Of course, elephants can also be quite devious! One afternoon, Bondeni engaged Roho in a pushing game. When the going got tough, Bondeni turned to run away. Roho grabbed his tail and bit it unrelentingly until Bondeni cried in defeat. 

The ex-orphans’ babies delight in taunting the orphans, safe in the knowledge that they have the backing of their mothers and nannies. One morning, Nasalot and her sons joined the dependent herd for lucerne. Her youngest, Noah, had a disagreement with Naleku that resulted in a fight. Noah was in the wrong, but he had the backing of his elder brother, Nusu, and the pair successfully defeated poor Naleku. 

Our newest ex-orphans are doing very well. While youngster Sagateisa, Neshashi, Ahmed, Tingai, Taabu, Kitiak, Rafiki, and Elerai didn’t visit this month, we feel sure they are faring well — there is so much food around Ithumba, plus plenty of ex-orphans to look after them. However, we were treated to regular visits from junior ex-orphans Kithaka, Enkikwe, Kauro, Ambo, Sana Sana, Malima, and Mapia, all of whom seem well and happy with their wild lives.

Kithaka and Enkikwe have formed their own boy band. Both have identical problems with their right hind leg (Kithaka’s sustained from some misadventure, Enkikwe’s from a lion attack). They were always in each other’s company this month, often accompanied by Vuria, too.

Suguroi is Ithumba’s resident athlete. She is always showing off her fitness — doing press-ups or racing her friends. For her competitors, this is a futile effort, for the speedy girl always wins. One day, she raced Roho for their milk bottles (a victory she easily claimed), while Olorien had her own solo race. 

Our female ex-orphans had lots of admirers this month. We saw Suguta with an amorous bull in hot pursuit, while Kitirua had her fair share of admirers, too.

On 18th March, a friendly elephant was reported loitering near Kanziku Gate in Tsavo East National Park. The Keepers went to investigate — and came face to face with Ngasha! He disappeared right after being translocated from Umani to Ithumba in August and has been absent for the past seven months. It turns out that he was just busy enjoying and exploring his new home.

The following day, we returned to Kanziku Gate today to see if Ngasha was still around. On the way there, a majestic elephant emerged from the bush and approached the vehicle — Ngasha again! The Keepers treated him to a bale of lucerne, which he happily tucked into. After a brief meeting, Ngasha continued on his way, heading in the direction of Ithumba Hill. We hope that he will make another appearance soon, but either way, we know he is in the area.

Our little Sattao is beginning to explore his independence. En route back to the stockades one evening, the orphans met Kithaka, Jotto, and Enkikwe. Sattao decided to join the three boys rather than go home. An hour later, Kithaka, Enkikwe, and Jotto escorted him back to the stockades. The gate was opened, and Sattao joined his roommates Mukkoka and Kuishi.

Meanwhile, Musiara has well and truly taken the leap. After an absence of several days, he linked up with the dependent herd at mud bath. Mukkoka, Sattao, and Lodo had a meeting with their old friend, perhaps asking where he had been. Musiara wasn’t willing to give up any secrets and later linked up with ex-orphans Nasalot and Narok.

Sana Sana is busy recruiting new friends to join her in the wild. During one visit, she made a beeline for Naboishu, who was her favourite when she was still stockade-dependent. The Keepers didn't give the matter great attention, only to later realise that Sana Sana had come for her favourite boy. With Naboishu by her side, Sana Sana left with Kibo, Kandecha, Chemi Chemi, Enkikwe, and Jotto. Later that evening, Jotto and Enkikwe escorted the youngster home. 

Little Kindani and Kinyei are creatures of habit. Kinyei leads the orphan herd back home nearly every evening. Meanwhile, Kindani has established a favourite scratching rock. Bondeni loves it too! They scratch there most mornings.

Occasionally, the ex-orphans camp outside the stockades for an elephant version of a slumber party. The Keepers were delighted to wake up one morning and find Kinna, Narok, and Makena, along with Kinna’s babies Kama and Kaia, resting just outside. Baby Kaia and Makena were slumbering deeply. It just goes to show how safe and ‘at home’ they feel around Ithumba. 

Once upon a time, Narok was intent upon kidnapping Lodo. She remains as besotted as ever — but Lodo is a bit wiser. On several occasions, the Keepers witnessed the older girl sharing lucerne with the young bull. However, they were not worried: Lodo is now wise enough to make his own decisions and knows that Narok will lead him astray. 

On 27th March, we were treated to a glorious rainstorm. The orphans were overjoyed and splattered the wet soil all over. 

We believe that Kuishi’s love for Esoit keeps her anchored to the dependent herd, but she might be trying to have her cake and eat it, too! Towards the end of the month, as the Keepers gathered the dependent herd for the evening, they realised that Kuishi, Esoit, and Larro were missing. An hour later, they located the wayward trio, browsing lazily in a little group. All three slowly walked back to the stockades.

The end of the month — Easter Sunday — ended on a wonderful note. At eight o'clock in the morning, a group of ex-orphans arrived at the stockade compound, with a surprise addition in tow! Galana had brought her tiny little baby ‘home’ for an introduction. She was joined by her first-born daughter, Gawa, Makireti, Naserian, Njema, Wendi, Wema, Wimbi, and Siku. Makireti was the lead nanny, assisted by Gawa, Siku, Wema, Njema, and Wimbi. After a brief stopover at the stockade, Galana and her team headed east towards Kalovoto. 

Gala, as we named her daughter, looked very healthy and energetic. Galana is the first ex-orphan to have a baby in 2024, but we know there are more to come.