Even elephants have their off days! Kiasa started the month in a sour mood. Normally, she is very active and strong, but today she was subdued and grumpy. In the evening, she escorted Mwana into the compound and then went right to bed. The Keepers, knowing Kiasa as well as they do, didn’t find any health-related reason for her mood change and decided to let her be. Sure enough, the following morning, she awoke in high spirits. 

Lima Lima remains our steadfast scout. In the past, she has alerted the Keepers of wild elephants, leopards, snakes, buffalos — no creature in the Kibwezi Forest escapes Lima Lima’s radar! One afternoon, she came rushing over to the Keepers. They duly scanned the area to see what creature she had discovered. They quickly realised it was only a harmless rock hyrax, who was observing the orphans from a rocky outcrop. There was no danger after all, but the Keepers still appreciated Lima Lima’s commitment to their safety.

While Mwana has largely dethroned Kapei as the darling of the Kibwezi Forest, he still enjoys some princely privileges. One day, his friend and older rival, Maktao, was antagonising him in the mud bath. Kapei tried to intimidate Maktao, but he was promptly put in his place. The older bull climbed on his back and toppled him underwater. Only Kapei's small trunk could be seen. Sonje heard his cries and came rushing over. She pulled Maktao from the water and chased him deep into the bushes, punishing him soundly for his actions.

We are treated to visits from Ziwa a few times a month. On the morning of 7th June, he appeared with his adopted herd. Ziwa caught up with his human-orphan family, while his wild family relaxed on the dust piles. However, they soon got jealous when they saw how comfortable Ziwa was with the Keepers and orphans. The female leader started rumbling and trumpeting, warning Ziwa that it was time to go. 

For the time being, Enkesha is very devoted to the dependent orphan herd. However, one day, Lima Lima led her astray. A group of wild elephants linked up with Lima Lima. Enkesha got confused and followed them in another direction, causing her to miss her midday bottle. The Keepers could hear her trumpeting from the top of the hills, but she was too late for her milk: Her bottle had been given to little Amali, who enjoyed the surprise treat. Kapei was also eying the extra bottle, but a Keeper chose to give it to Amali, the youngest orphan and Mwana's adopted sister.

Later in the month, Lima Lima was at it again! Lima Lima whisked Kapei away in the morning, causing him to miss his midday milk bottle. When they realised the time, she and Mwashoti escorted the youngster back to the herd, but Amali had already been given his bottle. Poor Kapei felt very sorry for himself and clearly wanted to take it out on Amali. She cannily took refuge next to Sonje and Murera, which made Kapei abandon his plans for revenge. 

While Lima Lima, Zongoloni, and Sonje are evidently pregnant, Quanza doesn’t seem to be contemplating motherhood — but that might soon change! This month, she debuted a handsome new suitor. The wild bull was very protective and clearly wanted to be alone with Quanza. In fact, he charged at Murera, which caused the orphans to make a hasty exit. After honeymooning all morning, Quanza rejoined her loyal herd in the afternoon. 

She is well over a year old, but Mwana hasn’t gotten old — everyone craves time with the ‘Princess of Umani’! One day, Enkesha, Kiasa, and Quanza became enemies with Amali when the younger girl whisked Mwana away from the group. (Amali is Mwana’s favourite ‘big sister,’ so it was easily done.) The other girls protested loudly and complained to Murera. Mwana was unaware of all the drama she had caused and happily moved between all the girls, enjoying their company and attention.

When she was first rescued, Amali was very skittish. She has calmed down considerably, but old habits die hard. One afternoon, crane birds swooped into the mud bath. Amali was shocked by their noisy, chaotic appearance and took off running, screaming as she went. Enkesha also ran away, because she did not know why Amali escaped. After the birds disappeared, Kapei went to collect the girls. 

At Umani, as in elephant society, females reign supreme. One evening, Maktao with Kiombo rushed to the front to lead the herd back home. The head girls couldn’t stand for this: Before they reached the stockades, they pushed the boys to the back of the line, so the leadership still belonged to the girls!

At Umani, the buffalos also reign supreme — much to the orphans’ chagrin! Four old bulls have become fixtures at the midday mud bath. Some days, the orphans tolerate their presence; other days, they object to the interlopers. One day, the buffaloes found themselves in a no-go zone. It was like a tug of war between the orphans and the buffaloes. The buffaloes wanted their space around the dust hill, but the orphans refused to give them space. Little Kapei teamed up with Alamaya, Mwashoti, Kiombo, and Maktao to defend the dust pile. The head girls blew loud trumpets as the boys pushed the buffaloes away. In the end, it was a victory for the elephants, albeit short-lived: The buffaloes return every day.

Some days, the weather throws off everyone’s clock! One particularly hot day, the orphans sought out the nearest waterhole — the mud bath — which made them think it was time for milk bottles. Kapei didn’t realise that it was still too early for his meal and walked up to each Keeper with his mouth wide open, begging for milk. When the milk vehicle finally arrived, Kapei jubilantly approached and loitered while the bottles were placed on the ground. After quickly finishing his bottle, Kapei came back in line with his mouth wide open, asking for more. The Keepers did not have any extras for the greedy boy, so he reluctantly moved to the swimming pool.

24th June marked the tenth anniversary of Umani Springs. To celebrate the occasion, the Keepers treated the herd to extra lucerne and pellets. The next day, Lima Lima and her nightclubbing friends reported very early, hoping there might be more treats like those enjoyed the day prior. They were disappointed to find that the tenth celebration was a one-day event.

The month ended on a peaceful note. Amali was seen playing with her little sister, Mwana, while Maktao and Kiombo enjoyed their usual pushing games. Sonje and Alamaya were absent, but the Keepers soon realised they were just hidden, enjoying lucerne in the thick bushes. Kapei was the one who found them: He ventured behind the stockades and led the Keepers to their location. Everyone was well and accounted for.

Discover our special Umani anniversary update here.