkoka engaged the wild baby in a brief conversation before the baby turned naughty and started pushing him. Mukkoka couldn't tolerate this behaviour from a baby, so he decided to pinch his trunk. The baby cried, calling for help from his mother. Mukkoka released the baby’s trunk before his mother took action against him. The baby returned to his mother and later had a pushing game with Mayan. 

On the way to the browsing field, Kindani came across loose soil that she used to dust herself. Larro led the team to the Kone area where they settled to browse. Shortly later, the orphans visited Kone Dam, where they encountered a buffalo. Kuishi, Sattao, Roho, Suguroi, and Lodo charged at the buffalo. At first, the interloper stood his ground, but when the orphans drew closer trumpeting, the buffalo decided to give up and ran away. 

The orphans had water at Kone Dam and thereafter walked slowly browsing towards the mud bath. The sun was shining but the temperatures were low, which hindered the orphans from getting into water to wallow. Kitirua and her two wild friends joined the orphans at the mud bath to drink water before heading to an undisclosed location. 

In the afternoon, Suguroi had a brief meeting with Vaarti, and it wasn't clear what the two were discussing. Roho teamed up with Kindani in browsing while Kinyei settled to browse with Bondeni. In the evening, six boys who appeared to have formed their own boys' club showed up at the stockade compound. The boys were Kauro, Ambo, Mapia, Rapa, Kithaka, and Enkikwe.

It was a quiet morning. The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade. No outsiders joined them. Roho shared his pile of lucerne with Naleku. Shortly later, Vaarti and Mayan felt that they had enough lucerne and started their journey to the browsing field. 

The orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Kanjoro with several of his wild friends briefly joined the orphans before heading to an undisclosed location. Mayan attempted to follow them, but the Keepers blocked him. 

At mud bath time, Olorien led the first group to the eleven o'clock milk feed. The weather was chilly, and soon after taking their milk, Vaarti and Suguroi splashed water behind their ears while Lodo, Mayan, Naleku, Kinyei, and Bondeni headed straight to the soil dusting exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse south of the mud bath. They browsed calmly throughout without any major observations. 

On the way back to the stockade, the orphans were joined by Kauro, Ambo, Kithaka, Enkikwe, Rapa, and Mapia. These boys escorted the orphans all the way to the stockade. Later in the evening, Sunyei, Siku, Saba, Wendi, Wiva, Wema, Wimbi, Loijuk, Lili, Lisha, Lenana, Lapa, Galana, Gawa, Gala, Naseku, Olsekki, Melia, Milo, Teleki, Kibo, and five wild elephants showed up at the stockade compound.

Several ex-orphans were present in the morning when the orphans were let out. The ex-orphans settled for lucerne together with their juniors. Kinyei had a good time with Lisha, who tried to have a pushing game with her. Kinyei understood that Lisha was only a baby and handled her carefully. Shortly afterward, Lisha quit playing with Kinyei and went charging at Kindani. Kindani could not understand where this baby found the audacity to challenge her. Kindani opted not to react but turned to leave, not wanting to invite the wrath of the mother, Loijuk. Lisha was upset when Kindani ignored her and turned to Suguroi, who didn't spare her. Suguroi whipped Lisha with her trunk and then walked away. Lisha walked back to her mother.

Kuishi had a disagreement with Wiva that led to a standoff, and they locked their trunks to start a fight. After a second thought, the two girls stopped and parted ways. Milo engaged Sattao in a pushing game while Roho had a brief conversation with Naseku. Afterward, the orphans withdrew from the ex-orphans and headed towards the Kone area, where they settled to browse. Esoit teamed up with Kuishi in browsing and later left to have a pushing game with Vaarti.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Olorien led the way to the mud bath. The orphans had their milk, then headed for drinking water, and thereafter settled for a soil dusting exercise. Mayan took advantage of Vaarti lying down to get a free ride. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse north of the mud bath. Mukkoka teamed up with Sattao while Lodo settled to browse with Mayan. Kinyei decided to test her strength by trying to push down a tree. The tree proved to be too strong for her strength. Kinyei surrendered and resumed browsing.

