In fact, Rorogoi seems to be enjoying her seniority: One day, she saw Kenderi lying atop Thamana. ‘Big sister mode’ activated, she thought that Thamana was in trouble and ran to his rescue. He was not! Kenderi clambered off as the older female approached but was then challenged by Thamana to a wrestling match.

Ngilai’s old trick is still going strong. In the morning, he saunters around the breakfast feeding area with a special stash of lucerne balanced on his head. It is funny how his peers — Murit, Lasayen, and Ndotti — haven’t picked up this trick. Ndotto sometimes takes advantage of his blind spots, sneaking over and stealing a trunkful from his friend.

One other thing remains a constant: Everyone loves Mbegu — and with good reason! She is an excellent matriarch. We were reminded of this one day, when Ndotto (who does not like mud bathing) was dawdling on the way to the mud bath. Mbegu took charge of the situation, marching him all the way down the hill and to the water hole. Like a wild elephant matriarch, she always makes sure that no one is left behind, whether large or small, and that every member of the herd is safe.

Very often, it is difficult to see Mbegu, because her little fan club is clustered around her. It’s a domino effect of love: One day, Epiya moved in for a trunk hug, Ashanti became jealous and joined, only to be followed by Akina and then Rokka. Another day, Juni browsed so close to Mbegu that she was leaning against her, while Dabida squeezed up against her on the other side. Not wanting to be left out, Baraka then pushed in between Juni and Mbegu, doing his best to get rid of the competition. Lovely Mbegu reached her trunk over the little boy to reassure Juni that she was still part of the gang. 

Ngilai, our famous flirt, had a twinkle in his eye for Godoma this month. He repeatedly tried to play-mount her, chasing her around the pool and over the dust piles. She never welcomed his advances, moving off swiftly whenever he came too close. Females prefer to mate with older and more dominant bulls than Ngilai; he will have to wait several more years until he is considered a serious romantic prospect.

The Voi Kids never cease to entertain and impress us. One day, Ushindi was stumped when confronted with an unusually crowded and boisterous mud wallow. Seeking a quieter bathing environment, she attempted to waddle into the water trough. Unfortunately, her stout legs were not up to the task, but we congratulated her inventiveness!

Emoli and Thamana are still best bull friends and sparring partners. A similar friendship seems to be blossoming between Itinyi and our favourite showboat, Kenderi.

On the night of 10th June, Naipoki joined Rorogoi outside the stockades. The two ex-orphans have splintered off from Mweya, Edie, and Kenia’s ex-orphan herds. Meanwhile, new recruit Sagala must be thriving in her wild life with Kenya and co., as we did not see her this month. 

All the big girls like to play with Ndotto, especially the visiting ex-orphans. Not a week after she reappeared on the scene, Naipoki inadvertently injured the younger bull during a sparring match, after she poked him with her sharp tusk. Several days later, the wound was still bothering Ndotto, so we determined it was time for veterinary attention. 

The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit treated our gentle boy amongst the other orphans. Mbegu and her crew wanted to be part of the operation, but the Keepers kept them a few steps away. Throughout, everyone was calm and composed, understanding that we were helping their friend. After a very straightforward treatment — the wound just needed a deep clean and medication to aid healing — Ndotto was revived. Everyone welcomed him with bellows and trumpets.

We think of the ex-orphans and older orphans as mentors to their younger counterparts, but teaching can work both ways! One day, Rorogoi was stealing Godoma’s browse right from her mouth. Mbegu appreciated this tactic and decided to do the same, feasting on the greens from Tagwa's mouth. Busara, watching them keenly, was unimpressed by their lazy behaviour. He bravely made an example of himself, plucking grass with a lot of energy to teach Mbegu some browsing manners.

Some of the Voi Kids should be nicknamed the ‘Greedy Kids’ — namely, Ashanti, Epiya, and Dabida! The three are always quick to finish their milk and equally quick to scheme for seconds. One of their favourite techniques is to circle back to the feeding area and slot themselves amongst the next group, mouths open expectantly, as if they hadn’t been fed at all. The Keepers always see through their plotting. 

We are seeing a lovely new side to Lemeki. She has ‘adopted’ stout little Losoito and really enjoys looking after her. Of course, there are limits to her maternal instincts: One day, cheeky Losoito tried to grab a branch from her friend’s mouth. Lemeki quickly swung her head out of reach, unwilling to share. 

Our newest graduates, Manda and Rokka, are shining in their new home. Manda has become a star at the mud bath, striking all sorts of delightful poses and thoroughly amusing the Keepers. Rokka is more reserved, but she is receiving lots of love and attention from the older girls. She has been bonding with Busara, one of the other youngest orphans in the herd.

On 25th June, we were treated to a visit from our old friend, Nguvu. One might say that Nguvu is the original ‘Voi Kid.’ He was rescued from a drying water hole in 2016. Because he was older and rescued nearby, we brought him directly to our Voi Reintegration Unit. Nguvu soon returned to the wild, but he continues to visit us periodically. This time, it had been ten months since his last visit. He was in the company of his wild family — who very well may be his natal family, given he was rescued from the area — and looked to be in excellent condition. 

A few days later, a wonderful, sunny morning was made even brighter when Pika Pika made a surprise appearance! She received a warm welcome from the herd, who lavished her with trunk hugs and pats. Pika Pika clearly remembered the routine and returned with the other dependent orphans to the compound in the evening — upon reflection, perhaps she has decided that she is not ready for a life in the wild just yet!