Kapei’s remarkable journey began near Rombo, close to the southwestern edge of Tsavo West National Park.
It was distressing when authorities from Big Life and KWS learned about a young elephant calf found alone, in a fragile state, and potentially orphaned for several days.
The reasons behind his separation from his mother remain uncertain, but it’s suspected that the ongoing drought and human-wildlife conflicts might have played a role.
The rangers closely monitored the calf, hoping for a reunion with his herd, but when that didn’t happen, a rescue mission was authorized by KWS on September 14th.
The Big Life rangers undertook a challenging rescue mission, saving a two-year-old elephant in dire need.
Transporting this vulnerable young calf to Ziwani airstrip was no easy task, especially given the stress-sensitive nature of such young animals.
As daylight faded, it became clear that reaching Nairobi Nursery before nightfall was impossible.
In a bold move, the decision was made to divert from the usual approach and take Kapei to the Umani Springs Reintegration Unit instead.
This decision, driven by the need for innovative solutions during the drought, was further supported by Umani’s proximity to Rombo and the ease with which Kapei could integrate with the existing herd.
The arrival of Kapei brought immense joy to the Umani elephant family. Despite receiving only an hour’s notice, keepers were well-prepared and warmly welcomed Kapei. They created a comfortable space for him with hay, soft earth, and fresh greens.
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Recognizing his frailty, Kapei was put on a drip immediately to rehydrate and increase his chances of survival.
An exciting moment unfolded when Lima Lima returned from a three-day safari and unexpectedly visited Kapei’s enclosure.
She spent quality time with the young calf, sharing food and companionship. Before leaving, she ensured that Kapei had everything he needed.
Kapei faced tremendous challenges during the severe drought, including worm infestations and dehydration.
For a while, he was weak and on the brink of collapsing. However, he astounded everyone by making a remarkable recovery on his own.
His newfound love for greens and pellets significantly affected his speedy recovery. He also formed a strong bond with his Keepers and embraced his new elephant family.
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Kapei has now become part of the Kibwezi Forest community, embraced by caring elephant mothers. He roams freely through the forest, surrounded by a protective circle of elephant parents.
Murera, Sonje, and Quanza, the elephant mothers, all wanted to care for him and decided to share this responsibility equally. It’s heartwarming to witness their happiness in caring for their new charge.
Maktao has formed a special bond with Kapei among the younger elephants, especially considering they were neighbors at the fence and now share living quarters.
In closing, we kindly request your support for our campaign aimed at helping orphaned elephants like Kapei find a loving home and a brighter future.
