During the harsh impacts of the 2021-2022 drought, Tsavo bore the brunt of the environmental crisis. Among the affected, Kenderi stands out as one of the ‘Voi kids’—an older orphan rescued from the Tsavo ecosystem and directly brought to our Voi Reintegration Unit.
On August 22, 2022, reports surfaced of a three-year-old orphan at the Sentrim campsite in Tsavo East National Park. A poignant sight, she appeared emaciated, profoundly alone, and visibly frightened. Unfortunately, such scenes became all too familiar during the drought, as diminishing food resources led to mothers having reduced milk supplies. Consequently, undernourished calves struggled to keep pace with the herd, becoming vulnerable casualties of the challenging times, as wildlife prioritized singular focus on survival, leaving the weakest behind.
The Voi Keepers, in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), responded swiftly. Spending hours attempting to locate her family proved futile, with no other elephants in the vicinity. Recognizing her orphaned status, KWS initiated a rescue operation. Due to her older age and proximity to Voi, she was transported to our Voi Reintegration Unit, holding hope for a possible reunion with her natal herd in the future.
While malnutrition was a concern, Kenderi had no major health issues. However, her substantial size and skittish nature led to an extended period in the taming stockades to help her acclimate to her new life.
Upon integration into the Voi herd in the bush, Kenderi seamlessly adapted. Her protective instincts for her newfound family were evident when Ndotto challenged matriarch Mbegu to a wrestling match. Alarmed at the sight of her caregiver engaging with a large bull, Kenderi bravely intervened to safeguard her.
On another occasion, encountering a large group of wild elephants at the mud bath, Kenderi and fellow ‘Voi kids’ rushed towards them with flared ears and trunks raised high. Their determination was clear—to defend the rest of the Voi orphans from these seemingly harmless intruders. Despite being rescued at an older age, Kenderi’s deep affection for her new family is unmistakable, as she willingly goes to great lengths to protect them. This fortunate young elephant now revels in an exceptionally happy life.
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