Namunyak’s Legacy: A Remarkable Elephant Rescue in Masai Mara

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On March 27, 2020, the SWT/KWS Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit received an urgent call that would set in motion a remarkable rescue mission in the heart of the Masai Mara.

The call was about the sudden death of Namunyak, a beloved elephant who was well-known in the region.

Watch the video at the end.

Namunyak had a radio collar provided by the Mara Elephant Project, which allowed experts to track her movements and those of her herd.

When Namunyak’s collar signal indicated a lack of movement, concerns grew. Tragically, she was found lifeless, leaving behind an 18-month-old calf that depended on her for milk.

A post-mortem examination revealed an abdominal abscess, which had ruptured, causing fatal damage to her lungs and heart.

The situation was even more complicated due to wet conditions, making it challenging to rescue the vulnerable calf.

With the combined efforts of KWS, County, and Conservancy rangers, the baby elephant was tranquilized and successfully rescued.

A team from the SWT Nairobi Nursery chartered a plane to collect the calf, and upon arrival, they found him in good health.

He was cared for at the Nursery, where he remarkably recovered, growing more lively and healthy daily.

It took several days of patience and persistence to gain the little one’s trust. Initially, he hesitated to accept milk from a bucket, but with time, he began to reach for a bottle.

Over approximately ten days, the calf became comfortable with his caregivers, ensuring he would return to the fences in the evening.

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This young elephant was named “Naboishu,” which means “unity” in the Maa language of the Masai people living in the region where he was rescued. Naboishu’s rescue occurred during the challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic on March 28.

Despite his small size, Naboishu possessed a vibrant personality, and his name carried a significant meaning.

Upon joining his fellow orphans in the forest, Naboishu quickly engaged in playful activities, demonstrating no hesitation in mingling with the herd despite being the newest member.

The nurturing environment provided by the herd allowed Naboishu to thrive, displaying boundless energy.

He adapted seamlessly to the Nursery’s daily routine, knowing when to expect his bottle feeding, mud baths, and safe retreat to his night quarters.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, visitor restrictions were in place at the Nursery, but this didn’t hinder the young elephants from enjoying the lush greenery of the Park and playtime with their dedicated caregivers.

Thanks to ample rainfall, food was abundant, and the orphans reveled in the overflowing waterways and mud pits.

Naboishu seamlessly blended in with the herd, receiving care from older females like Tamiyoi and Tagwa. The atmosphere was filled with joy and contentment.

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