Keepers' Diaries, November 2008

Voi Reintegration Unit

The onset of rain in the Southern Section of Tsavo East National Park relieved what had been a prolonged and very tough drought period, exacerbated by wild fires that burnt most of the vegetation on the Irima and Ndara plains and around the Voi Stockades, forcing the elephants, our orphans included, further afield. The rain also saw the return of some of Emily’s Unit. Tsavo, Mweya, Sweet Sally, and Morani visited the Stockades again after a very long absence, as did Edie, and Lissa with part of her family. Sweet Sally Tsavo and Morani were again spotted below the Voi Safari Lodge, this time with Aitong, later on in the month, when it was noticed that Mweya was limping heavily, her left back leg swollen and obviously very painful. The Keepers led her back to the Stockades for attention, where she was treated by Dr. David Ndeereh from our Mobile Veterinary Unit. Thereafter she remained close to the Stockades presenting herself daily for treatment on the foot until the wound, which had probably been inflicted by a stick splinter, had healed completely. She was then able to return to the bush and the orphaned “family” in good health once more. It is, indeed, very touching that she permitted the Keepers and the Vet to treat her sore foot without sedation, testimony to the implicit trust and faith she had in the human family to help her heal. It is comforting to know that the orphaned elephants know where to come for help whenever needed.