In the evening, Challa, with three wild bulls, showed up at the stockade compound.

Yatta, Yetu, Yoyo, Yogi, Yebo, Mulika, Mwende, Mkuu, Mala, Wendi, Wiva, Wema, Wimbi, Wanjala, Naserian, Njema, Sunyei, Siku, Saba, Galana, Gawa, Gala, Kina, Kama, and Kaia joined the orphans in the morning. Roho tested his strength by inviting Mkuu to a pushing game. Mkuu hesitated at first, not trusting Roho, but eventually gave in. However, Mkuu quit the pushing game when Roho started playing rough — clearly, Mkuu regretted his decision to trust Roho. Naleku joined Gawa in taking care of Gala, while Kama and Kaia remained calm, staying close to their mother. Wimbi threatened Lodo by charging, while Yebo interacted briefly with Kinyei and Kindani. 

When it was time to leave for the browsing field, Roho dodged the Keepers by hiding among the ex-orphans. He wanted to spend more time with the ex-orphans and their babes. The Keepers realised Roho was missing when the orphans were three hundred metres away. They returned to the stockades and found Roho sandwiched between Mkuu, Yogi, and Wanjala. Seeing the Keepers, Roho knew he was the one being sought and withdrew from the group, running back towards his colleagues.

In the browsing field, the orphans encountered Dad, who had joined in following Narok, who is in season. He might become the father of Narok's new baby if she conceives and gives birth after twenty-two months. Dad was in the company of four other bulls, but he was the most senior in the group, ensuring no other bull came close to Narok.

The orphans had a quiet morning and browsed calmly as they headed towards the mud bath. The sun was shining with a cool breeze blowing, which prevented the orphans from taking a bath. They only washed their feet before heading to drink water and settling into a soil dusting exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area.

Challa was outside the stockade when the orphans were let out in the morning. Shortly afterward, a wild bull arrived and also joined in the lucerne feast. Then, Narok arrived, followed by a different set of bulls. Mayan welcomed her to the lucerne feeding while the bulls kept their distance from the younger elephants. Kanjoro, Tumaren, Tembo, Melia, Milo, Kalama, and Chemi Chemi arrived as the orphans were preparing to leave for browsing.

The orphans headed towards the Kone direction, but drama ensued when Narok — who is in season — decided to hide among them. The bulls followed, and the Keepers had to move to avoid a confrontation. Eventually, the bulls took Narok towards the mud bath area amidst trumpeting and bellowing from the orphans. The Keepers emerged from hiding and steered the orphans towards the Kone area.

After that drama, the morning proceeded calmly and the orphans browsed peacefully without any major incidents. At eleven o'clock in the morning, Olorien led the first group to the mud bath. After having their milk, the orphans enjoyed mud bathing and then settled for a soil dusting exercise. Two wild bulls appeared, and Mayan approached them out of curiosity to learn more about them. The bulls didn't respond but splashed water behind their ears before heading west of the mud bath.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. In the evening, the stockade compound was flooded with ex-orphans and wild elephants. Such a strong presence indicates that many water holes have dried up, and northern Tsavo’s elephants now depend on the stockade water. The herds later left under the cover of darkness.

Kinna, Kaia, Kama, Chaimu, Mutara, Mambo, Suguta, Kainuk, Sities, Turkwel, Loijuk, Lisha, Malkia, Ukame, and three wild elephants joined the orphans in the morning for feeding of lucerne. Mambo, the tough boy, engaged Esoit in a pushing game that lasted for quite some time. Naleku tried to get close to Lisha to have a good time with her, but Lili blocked her. Naleku was upset and decided to try and push Lili out of the way. Lili fought back and managed to overpower Naleku. Naleku decided to give up and walked away. As soon as the orphans had enough lucerne, Kuishi led the way to the browsing field.

