Much like last month, March began with a visit from Laikipia. The 25-year-old ex-orphan strolled over to scoop up cubes from the trough. Rokka and Manda stared at the visiting bull for a time, impressed by his massive size. Eventually, they gathered the courage to rub themselves against his legs. A few days later, they boldly ate breakfast next to him. Wherever Laikipia moved, his two fans were not far behind. It must have been a real thrill for Rokka and Manda to be in the presence of such a large and benevolent elephant.

Again, Mweya and Edie’s ex-orphan herd were regular visitors throughout the month. Led by Mweya and Edie, Kenia, Ndii, Panda, Naipoki, Kihari, Ndoria, Arruba, Araba, Mudanda, Suswa, Mwitu (Mweya’s wild-born baby), Eden, Eco and Enzo (Edie’s wild-born babies) joined the dependent orphan herd most mornings.

Elephants are such an intelligent species and the orphans’ antics always keep us on our toes. One morning, Ndotto woke up with a plot in mind. He snuck away from the dependent herd and snuck through the open gate that led to the range cubes store. Ever-so-nonchalantly, he loitered outside, hoping that the store would magically open. Unfortunately, disappointment awaited: Ndotto was directed back to the herd, where the Keepers were distributing plenty of range cubes for everyone.

More plotting ensued: Godoma had secured a coveted scratching boulder at the foot of Msinga Hill. This did not escape the notice of Ngilai and Pika Pika. Realising that Godoma was not in any hurry to leave, Ngilai laid his full weight against her, sandwiching her between his large body and the rock. The tactic worked. An uncomfortable Godoma walked away as Ngilai and Pika Pika took her place.

Mbegu is fiercely devoted to Voi’s youngest orphans, particularly little Rokka. When the newbie tried to play with ex-orphan Ndoria (who has an infamously short fuse), Mbegu was quick to intervene. She strode over to shield Rokka, who could not know of the visitor’s irritable temper.

We were thrilled to see Manda and Lemeki strike up a friendship. They had a month of crossover at our Kaluku Neonate Nursery, between Manda’s rescue and Lemeki’s graduation. Perhaps this laid the foundations for their special bond. We often see them browsing side by side, their big bodies touching and their trunks intertwined.

We often see nannies squabbling over who gets to look after the youngest orphans — but the jealousy works both ways! The ‘Voi Kids’ (the nickname given to orphans who were rescued during the 2022-2023 drought and went directly to Voi) are fiercely possessive of the older girls. Matriarch Mbegu and deputies Sagala, Tamiyoi, Tagwa, Godoma, and Pika Pika are constantly trying to keep the peace. Busara sees Mbegu as ‘her’ nanny and resents any time the older girl spends with Rokka. As a result, she has taken to sticking to Mbegu like velcro, often standing so close to her that their bodies could be fused together.

Meanwhile, Manda is jealous in the opposite direction: He wants everyone to remember that Rokka is his original friend! One day, Mbegu was making a big fuss of Rokka, trunk hugging her and keeping her close. Feeling left out, Manda unsuccessfully tried to squeeze himself between the pair and then attempted to wrest Rokka away. Realising some diplomacy was needed, Tamiyoi scooped up the young boy, trunk hugging him as they walked away together. As this unfolded, Juni leaned even closer into Tagwa, making it clear that she was not keen to share her nanny with Rokka or Manda.

We love the Voi Kids, but they really are a bunch of rascals — especially the boys! One afternoon, Kilulu browsed next to Ashanti for a few minutes before mischievously climbing onto her back. The young girl trumpeted loudly and pushed him off as Mbegu walked over to resolve the situation. Another day, Hildana and Dabida were squabbling over a shady spot beneath a tree, as per usual. Naughty Hildana pulled Dabida’s leg and then bit his tail to push him out of the shade.

Losoito is our little copycat. One afternoon, she was keenly observing Tamiyoi’s wallowing techniques. The older girl squatted on the edge of the mud bath, massaging her bottom and waving her trunk. When she clambered to her feet, little Losoito took her place and imitated her movements to a tee!

Ndotto continues to explore his independence. One evening, he did not return to the stockades with the dependent herd. Instead, he chose to remain on Msinga Hill and the night with Mweya and Edie’s ex-orphan herd. Lasayen, Murit, and Ngilai don’t yet show much interest in joining these wild forays, but we know it is only a matter of time.

Thamana and Emoli had a standing date for wrestling matches. Although Thamana is two years younger than Emoli, they both love to play and make good sparring partners. One day, however, Thamana mixed things up and invited young Itinyi to a match. They played for a long time and Thamana even allowed Itinyi to play-mount him.

Following plenty of rain, it is unbelievably gorgeous and green in Voi right now. The orphans are enjoying the blossoming acacia trees, the grewia shrubs and the ipomea flowers. On several occasions, they even opted to skip the mud bath so that they might have more time to feast on the tasty ipomea creepers and other vegetation.

We had a beautiful interaction to end the month: At the mud bath, the orphans were joined by a herd of wild elephants. Bold Busara (who is a known extrovert) was the first to approach them, toddling over with trunk outstretched. She was followed by everyone else, and elephants wild and not-so-wild mingled peacefully. Manda and Rokka were excited to be among the big elephants and kept touching them. When it was time to leave, the Keepers whistled to their herd. Most came willingly, although Manda and Rokka were reluctant to leave their new acquaintances!