In a heart-wrenching incident reported by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) on January 2, 2020, the Mara Elephant Project (MEP) uncovered the distressing passing of a devoted mother elephant in the vast Masai Mara.
The focus shifted to her six-month-old calf, Naleku, who was left vulnerable in the wake of her mother’s mysterious demise.
The lack of an autopsy, compounded by the extensive predation on the mother’s remains, left the circumstances surrounding her death uncertain.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a rescue mission was promptly initiated, led by Isaac Lekelol, a Veterinary officer from KWS, and supported by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) Keepers.
The rescue team, including rangers from MEP, took swift action to reach where Naleku was spotted.
With the calf accompanied by another adult female elephant and her calf, the team had to act fast to secure Naleku’s safety and well-being.
A rescue plane, coordinated by MEP and KWS, landed at the Mara North Conservancy airstrip, just thirty minutes away from the calf.
The team was escorted to the exact spot where Naleku was situated, ensuring a timely rescue operation.
Due to the calf’s prolonged period without nourishment, the rescue was deemed critical.
Despite the presence of another female elephant, the rescue team anticipated challenges in obtaining nourishment for Naleku.
With careful planning and the sedation of the vigilant adult female, the team successfully captured the infant.
Naleku was swiftly prepared for transportation to Nairobi, receiving tranquilizers to minimize stress during the journey.
Upon arriving at Wilson Airfield in Nairobi around 7.45 pm, Naleku was taken to the SWT Nursery.
At almost 9 o’clock, she was introduced to her designated stable, where she eagerly latched onto a bottle, overcoming initial caution around her Keepers.
Despite a traumatic experience, her resilience shone through as she adapted to her new environment.
The following day, Naleku, visibly tired but resilient, sought solace in her stable. Recognizing her distress, the decision was made to allow her to join other orphaned elephants in the forest early.
Surrounded by experienced orphans, she found comfort, gradually settling into her new family.
Introduced to the public, Naleku formed bonds with Tagwa, Tamiyoi, Maisha, Larro, and Kiasa. Each passing day saw her grow more settled, familiarizing herself with the Keepers and embracing her newfound family, marking a heartwarming conclusion to a harrowing journey.
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