Again, this month began with a big adventure for Kapei — and again, it was an unintentional adventure!
The young bull joined Mwashoti, Kiombo, and Maktao when they took off with a wild herd. We thought that faithful Mwashoti would return him in time for his midday milk bottles, but instead, he was swept off to the Chyulu Hills. Kapei’s situation worsened when they linked up with Faraja and Alamaya, who led the boys on an overnight jaunt to the far end of the Chyulu Hills. Early the next morning, the Keepers heard Kapei, Maktao, and Kiombo rumbling outside the stockades, waiting expectantly for their milk bottles.
Elephant society revolves around respect. A small incident at the orphans’ favoured scratching post reminded us of that fact. Lima Lima was enjoying a scratch when Murera strode over. She quickly sacrificed her spot, knowing that the matriarch commands respect. As we say, the boss is always right, so Lima Lima stepped aside. As Murera scratched away at a leisurely pace, Mwashoti and some other elephants gathered round. They also wanted a turn, but they knew not to rush Murera. Other elephants would not be afforded the same courtesy.
On 7th October, we received a surprise visit from Jasiri, who had been away for a long time. The orphans smelled him from a distance and brought him and Faraja back to the Keepers so they could say hello. Later, Jasiri and Faraja returned to the stockades and received some snacks. Although the snacks were the usual pellets and lucerne hay, the boys celebrated the bounty before heading back to the Chyulu Hills.
The buffalos remain persistent foes. In reality, they are generally well-behaved, but the orphans really object to their presence. One afternoon, a large herd of buffalos approached the waterhole. All the orphans banded together and blocked their path until the herd turned around. Amali and Mwana trumpeted loudly as the buffalos retreated, but really, it was Faraja who sent them off. As the elephants celebrated their victory, one male buffalo managed to sneak into the swimming pool — not such a decisive victory after all!
Maktao and Kiombo live for their daily pushing games, but they occasionally stoop to unsportsmanlike tactics. Kiombo is particularly guilty of playing dirty. One day, he initiated a game with Maktao by grabbing his tail. Predictably, a fight ensued. Ever the diplomat, Mwashoti walked over to broker peace. However, before he could teach them a lesson, Maktao moved to higher ground, which allowed him to overpower Kiombo. Mwashoti did not show sympathy for Kiombo, as he knew that he was the instigator of the whole argument.
Mwashoti is usually so impeccably behaved that when he acts out, we notice! One afternoon, before the orphans arrived for their midday bottles, Mwashoti and Quanza barged in, demanding milk. When the Keepers saw the pair scrambling for bottles — never mind the fact that they are big and no longer get milk — they reprimanded them. A guilt-ridden Mwashoti ran away and hid in the bushes to sulk for a bit.
The evening of 15th October was a celebration, as Ziwa and his wild friends unexpectedly joined the orphans. Ziwa has grown into a very big boy with long, thick tusks, which makes it difficult for the Keepers to identify him from afar. However, upon spotting the impressive elephant with Jasiri, we knew it was Ziwa. Sonje was particularly excited to see him.
When we rescued Amali, she was very shy and withdrawn. Month by month, a much friendlier side of her has emerged. A turning point occurred when Kiombo and Maktao didn’t show up for their midday milk feed, and Amali was the lucky recipient of their bottles. Since that day, she has been much warmer to her Keepers — and she lives in hope! Every day, she approaches them with her trunk raised, asking if any extras might come her way.
Even though Lima Lima has been moody due to hormonal changes from her pregnancy, she is still fiercely protective of her Keepers. One day, the sound of bushes rustling and branches breaking caught everyone’s attention. Before we could figure out what was happening, Lima Lima rushed over and warned us to stay alert. A few minutes later, four wild bulls materialised out of the forest. Thanks to her warning, we were not taken by surprise.
One afternoon, Mwana found herself embroiled in an unexpected drama. A wild herd had linked up with the orphans and she was enjoying playing with a tiny wild baby. In her enthusiasm, Mwana accidentally pushed the baby down. Mwana soon found herself surrounded by wild elephants, all of whom were intent on punishing her. Lima Lima and Zongoloni saved the day, creating space between the wild elephants and the orphans, so the Keepers could guide Mwana and co. back to the stockades. We were very grateful for the girls’ help.
The last day of the month highlighted how male and female elephants take different approaches to nurturing. On one side, Enkesha and Kiasa kept an eagle eye on Mwana. They seem to remember the time that a wild herd whisked them away and kept them out all night. Since that time, they have resolutely remained with the orphan herd and show an even deeper sense of responsibility towards Mwana. They are very devoted to the herd and their Keepers.
On the other side, Mwashoti had a busy schedule, as he showed Kiombo and Maktao around and helped them prepare to become nightclubbers. In contrast to Enkesha and Kiasa, Kiombo and Maktao’s wild excursions only seem to make them more excited about joining their wild friends. The Keepers still feel it is too early for the boys to go wild, but boys will be boys; they will leave when they want, unlike the girls who stay close, keeping the babies and family intact.