In fact, it was a competitive month among our Ithumba family. As the orphans were enjoying their morning lucerne, they were joined by ex-orphans including Tumaren, Wendi, Galana, and their children. Olsekki kept trying to play-mount Roho, but it was not a fair match — Olsekki is ten years old to Roho’s five — and the younger bull speedily escaped.

Ex-orphans and wild elephants joined the orphans most days. On 8th May, we were thrilled to see Neshashi in the company of Naisula and her baby, Nyx. Neshashi was rescued at a much older age and didn't wait long before going wild. She is very satisfied with her wild life, serving as a nanny-in-training to Nyx and the other wild-born babies. Later in the month, Mutara, baby Mambo, Suguta, Sities, Turkwel, and Kainuk paid us a visit. Elephant herds can be quite fluid, but Mutara’s has remained very cohesive through the years.

Meanwhile, the still-dependent orphan girls try their best to look after any baby they can access. Sometimes, their enthusiasm can be a bit overwhelming! One afternoon, Naleku, Suguroi, Larro, and Olorien competed to win the heart of baby Charli. Charli hurried back to his mother, Chyulu, which caused Naleku to have a small tantrum. Another day was more successful, when baby Nyx had a lovely time playing with Kinyei, Lodo, and Naleku. 

As we shared last month, Suguroi could be a gold medal athlete. Our olympian was in fine form this month, challenging her friends to races and pushing matches galore. One afternoon, she competed with Kindani to see who could reach the mud bath first. Kindani gave it her best, but the athletic Suguroi easily won the race.

The highlight of the month fell on 19th May, when we welcomed two new graduates into our midst. Shortly before eleven o'clock in the morning, the truck carrying Vaarti and Mayan arrived. The two boys were offloaded and given bottles of milk, which they drank quickly before going to meet their new herd. Kindani, Kinyei, Bondeni, and Esoit made up the initial welcoming committee. They were soon joined by Olorien, Naleku, Suguroi, and Lodo, and then the rest of the herd. 

After receiving Vaarti and Mayan, the orphans escorted the newcomers to the mud bath for the noon milk feed and a cooling exercise. Mayan and Vaarti had a successful first day in Ithumba, soaking everything in and going to their Kaluku Keepers whenever they needed reassurance. Back at the stockade, they joined their new roommate Esoit, who is always kind and welcoming.

Elephants must send out a signal when newcomers arrive; it cannot be a coincidence that a bevy of ex-orphans always show up immediately following a graduation, as if on cue! Sure enough, first thing the following morning, Wendi, Wiva, Wema, Wimbi, Naserian, Njema, Lualeni, Lulu, Lexi, Galana, Gawa, Gala, Sunyei, Siku, Saba, Sana Sana, Naboishu, Malima, Ndiwa, Wanjala, and Enkikwe reported to the stockades. Only Wendi was unfriendly, pushing Vaarti when he extended his trunk to say hello. 

Fortunately, Wendi was in the minority. Later in the day, a group of ex-orphans was relaxing beneath an acacia tree. Much to our surprise, Mayan confidently walked over to greet them. Maramoja escorted him from group to group, while Malima generously allowed him to clamber atop her. Meanwhile, Vaarti had a brief meeting with Mukkoka before moving on to meet baby Tembo and Oltaiyoni. 

Kauro, Ambo, Kithaka, Enkikwe, Rapa, and Mapia have formed their own boy band. The junior ex-orphans were regular visitors throughout the month, often escorting the orphans back to the stockades. Seeing Zurura was a highlight, as was a visit from Tomboi, who very kindly allowed young Mayan to join him for a spell. We were thrilled to see Dad, Ithumba’s iconic tusker, in very fine form.

Esoit and his ‘big sister’ Kuishi have become friends and teachers to Mayan and Vaarti. Time and again, Esoit impresses us with his affable, empathetic nature. He’s a perfect fit for Mayan and Vaarti, who share his gentle disposition. However, even the most amiable bulls can feel jealousy! Esoit carefully monitors all Kuishi’s interactions with the new boys, beadily watching for any favouritism, but he will always be first in Kuishi’s heart. 

By month’s end, Mayan and Vaarti had already developed their very own Ithumba ritual. The boys have identified a favourite scratching rock. As soon as they leave their bedroom in the morning, they enjoy a quick scratch before joining their new friends. It is wonderful to see how settled they are.