In the browsing field, Vaarti and Esoit took a break from feeding to have a strength-testing exercise that ended in a draw. Kindani, Bondeni, and Kinyei split from the main herd and browsed a distance away. The three great friends rejoined their colleagues at the time of heading for the noon bottle feeds. The temperatures were moderate, and only Naleku and Lodo participated in wallowing. The rest of the team opted for a soil dusting exercise. A wild bull showed up at the mud bath, and Larro greeted him by raising her trunk and waving. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse the Kanziku area, and in the evening, Vaarti led the way back to the stockades.

Naisula, Nyx, Esampu, and Orwa were at the stockade compound early before the orphans were let out. At six o'clock in the morning, the orphans were let out and joined Naisula and her team outside. Shortly later, Yatta, Yoyo, Yogi, Karisa, Wendi, Wiva, Wema, Wimbi, Yetu, Yebo, Loijuk, Lili, Lisha, Ukame, Lualeni, Lulu, Lexi, Dololo, Nabulu, Mteto, Maramoja, Malima, Sapalan, Rapa, Olare, Ola, Sagateisa, Tumaren, Tembo, Mulika, Mwende, Mkuu, Mala, Galla, Neshashi, Namalok, Oltaiyoni, Siangiki, Mutara, Mambo, Suguta, Sities, Kainuk, Turkwel, Sana Sana, Naboishu, four wild elephants, Ithumba, Iman, Naserian, Njema, Sita, Galana, Gawa, Gala, Makena, Kina, Kama, Kaia, Lenana, Lapa, and Wanjala arrived and joined the orphans in feeding of lucerne. Naleku, this time round, managed to access Lisha and had a quality time together. Sapalan challenged Galla as Mambo bullied Tembo. Roho had a brief interaction with Njema as Suguroi played with Nyx. After the orphans had enough lucerne, Olorien led the way to the browsing field.

As usual, Esoit browsed close to his favourite older sister Kuishi while Kinyei, Kindani, and Bondeni browsed together. At mud bath time, the weather was chilly, making it impossible for the orphans even to wash their feet. Roho and Naleku had a strength testing exercise while Suguroi played with Lodo. As the orphans prepared to return to the browsing field, the ex-orphans showed up, and after drinking water, the herd headed west of the mud bath. The orphans headed south of the mud bath. It was a cool afternoon, and the orphans browsed calmly throughout without any major observation. In the evening, the heavy clouds obscuring the sky gave way to light rains that lowered the temperatures even more. At five o'clock in the morning, Mayan led the way back to the stockades.

It was a quiet morning when the orphans were let out. Only one wild bull reported that morning, and he behaved well among the babies. Kuishi and the wild bull walked down to the water trough and enjoyed drinking water together. After sharing water, the wild bull moved up and joined Larro, who was picking acacia pods under the only standing acacia tree at the stockade compound.

Later, Naleku led the way to the browsing field. The orphans settled to browse at the Kone area, where they were briefly joined by several bulls who were on transit to an undisclosed location. Mayan attempted to follow the bulls but was blocked by the Keepers. Lodo, Naleku, and Roho held a brief meeting, but it was unclear what they resolved.

At mud bath time, the weather was chilly, and none of the orphans dared to step into the mud bathing water. After getting their milk, Olorien led the way to the water trough where the orphans settled for drinking water. Afterwards, the orphans had a soil dusting exercise before returning to the browsing field. The orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. The weather was good for browsing, and the orphans enjoyed every moment as they browsed calmly without any major incidents.

The orphans settled for lucerne soon after leaving the stockade. Shortly after, they were joined by the ex-orphans and shared lucerne together before parting ways. The orphans then settled to browse in the Kone area. Suddenly, two wild dogs ran past, scaring the orphans. They regrouped and ran towards the Keepers while trumpeting. The Keepers calmed them down as the dogs disappeared into the thickets. The orphans resumed browsing and slowly headed towards the mud bath.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Olorien led the first group to the mud bath. The ex-orphans reported in large numbers and briefly had water before heading west of the mud bath. The orphans then settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Esoit and Vaarti had a strength testing exercise that was stopped by Mukkoka when he passed by and pushed both of them apart.

