The Nursery is a place of firsts: It is where newly rescued orphans begin their journey with us, putting into a motion a multi-year process that will culminate in their reintegration back into the wild. It is where they have their inaugural bottle of milk, develop formative friendships with fellow orphans, and learn the foundational lessons that will help them thrive in their wild lives.
Right now, many new rescues are embarking on this period of firsts. In the past two years, we rescued more orphaned elephants than the previous five years combined. This influx was driven by a devastating drought, coupled by the human-wildlife conflict that is exacerbated in challenging times. Mercifully, this year is shaping up to be less dire than its precursors, but our hopes hinge on generous rains in November.
But whatever unfolds, our little herd of survivors have a home with us, for as long as they need it. Want to get to know our Nursery herd a bit better? Below are some fun facts about the currently adoptable orphans here in Nairobi. (There are a few more orphans who have yet to make their debut on our foster program!)
Fun Facts About Our Nursery Herd:
Taroha is unusually nurturing for a bull. He is known for his friendship with little Mokogodo.
Mushuru is named after Mashuru, an area in Amboseli, to connect her to her homeland.
Raha means 'joy' in Swahili — a fitting name for our little ray of sunshine in black rhino form.
Kitiak has unusually large tusks for his age.
Mokogodo has endless energy. She rarely takes a break from playing!
Loldaiga is happiest when sandwiched between his friends.
Elerai is an independent soul. He often drifts away on solo adventures.
Muridjo gets angry when anyone babies her and likes to pretend she's much older.
Ahmed may have a traditionally male name, but she is actually a girl!
Kitich is shy yet playful. He enjoys tussling with bulls who are about the same size.
Muwingu is best friends with Weka, who was rescued the day before her.
Weka is our resident imp. She is on a mission to cause as much trouble as possible!
Shujaa is the bravest of the blanket babies. Fittingly, his name means 'hero' in Swahili.
Mageno may be shy, but he is the star of the mud bath and wallows with great enthusiasm.
Rafiki means 'friend' in Swahili, chosen because of his rescue story.
Nyambeni is a little powerhouse. She is on the lookout for fun activities and new friends.
Mzinga is known as our little survivor. She beat incredible odds to be here today.
Sileita is extremely shy, but she has a nurturing soul and likes to look after the younger girls.
Tingai is a homebody and loves to go back to his stockade each night.
Choka has distinctly curled ears, a remnant from sun exposure during the drought.
Mukutan used to be known as a complainer, but he’s really matured.
Latika is instantly recognisable thanks to her long eyelashes and unusually short trunk.
Kamili is shy, preferring to remain on the fringes rather than at the heart of the orphan herd.
Taabu is an extrovert and goes out of his way to be inclusive — he is a friend to everyone.
Kerrio was all but paralysed when we rescued her. Now, she is the Nursery’s mini matriarch.
Maxwell is our resident black rhino. Permanently blind, he will always have a home with us.
Each of these elephants is just beginning their journey with us — but in the coming years and decades, we will help them reclaim their rightful place in the wild, where they may begin their own families.