The recent graduation of Lemeki and Thamana marked a significant milestone for our organization, as it signified the first-ever class to graduate from the Kaluku Neonate Nursery.

These two exceptional young elephants bid farewell to the place they called home for nearly four years and embarked on a new chapter of their lives at the Voi Reintegration Unit in Tsavo East National Park.

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Lemeki, the founding member of our Kaluku Neonate Nursery herd, arrived under challenging circumstances.

In March 2018, MEP scouts discovered her during a routine patrol, floating amidst the turbulent waters of the Mara River. Surviving such an ordeal was nothing short of a miracle.

However, her challenges persisted as newborn elephants are highly susceptible to health issues after prolonged exposure to water, making her vulnerable to pneumonia.

Due to severe flooding in Nairobi during that period, Lemeki was transported directly to our Kaluku Field HQ in Tsavo, providing her with a warm and dry environment.

Lemeki and Thamana, close childhood friends who grew up together at the Kaluku Neonate Nursery, had their unique beginnings.

Thamana was rescued by KWS rangers in Tsavo East National Park when he was just a tiny elephant calf struggling in the middle of a drying waterhole. Clearly, his family had tried to rescue him but had to leave him behind.

Fortunately, he was shielded from predators by the mud in the waterhole, and after eight months, he joined Lemeki in the nursery.

Despite their differences, their friendship grew over the years, and as they turned three, it was time for them to move forward in their reintegration journey.

The transition to Voi was a carefully planned move, delayed by weather conditions until early January when Voi became a lush green haven.

Welcomed with a bottle of milk, Lemeki and Thamana joined the entire Kaluku Neonate herd for an early morning excursion to the airstrip.

Knowing that Lemeki needed some encouragement, the group outing was arranged. Fortunately, both elephants, well-prepared for the journey, boarded the moving truck quickly.

Their journey was smooth, with Thamana chatting amiably with his favorite Keeper, Joseph, while Lemeki even drank a milk bottle on the move!

The arrival of the new members brought joy to the group, and the introduction to Voi was carefully orchestrated to ensure a smooth transition.

Lemeki’s sociable nature was on full display as she greeted the Voi Keepers, while Thamana stuck close to Joseph.

The Voi orphans, led by Tagwa, Tamiyoi, and Sagala, were thrilled to have new friends. Introductions continued to the baobab for their afternoon milk feed and mud bath.

Lemeki, always the life of the party, made friends effortlessly and enjoyed her milk with great enthusiasm.

Thamana relished wallowing in the mud and playing with his new companions. Their popularity was evident, and they quickly became favorites among the Voi orphans.

Mbegu took a keen interest in Lemeki, while Ngilai and Ndotto wanted Thamana to join their young bull group.

As the day passed, Ngilai and his group welcomed Thamana, and they enjoyed browsing and playing together—the sunset peacefully as the dependent herd led the newcomers back to their new homes.

To ensure a smooth adjustment, Lemeki and Thamana, under the care of their Kaluku Keeper Joseph, will stay at Voi for a few weeks. Their peaceful sleep on the first night is a positive sign that they already feel at home.

For both graduates, this experience is a significant opportunity. Lemeki, accustomed to being a big fish in a small pond, will discover a more expansive world at Voi and benefit from the guidance of older females.

Thamana will appreciate the support of a larger herd, with older females eager to pamper him and male elephants excited to have a new sparring partner.

Lemeki and Thamana, accompanied by their newfound companions and guardians, are embracing the daily routine at Voi.

Their arrival coincides with a changing of the guard at Voi, as Edie’s former orphan herd, including Kenia, Ndii, Tundani, and others, joins them in the wild.

With Lemeki and Thamana, there are now 18 dependent orphans at Voi, ready to take on the next phase of their journey.

Watch the video below: