Even when they are leading fully wild lives, the orphans always know where to come when they need help. Chemi Chemi is but the latest of our ‘grown kids’ to return home in his hour of need.
Chemi Chemi seemed to understand that he was being helped
On 23rd June 2024, Mutara’s ex-orphan group linked up with the dependent herd, along with bulls Barsilinga and Chemi Chemi. The Keepers immediately realised that this was no ordinary social visit, but rather a call for help: 15-year-old Chemi Chemi had a spear wound on his left hip. The injury was relatively fresh and needed veterinary attention.
Chemi Chemi fell on the 'wrong' side, but the team manually flipped him over
The Ithumba team alerted our Kaluku Headquarters and a treatment was organised. Perhaps Chemi Chemi understood that help was on its way, because he lingered around the dependent herd for the rest of the afternoon rather than wander off, as visiting ex-orphans often do.
The injury had been inflicted by a spear
The SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit arrived at 3:00 in the afternoon. The Keepers shepherded the orphans and ex-orphans a safe distance away while the team got to work. Dr Limo walked right up to Chemi Chemi and darted him. He fell on the wrong side, but the Keepers and Vet Unit were able to flip him over. Throughout, the mood was relaxed; the other elephants clearly appreciated that we were helping their friend.
Throughout the treatment, the ex-orphans calmly stood by
After an uneventful treatment, Chemi Chemi was revived and got back to his feet. Mutara and her team immediately shuffled around their friend to check that he was okay. After wishing him a speedy recovery, everyone parted ways. Chemi Chemi headed south while Mutara's group escorted the orphans back to the stockade.
They too seemed to understand the situation
The following morning, our patient linked up with the orphans at Kone Dam. Chemi Chemi looked to be in excellent spirits and his wound was already looking much better. After a brief check-in, he and his wild friend disappeared into the wilderness. In the following weeks, we have been treated to several more visits from Chemi Chemi. We are continuing to monitor his progress, in case he needs a follow-up treatment.
As Chemi Chemi got back to his feet, Mutara's group rushed over to greet him
While these calls for help are mercifully far and few between, we are humbled that our orphans continue to seek us out, even long after they have been rewilded. When we rescue an orphaned elephant, we make a lifelong commitment to them. They understand this and know that we will always be there for them.