In the evening, on the way back to the stockade, the orphans were joined by the ex-orphans and walked together up to the stockade compound. The orphans entered the stockade for the night while the ex-orphans settled for water before later leaving to an undisclosed location.

Kilaguni, who was last seen in October last year with a wild friend, was spotted standing outside at the lucerne feeding venue. Kilaguni reported early at dawn and joined Mutara's group, who were relaxing outside the stockade. At six o'clock in the morning, the orphans had their milk and then walked out to start another day. More ex-orphans arrived and joined the orphans and Mutara's group in feeding on lucerne. Naleku, who loves babies, settled to play with Wimbi and later decided to give Mala good company.

When the orphans had enough lucerne, Larro led the way to the browsing field. Mayan settled to browse with Vaarti, while Olorien settled to browse with Esosit. Lodo and Kinyei took a break from feeding to engage in a light pushing game. At eleven o'clock in the morning, Suguroi led the first group to the mud bath. The sun was shining, but the temperatures were low, so only Roho and Naleku participated in wallowing. The rest of the team settled for a soil dusting exercise.

Shortly later, the orphans were joined by Ola, Olare, Sagateisa, and Nabulu. Mayan followed Ola and exchanged greetings by entwining their trunks. Naleku caught up with Sagateisa and asked her why she left early to join the wild. Sagateisa informed Naleku that she was comfortable with the decision she made and she is now the sole nanny for Ola.

In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. Lodo teamed up with Sattao in browsing, while Larro teamed up with Kinyei. In the evening, Mayan led the way back to the stockades.

In the morning, only Malima, Enkikwe, Ndiwa, and two wild bulls were present when the orphans were let out. The two wild bulls behaved well, remaining calm while sharing lucerne with the orphans. One of the wild bulls walked down to the water trough for a drink. Vaarti followed the wild bull, later joined by Mayan. The two boys shared water with the wild bull, wondering if there would come a time when they would grow as big as the wild bull. Mayan quit drinking water when he saw more bulls approaching from the east to drink. Vaarti was brave enough to wait for the bulls, who were unbothered by the presence of the small boy. After sipping water several times, Vaarti decided to quit and returned to join his colleagues.

Mayan led the way to the browsing field. At the browsing field, the orphans had a quiet morning, browsing peacefully without any major incidents. At mud bath time, the weather was chilly, and none of the orphans dared to touch the mud bathing water. The orphans had their milk, then water, and thereafter returned to the browsing field. Sattao, Mukkoka, and Roho split from the main herd and browsed at a distance.

When it was time to return to the stockade, Mukkoka could not be traced. After an intense search, Mukkoka was found with a group of ex-orphans and refused to listen to the Keepers' call. The Keepers left him with the ex-orphans to enjoy the company he needed. Later that evening, the ex-orphans brought Mukkoka back to the stockades. The gate was opened, and Mukkoka was ushered in for the night.

This morning was exceptionally busy at the stockade compound, with over one hundred ex-orphans and wild elephants crowding the area. When the orphans were let out, they found it difficult to manoeuvre through the packed compound. Lucerne was distributed, but the competition was fierce, forcing most orphans to surrender as the ex-orphans and their babies aggressively took all the food for themselves. Only Kuishi, Mukkoka, Sattao, and Roho were brave enough to stand their ground amidst the chaos.

Eventually, the orphans left to browse, leaving the ex-orphans and wild elephants to scramble for the lucerne. Esoit teamed up with his friend Kuishi while Kindani settled to browse with Suguroi. Roho paired with Naleku, and Kinyei browsed with Bondeni. Shortly before mud bath time, Sattao, Larro, and Mayan took a break from feeding to relax under a tree.

At eleven o'clock, Olorien led the way for the noon bottle feeds. Though the sun was shining, the temperatures were still low, so the orphans only had their milk and water before settling for a soil dusting exercise. A few ex-orphans showed up at the mud bath but soon headed in a different direction.

The orphans then moved west of Ithumba Hill to browse. In the evening, they were joined by Mutara's group, including Galla and Orwa. The group browsed slowly as they made their way back to the stockade. Galla engaged in a light pushing game with Kuishi, which was disrupted by Orwa. The orphans arrived back at the stockade half an hour later than usual.

This morning, Naisula, Nyx, Melia, Milo, Kauro, Esampu, Kalama, Kitirua, Kithaka, Ambo, Rapa, and Mapia were present at the stockade compound when the orphans were let out. The ex-orphans joined the orphans in sharing lucerne. Shortly after, more ex-orphans showed up. Milo attempted to bully Naleku, but Naleku handled the situation well. Esoit ran into trouble with Nyx, but Kuishi came to his rescue.

Once the orphans felt they had enough lucerne, Mayan led the way to the browsing field. Vaarti found some loose soil and indulged in a soil dusting exercise. The orphans settled at the Kone area to browse, where they were joined by Enkikwe, Maramoja, Malima, Dololo, Naboishu, Malkia, and Sana Sana. The junior ex-orphans browsed alongside the orphans and later escorted them to the mud bath.

After having their milk, Vaarti, Mayan, Lodo, Esoit, Roho, and Kinyei got into the smaller mud bath and wallowed before moving on to a soil dusting exercise. Vaarti and Mayan then engaged in a pushing game, which ended in a draw. The orphans were joined by the Mutara group for a drink of water before parting ways. Kindani led the way back to the browsing field, and the orphans spent a quiet afternoon browsing calmly throughout the remaining part of the day.

In the evening, the stockade compound was packed with 132 elephants, including ex-orphans and wild elephants, who had come to drink water. It was quite a sight to behold — and a reminder that Ithumba is such an important water source for northern Tsavo’s elephants.

With the dry season beginning, the ex-orphans have been appearing nearly every morning to share water and lucerne with the orphans. Today, before the orphans were let out, the ex-orphans had already occupied the lucerne feeding area, waiting patiently. The orphans had their milk at six o'clock in the morning and then joined the ex-orphans. Lucerne was provided and shared by all.

Larro led the way to the browsing field after everyone had their fill of lucerne. The orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Mayan and Vaarti, who enjoy testing their strength against each other, took a break from feeding and engaged in a playful tussle. Esoit passed by and separated the two boys by pushing them away.

On their way to the mud bath, the orphans encountered Kithaka and Enkikwe, both of whom have shorter right hind legs. Lodo and Roho acknowledged them by raising their trunks but didn't dare to get too close, knowing their temperaments well.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Vaarti led the way to the noon bottle feed. The weather was cold, so the orphans only had their milk and some water before heading back to the browsing field. Naleku settled to browse with Kindani and Mukkoka, while Vaarti chose to browse with Mayan and Bondeni.

Later in the day, the orphans were joined by Sana Sana, Sapalan, and Naboishu. The three junior ex-orphans browsed with the orphans until five o'clock in the evening, when they escorted them back to the stockades.

94 elephants were present in the morning during lucerne feeding time. Once the orphans were let out after their morning milk, Naleku headed straight to interact with the young wild-born babies: Lisha, Gala, Tembo, and Ola. There was some resistance from Maramoja, Lulu, and Gawa, who didn't want Naleku to stay close to the young ones. However, Naleku's persistence paid off, and eventually, Maramoja, Lulu, and Gawa gave up, leaving the babies with Naleku.

Roho ran into trouble with Nusu when he tried to push Noah. Noah's complaints alerted his brother, and Nusu came running to drive Roho away. Shortly after, Kuishi led the way to the browsing field. Naleku, Suguroi, and Olorien lagged behind, prompting the Keepers to go back and lead them to join their colleagues. The orphans settled in the Kone area and had a quiet morning.

At mud bath time, Vaarti led Mayan, Suguroi, and Olorien in the first group. The weather was cloudy, so the orphans only had their milk and water before settling into a soil dusting exercise. Larro, who had lagged behind with the ex-orphans, showed up when her colleagues were already engaged in the soil dusting exercise. Vaarti and Mayan had a light pushing game, while Kinyei and Naleku competed to see who was the expert in soil dusting.

