In the heart of the wilderness, where the beauty of Mother Nature intertwines with the harsh realities of life, an emotional journey unfolded in Ithumba.
This touching tale revolves around Makena, a dedicated elephant nanny, and her calf, Mumo, born during a challenging drought on September 10th.
Mumo defied the odds, thriving amid adversity. She gleefully shared mud baths with her mother and other female elephants, often with the assistance of nearby ex-orphans.
However, an unexpected turn of events saw the group vanish into the depths of Tsavo for three days, raising concerns among their caretakers.
Upon their return, it became evident that Mumo had endured a trying experience, bearing sunburns and scratches.
Despite the best efforts of elephant keepers to unravel the mystery behind their disappearance, the circumstances remained shrouded in secrecy.
Interestingly, even the wild bulls in the vicinity exhibited a sense of unease, gently inspecting the baby elephant.
Fortuitously, the wild bulls assumed a protective role, guarding Mumo as she relished her mud baths.
Keen eyes soon noticed Mumo’s sunburn and ticks, prompting prompt treatment to ensure her recovery.
While the duo enjoyed fresh alfalfa, a comical moment ensued when Mumo tumbled into a water trough.
Makena’s swift and clever use of her trunk saved her baby, leaving a profound impression of maternal instinct, a trait even experienced elephant mothers might find themselves relying on.
Undeterred by the curious bulls, Mumo appeared calm, even managing to doze off while standing, raising concerns for her well-being.
The Ithumba team swiftly intervened, providing rehydration salts for Mumo while Makena kept a vigilant watch.
The arrival of Yatta and her ex-orphan herd further complicated the situation. Efforts were made to ensure Makena’s nourishment and safeguard her milk supply for Mumo.
However, guiding the trio back to the fences proved challenging, with Makena repeatedly resisting and breaking free. Eventually, they returned, and Mumo exhibited improvement the following day.
Despite ample enclosure space, Makena’s yearning for elephant companionship drove her to venture out with her calf.
Despite efforts to encourage rest and provide sustenance, Makena escaped twice while Mumo rested and fed on Lucerne.
Tragically, Mumo’s collapse marked a devastating moment despite desperate efforts by Makena and Ishanga to revive her. One of the keepers, Benjamin, rushed to assist, but Mumo had passed away.
This heartbreaking turn shocked everyone, with Makena grieving over her lifeless baby, surrounded by concerned male elephants.
In a miraculous twist, Mumo returned to the stockades the following day, further deepening the complexity of this emotional saga.
Makena and Mumo, two unique individuals, shared a profound bond and participated in various activities, from hiking to exploring new cuisines. Despite their differing personalities, their unbreakable connection kept them close.
The heart-wrenching events during this harsh and arid season, marked by limited access to food and water, added to the challenges a nursing mother and her calf faced.
The reasons behind Makena’s journey into the dry and desolate Tsavo region, when abundant resources were available at Ithumba, such as food and water, remain a mystery.
Nonetheless, Makena will draw lessons from this trying experience to be better prepared for future opportunities as a mother.
For now, she grieves the loss of Mumo, and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) shares in this sorrowful event.
