Mayan’s fellow graduate, Vaarti, is also settling into Ithumba life. He has his own special role, leading the herd back to the stockades in the evening. Vaarti is very gentle and quiet — an easy personality which has already won him lots of friends in the orphan herd. Only Olorien, who is known for her fiery temperament, is occasionally less-than-hospitable.

Mapia, Ambo, Kauro, Kithaka, Enkikwe, and Rapa have formed their own little team and rotate between the Kone area, Kalovoto, and the stockades. The junior ex-orphans often link up with the orphans for part of the day, then part ways when it is time to head to the mud bath. They see no need to join the orphans for this activity, as they are no longer entitled to milk bottles.

In Voi, Ngilai is famous for stashing an extra supply of lucerne atop his head. At the other end of Tsavo, it seems that Roho has picked up his trick! His strategy didn’t escape Bondeni’s notice: When his friend strolled by, Bondeni stretched his trunk and snatched the secret stash. 

The orphans get very annoyed when smaller wildlife antagonise them (even unwittingly), but seeking revenge is a pointless mission – they get away every time! One afternoon, two dik-diks had the audacity to pass in front of Kinyei. She charged and trumpeted, but the tiny antelopes were already long gone. Kinyei was left charging at empty bushes.

The following day, sunny Suguroi came across a troupe of dwarf mongooses. The little creatures prudently made themselves scarce, but Suguroi was all worked up. Naleku, Roho, and Esoit joined Suguroi in the search for the mongooses but had no success. 

The final ‘small encounter’ of the month happened with Lodo. He spotted a squirrel ahead of him and charged forward. The squirrel wasn’t going to wait around: He dodged and disappeared into the thickets, perhaps crawling into a hole. Lodo searched and searched, but eventually he had to concede defeat. 

Kindani woke up with a limp one morning. She happily allowed the Keepers to inspect her foot, and they discovered that she had stepped on something sharp. By the next day, she was walking normally again. Still, we were grateful that she was so cooperative and trusting with us. 

A mid-month visit reminded us of how different and unique each elephant’s personality is. In the morning, the orphans were joined by Barsilinga and Kibo. Barsilinga is always so patient and polite, whereas Kibo is a notorious troublemaker. True to form, Barsilinga was nice on this particular day, while Kibo harassed everyone in his midst. He is wired differently!

It is now the beginning of the dry season in Tsavo, but conditions remain favourable in Ithumba. Even still, we had lots of wild visitors and ex-orphans this month. The biggest group arrived on 19th June — Yatta, Yoyo, Yogi, Yetu, Nasalot, Noah, Nusu, Yebo, Mulika, Mwende, Mkuu, Mala, Sunyei, Siku, Saba, Kinna, Kama, Kaia, Ishanga, Sita, Makena, Sapalan, Sidai, Silas, Ithumbah, Iman, Mundusi, Lapa, and Lenana — but nearly every single day, at least one ex-orphan passed through. One afternoon, Kanjoro emerged on a solo mission. He circled once around the orphans before heading north. We believe he was on the hunt for a particular friend and, not finding them amongst the dependent herd, continued on his way. 

Suguroi and Naleku are still aspiring nannies. When the ex-orphans visit, the Keepers must be extra vigilant, as the two girls are constantly trying to insert themselves amidst the babies. Unexpectedly, Mayan and Vaarti are also great fans of the ex-orphans' babies! They took a shine to Mutara’s son, Mambo, and even tried to convince him to join the dependent herd.  

As Kuishi reminds us, rewilding is a personal journey for each orphan. Kuishi graduated to Ithumba in 2019, alongside Mapia and Malima. Her friends are now living wild, but she remains part of the dependent herd. She is very attached to little Esoit, and now that Mayan and Vaarti have joined her little adopted family, she is busier than ever. Kuishi will hear the call of the wild eventually, but we are happy to have her with us for as long as she chooses.  

The month ended with an unexpected veterinary treatment. On 23rd June, Chemi Chemi appeared with a spear wound on his left hip. He remained with the dependent herd for the rest of the morning, as if aware that help was on its way. The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit was flown to the scene, and Dr Limo quickly got to work. Chemi Chemi was darted and treated while the orphans and ex-orphans watched on. The elephants were concerned but calm. They clearly understood that we were helping their friend. 

Chemi Chemi has visited several times in the weeks following his treatment. He appears to be recovering well, although we will continue to keep a keen eye on his progress. Time and again, ex-orphans have returned home in their hour of need. We are so glad that Chemi Chemi came to us for help.