When the orphans felt they had enough of soil dusting, Kindani led the way back to the browsing field. Lodo settled to browse with Larro, trying to find out from her what fun she had by lagging behind with the ex-orphans. Larro smiled and informed Lodo that there was much to learn from their seniors.

In the evening, the orphans returned safely to the stockades for another night.

95 elephants were present in the morning. After getting their milk, the orphans were let out. As usual, Naleku walked down to greet the young wild-born babies. Kuishi had a disagreement with Gawa. Kuishi, not allowing Gawa to belittle her, stood at the edge of the water trough, making herself appear taller. Intimidated, Gawa walked away, leaving Kuishi feeling victorious. Roho engaged Yoyo in a light pushing game, while Suguroi played with Mambo.

When the orphans felt they had enough lucerne, Mayan led the way to the browsing field. With the dry season setting in, the orphans had no time to waste and settled to browse at Kone area. Lodo settled to browse with Roho, and later they had a brief strength-testing exercise that ended in a draw. Kindani browsed with Sattao, while Vaarti teamed up with Esoit. Later, Esoit, Mayan, and Vaarti had a brief meeting, but the contents of their discussion remained a mystery.

At mud bath time, the weather was chilly, so the orphans had their milk and joined the ex-orphans in drinking water. The ex-orphans had arrived earlier at the mud bath and were enjoying drinking water before deciding which way to go. The orphans, having had enough water, left the ex-orphans still drinking. They settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. The afternoon was quiet as the orphans concentrated on browsing.

In the evening, on the way back to the stockade, the orphans were joined by the ex-orphans heading in the same direction. At the stockade, the orphans went in for the night while the ex-orphans remained outside, helping themselves to water.

Kalama, Melia, Milo, Chemi Chemi, and two wild bulls were at the stockade compound early before the orphans were let out. After getting their morning milk, the orphans walked out and joined the ex-orphans in feeding on lucerne. Shortly later, Wiva, Sunyei, Saba, Yatta, Yoyo, Yogi, Yebo, and Yetu arrived and joined in feeding on lucerne. Esoit and Vaarti exchanged morning greetings before settling down to eat.

Milo was hostile to Suguroi, Olorien, and Kindani, counting on his mother to save him if things went wrong. When he tried pushing Roho, it was like he had pressed the wrong button. Roho didn't hesitate to teach Milo a lesson about respecting his seniors. He pushed the baby hard, prompting him to scream for help from his mother. Melia, however, didn't intervene, likely understanding that her son was in the wrong.

After the orphans had enough lucerne, Larro led the way to the browsing field. At the browsing field, Kindani settled to browse with Bondeni, while Sattao, Mukkoka, and Roho split from the main herd and browsed a distance away from their colleagues.

At mud bath time, only Lodo, Vaarti, Roho, and Larro fully participated in wallowing. They later joined their colleagues in a soil dusting exercise. In the afternoon, the orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill and had a quiet afternoon. The orphans concentrated on browsing without any major events.

In the evening, the orphans returned safely to the stockade.

Tumaren, Tembo, Sagateisa, Kitirua, Naseku, and Ola, who spent the night outside the stockade, were waiting for lucerne in the morning. Ola kept crying from time to time as she looked for her mother, Olare, who was not there. Sagateisa, the main nanny to Ola, was the one who made us realise that Olare was missing. She kept an eye on the baby and alerted us that something was wrong. 

Kitirua tried to nurse the baby but had no milk. Kitirua doesn't belong to any permanent group and keeps changing groups. She loves babies and always tries to look after them. We hope for her to have her own so that she can feel complete. 

A search was mounted for Olare and she was finally located at the mud bath the following morning, with Yatta’ group. Olare had milk dripping from her teats and was clearly in great discomfort from the need to nurse. By then, Ola was in the stockade area with Kitirua, Sagateisa, Tumaren, Tembo, Mulika, Mwende, Mala, Mkuu, Kina, Kama, and Kaia. The Keepers pushed the group to the mud bath, where Ola reunited with her mother. After the reunion, Kitirua was seen standing a distance away, as if aware that she had caused this whole saga.

The orphans browsed at the Kone area, and at eleven o'clock in the morning, Olorien led the way to the mud bath. The orphans interacted with the ex-orphans soon after getting their milk and later headed back to the browsing field. In the afternoon, Suguroi and Lodo had a light pushing game that lasted for quite some time. In the evening, the orphans returned safely to the stockades.

It was a quiet morning, with only one wild bull showing up for lucerne. He left just ten minutes later. After the orphans had their fill and were preparing to leave for browsing, Mulika, Mwende, Mkuu, Mala, Wendi, Wema, Wimbi, Nasarian, and Njema arrived. Naleku, Suguroi, and Kinyei briefly interacted with Njema, Mala, and Wimbi. Once the orphans left, more ex-orphans arrived and shared whatever lucerne was left.

The orphans settled to browse in the Kanziku area. Esoit browsed with Larro and Vaarti, while Lodo teamed up with Roho, Sattao, and Mukkoka. They browsed calmly as they made their way to the mud bath. At mud bath time, they were joined by Kalama, Chaimu, Melia, Milo, Chemi Chemi, and Kitirua. With moderate temperatures, the orphans jumped into the water for a cooling off exercise. Afterward, they enjoyed a soil dusting exercise before returning to the browsing field.

In the afternoon, the orphans were joined by Kilaguni, Chemi Chemi, and Kalama. The three ex-orphans browsed with the orphans for nearly two hours before parting ways. In the evening, Kindani led the way back to the stockades.

Several ex-orphans, accompanied by the Queen’s family, joined the morning lucerne feeding program. A wild baby engaged Mayan in a strength-testing exercise, which ended when the baby's mother intervened and pushed Mayan away. Vaarti played with Noah, but their game was disrupted by Nusu. Suguroi threatened a wild baby who accidentally bumped into her. Naleku, as usual, busied herself with babysitting the wild-born babies.

Kuishi rumbled to inform her colleagues that it was time to head for browsing. Although Olorien, Roho, and Kindani were hesitant, they eventually followed. The orphans settled to browse in the Kone area. Lodo and Suguroi took a break from feeding to engage in a strength-testing exercise, while Vaarti challenged Roho in a pushing game. Lodo later left Suguroi and had a light pushing game with Kindani.

At mud bath time, the temperatures were moderate. The orphans had their milk, drank water, and briefly enjoyed a soil dusting exercise before Larro led them back to the browsing field. After the orphans had left, ex-orphans Kinna, Olare, Narok, Pare, Roi, Naisula, Nyx, Kama, Kaia, Ola, and twelve wild bulls arrived at the mud bath.

The orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill and had a quiet afternoon. They browsed calmly throughout the rest of the day without any major incidents or observations.

Soon after leaving the stockade in the morning, the orphans were joined by the ex-orphans and shared lucerne together. Shortly afterward, a family herd led by a tuskless female showed up for water. The wild herd drank quickly and then left. Naleku settled with Charli this morning and had a great time until it was disrupted by Cheka, Charli's brother. Not wanting any conflict, Naleku moved on to spend some time with Ola.

After deciding they had enough lucerne, Larro led the orphans to the browsing field. At the browsing field, Vaarti engaged Bondeni in a pushing game, while Mayan played with Esoit. When Vaarti had enough of Bondeni, Roho was waiting and both boys engaged in a strength-testing exercise. Sattao took some time off from browsing to enjoy a soil dusting exercise. Ndiwa, Makireti, Loijuk, Lisha, Lili, Galana, Gawa, Gala, Tumaren, Tembo, Chyulu, Cheka, Charli, and Vuria joined the orphans briefly in the Kone area. Suguroi and Naleku took a break from feeding to spend time with Lisha, while Larro interacted with Tembo.

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Olorien led the first group to the mud bath. The weather was chilly, so the orphans skipped the wallowing exercise. After taking their milk, the orphans drank water and then settled for a soil dusting exercise before returning to the browsing field. The orphans settled to browse west of Ithumba Hill. In the evening, Suguroi led the way back to the stockade.