In a touching rescue mission on July 1, Angela Sheldrick, the founder of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), received distressing news about an abandoned elephant calf near the Dida Harea plains in Southern Tsavo East National Park.
The approximately eighteen-month-old elephant had been consistently rejected by passing wild herds, indicating a precarious situation.
With approval from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the DSWT Elephant Keepers swiftly executed a rescue operation.
Despite her weakened state, the calf showed little resistance during the capture, underscoring her vulnerability.
With her legs gently secured, she was transported to the Voi airstrip, awaiting the arrival of a rescue aircraft.
Efficient rescue efforts minimized waiting time, with a plane from Nairobi landing at the Voi Park airstrip.
Nairobi Keepers prepared the orphan for the flight, prioritizing hydration and administering necessary medication. During the one ½-hour flight back to Nairobi, Maramoja lay comfortably, secured in the plane.
Upon reaching the Nursery, Maramoja was carefully placed in her designated stockade. Before being unstrapped, she was given a taste of milk to encourage feeding.
Displaying newfound strength, she relished the greens provided in her enclosure.
Throughout the night, she enjoyed the company of other Nursery orphans, offering reassurance through constant communication.
Maramoja’s recovery journey continued as she tentatively took milk from a bucket and, by morning, eagerly charged for the bottle.
In honor of Angela’s birthday and her second Christian name, “Mara,” the rescued calf was aptly named ‘Maramoja,’ meaning ‘straight away’ in Swahili.
Embraced by the love and company of fellow orphans, Maramoja, once disoriented and weak, adapted comfortably to Nursery routines.
Despite the lingering mystery of her orphaning, her growth and thriving condition are heartening signs of hope.
The rescue of Maramoja is a testament to the compassion and dedication of the DSWT team, offering a second chance at life for this gentle and lovely elephant.
