In May 2021, a heart-wrenching call for help reached us as we learned about a mother elephant in dire straits on Chyulu Hills. Her right hind leg was severely injured, leaving her unable to walk.
This tragic incident was suspected to have occurred when she fell on the rugged terrain. To compound the misery, she was not alone; she was a mother to two calves—one still dependent on milk and the other around seven years old.
Watching her struggle to move seated tore at our hearts, and we knew we had to act swiftly to save her. When our SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit arrived, they faced a dire situation.
The injured female elephant and her calves were stranded in an area devoid of water, unable to make the arduous descent.
Two adult bulls stood as guardians. Despite exploring every option, it was concluded that euthanasia was the only humane choice. With heavy hearts, a rescue mission was coordinated.
Experienced Nursery Keepers embarked on a Cessna Caravan to Ol Donyo airstrip while the SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Veterinary Unit remained on-site to monitor the family and bulls.
To ensure a safe rescue, a helicopter guided the bulls away into the forest, allowing the Keepers to carry out the mission on the ground.
The rescue operation’s subsequent phase presented unforeseen challenges. Due to the calf’s considerable weight, only one Keeper could accompany it on the helicopter. Upon arrival at Ol Donyo airstrip, where the plane awaited, this led to a predicament.
Typically, six individuals are needed to transport a baby elephant, but only three were present—the Keeper from the helicopter, our pilot, and the Cessna’s pilot.
It required an immense effort to carefully lift the calf out of the aircraft and onto a stretcher. Time was of the essence as our pilot had to return uphill to assist with the veterinary procedure.
Sadly, euthanasia was the only option for the mother, as her pain was unbearable, and she couldn’t stand or travel to the water. Though heartbreaking, it provided solace, knowing that her suffering had ended.
While we couldn’t save the magnificent mother elephant, we secured a bright future for her young calf.
The older calf was left under the care of the bulls, and we were confident that he would be welcomed into the herd spotted with them the previous day.
Separating the siblings was difficult, but it was the best decision for their well-being. This occurred near Esoitpuss, a massive azure rock where vultures often perch.
In the local Maa dialect, “esoit” means rock, and “puss” signifies blue. We decided to name the rescued infant Esoit, forever connecting him to his birthplace.
Esoit has lived up to his name in more ways than one. Despite facing traumatic circumstances, he has shown remarkable strength and resilience. Upon arriving at the Nursery, Esoit quickly adapted to his new life without any trouble.
His cherubic appearance and charming personality have won him many human and elephant admirers.
Esoit has a calcified and inflexible right hind knee, indicating he suffered an injury at a very young age. Despite this setback, he keeps pace with the other orphans and moves around quickly.
Notably, Roho has become a great admirer of Esoit. The two young elephants are neighbors, and their proximity has deepened their bond, as observed on numerous occasions.
They spend their days playing together in the forest, rolling in the mud, or playfully tugging at tree branches.
They maintain constant communication at night by intertwining their trunks through their stockade partitions or sharing each other’s greens.
Even Naboishu, known for his rough play, treats Esoit with gentleness and tenderness. While nothing can replace Esoit’s mother, he is being raised with the love and support of a new family.
He is already an indispensable member of our Nursery herd, and we are honored to nurture this exceptional calf. We will guide him back to his rightful place in the wild when the time is right.
