October was a month of blessings for our Voi herd, as we welcomed two wild-born babies into the world.
But before any of that, the month began with the arrival of many ex-orphans who we hadn’t seen for weeks. A pregnant Mweya, her baby Mwitu, Panda, Mbirikani, Mudanda (who is also pregnant), Arruba, Kihari, Ndii and Sagala strolled into the compound and made themselves at home. Full of excitement, several of the dependent orphans couldn’t help but show off for the visitors, playing with extra vim and vigour!
The arrivals continued to trickle in: A few days later, Naipoki — who has joined a wild herd based around the Voi River circuit and is pregnant — also arrived at the stockades. Later in the month, Pika Pika and Rorogoi also re-entered the fold. Everyone is in good condition and seems very content with their wild lives.
In fact, some of the ex-orphans are feeling nostalgic! One day, Sagala — who embraced her wild life earlier this year — chose to remain with her old family, the dependent orphans, when the ex-orphans walked off towards the Voi River. Another evening, as we shepherded the orphans back home, ex-orphan Ndii tried to sneak into the stockades. Despite her best efforts, the large elephant stuck out amidst all the much smaller bodies!
All our Voi Kids — Akina, Ashanti, Baraka, Busara, Dabida, Epiya, Hildana, Itinyi, Juni, Kenderi, Kilulu, Losoito, Seri, and Ushindi — are in excellent health and in even better spirits. Most of them were rescued two years ago at this time, when Tsavo was in the grips of a terrible drought. It is wonderful to see how far the skeletal calves who came into our care have come in that time, transforming into plump, energetic little showboats.
Little Ashanti is becoming more feisty and confident with each passing day. She is particularly brazen during milk feeds: One morning, Ashanti was in such a rush that she ran over Rokka on her way down the path, gulped her milk, and sprinted for the trough. Another day, she drank her milk quickly and then tried unsuccessfully to grab Losoito’s!
Our older girls — Godoma, Tagwa, Tamiyoi, and Mbegu — are baby-crazy. Their enthusiasm occasionally gets them into trouble though: One afternoon, a wild herd visited the orphans. When Tamiyoi saw a baby in their midst, she rushed down the hill to greet him, with Mbegu in hot pursuit. Predictably, the protective mother chased away Tamiyoi, trumpeting as she charged towards her. The chastened girls about-turned and returned to their own herd, which has plenty of its own babies to look after. Mbegu is particularly occupied with her favourite, little Busara.
Meanwhile, our older boys — Ngilai, Ndotto, Murit, and Lasayen — continue to explore their independence. They often peeled away from the dependent herd this month, fraternising with the ex-orphans or wild friends. Ndotto even spent a couple of nights out with Mweya and co., before deciding to return to the stockades. As we are constantly reminded, rewilding is a gradual journey.
Lemeki continues to be an excellent nanny to little Losoito. She is also very loyal to Thamana, her original ‘little brother.’ We often find the three of them browsing side by side or enjoying a group dust bath in the red soil.
Rokka has carved out her role as herd leader. When she is ready for the herd to depart, she stands in the path, waiting for the Keepers’ signal to proceed. Manda, her friend and fellow Kaluku graduate, is the first to follow her lead.
The first blessing of the month arrived on 16th October. At first light, we found Mudanda waiting outside the stockades with a newborn baby next to her! She had given birth just up the path and was waiting to introduce us to her little girl, who we named Miale. Her entourage of nannies, particularly Panda and Naipoki, were very protective of the baby.
The day after Miale’s birth, the dependent herd remained in an excitable, convivial mood — even though Mudanda and her newborn did not visit, the celebrations continued. The orphans sprinted down the path in the early morning and jostled from side to side at the feeding trough. After breakfast, they sauntered out from the stockades and settled in the open savanna. Several played pushing games while others trunk hugged under the shade of trees.
On 23rd October, we were surprised and delighted when big bull Nguvu strolled in to join the herd — we had not seen him for a long time. He went straight to the lucerne and greeted old friends Lasayen, Tamiyoi, and Ngilai. Nguvu and Tamiyoi entwined trunks and hugged each other as she reassured the rather shy visitor that all was well and he was welcome to mingle with the herd.
Just ten days after Miale’s birth, we welcomed another blessing: As we prepared milk and lucerne in the early morning, Mweya’s ex-orphan herd waited quietly outside. Pushing a wheelbarrow towards the elephants, a Keeper noticed a tiny baby in their midst! Mweya had given birth in the night and had arrived especially early to show us her beautiful baby girl! We named her Mwangaza.
There was a frenzy of excitement as everyone gathered to celebrate Mweya’s blessing. The orphans rushed out of the stockades, breakfast forgotten. Ex-orphans Panda, Naipoki and Mbirikani then took over, introducing the baby to everyone, including baby Miale. It was a spectacular way to end the month.
Next month, we hope for rain!