In recent weeks, the region has been captivated by a heartwarming tale of elephant intuition and the celebration of new life in the heart of Ithumba. This remarkable story showcases elephants’ outstanding instincts and empathy as they navigate a challenging environment.
It all began with Kinna giving birth to Kaia on October 18th, marking the start of an extraordinary baby boom in the area. Subsequently, every week, a new baby elephant made its debut: Naserian’s firstborn, Njema; Nasalot’s second son, Noah; Yatta’s third calf, Yogi; and, most recently, Sunyei’s second daughter, Saba.
These baby elephants were conceived during a period of abundant rainfall in Tsavo, which was followed by a harsh dry season.
While they should have been born when conditions were more favorable, the mothers chose to remain near Ithumba, where they could rely on a steady supply of lucerne and water.
Yatta, a former orphan herself, emerged as a leader among the former orphan mothers, influencing many others to stay close to Ithumba.
On November 20th, a remarkable gathering took place, with 17 out of 19 wild newborns from Ithumba’s ex-orphans, their mothers, and various other elephants coming together.
This reunion was a heartwarming sight, although two elephants, Sidai and Chyulu, known to be occasional visitors to Ithumba, were absent.
Fortunately, their absence did not raise concern, as it had been nearly a year since their last sighting.
A few days later, something unexpected occurred. On the morning of November 22nd, Yatta, Chyulu, and Sidai arrived at Ithumba with their calves, including Sidai’s newborn son, Silas.
Their arrival, though joyous, raised concerns as Sidai displayed an arrow wound on her right rump, and all of them appeared undernourished, suggesting they had covered a significant distance in a short time.
While the exact events leading to Sidai’s injury remained unknown, she was believed to have been shot with an arrow, prompting her and Chyulu to seek help at Ithumba.
Yatta and her herd must have encountered them during their journey. Once the gravity of the situation became clear, Yatta entrusted her deputies with the pack and escorted Sidai and Chyulu safely to Ithumba.
The arrow wound, likely acquired at the Tiva River, where elephants with young calves need access to water, presented a life-threatening situation for Sidai and her family.
Recognizing the urgency, Ithumba Head Keeper Benjamin alerted Dr. Poghon of the SWT/KWS Tsavo Mobile Vet Unit, who swiftly arrived at Ithumba to assist.
The other elephants remained quite calm during Sidai’s treatment, seemingly understanding that she needed help.
Their primary focus was protecting Silas and Sita, Sidai’s calves, from the unfolding situation.
Mwende, a wild-born elephant who had never experienced captivity, took on the role of babysitter and guardian during the treatment.
Thankfully, the arrow wound was fresh, and the poison had not yet taken effect. Dr. Poghon safely removed the arrow and treated the wound with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and green clay.
When Sidai regained consciousness, her calves were reunited, showing no distress about the recent events.
After her recovery, Sidai enjoyed a peaceful day at Ithumba, feasting on nutritious lucerne and caring for her precious calves. Alongside Chyulu, she rested and rejuvenated before venturing out again.
Despite brief departures, Sidai and Chyulu returned to Ithumba to make the most of its abundant resources.
The story of Sidai and her family’s resilience and the heartwarming support they received reaffirms the profound bond between elephants and highlights their remarkable intuition.
Moreover, it introduces us to Silas, the 44th known wild-born baby and the 20th born to one of Ithumba’s orphans. It reminds us of this remarkable elephant community’s enduring circle of life.
Watch the video below:
