Salama's Story

A male calf estimated to have been born in June 1999 and therefore 3 months old on arrival, Salama is named for the village near which he was captured, and has the distinction of being the only elephant in the world to have been formally "arrested" in the wild! His herd went crop-raiding and Salama paid the price, frog-marched by irate tribesmen to the nearest Police Station. The Police called the Kenya Wildlife Service, and they called us. Salama is lucky indeed to have been rescued, for he comes from the troubled Laikipia population of refugee elephants who have fled from the North due to poaching, and who try to eke out an existence within an area densely populated by a farming connumity. Consequently, these elephants are always in trouble.

Salama's Story

Salama is tough, hardened to hardship. His strength of character is reflected in supreme confidence among his peers. He can also be a little "pushy" - in the Swahili language known affectionately by the Keepers as "mangaa" or in other words "mischievous". He, Laikipia and Lolokwe, others with strong Northern genes, are fiercely competitive. He was always very courageous, usually the first to back up Imenti to chase away any intruders.

Of all our orphans, Salama was one of the most outgoing, full of nonsense and we always thought he would be a force to reckon with when grown. We are delighted he is living a full and happy life in the wilds of Tsavo.

Adopt Salama for yourself or as a gift.

Adopt Salama for yourself or as a gift.

Current Age

25 years old

Gender

Male

Rescued date

15 September 1999

Rescue Location

Laikipia, Rumuruti Ranch

Date of Birth (approximate)

1 June 1999

Reason Orphaned

Problem animal control

Age at Rescue

3 months old (approx)

Current Location

Living Wild

Salama's featured photos

Our digital adoption programme includes the following:

Personalised adoption certificate.

Monthly email update on your orphan and the project.

Monthly watercolour by Angela Sheldrick.

Access to special content; latest Keepers' Diaries, videos and photos

Give Salama the gift of life by adopting today.

Latest updates featuring Salama

Ndara's treatment & recovery

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The return of Burra

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The move of Kenia and Shira to Voi, and Enesoit, Meibai and Naimina to Ithumba

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Salama's latest photos

Salama left & Nyiro

Salama

Salama and Mweya in front

Ndara left, Laikipia & Salama

Sosian and Salama

Salama joined by some wild eles

Salama

Salama