An orphaned elephant calf, found alone under a tree at Hilton Hotels Taita Hills Sanctuary, faced a grim outlook without her mother’s milk. Estimated to be just 3-4 months old, the calf was isolated and struggling to survive in the wild.
Sanctuary staff observed her throughout the day as she tried to join other elephant herds but was repeatedly left behind.
Recognizing her weakened state and the imminent threat from predators, they determined she needed urgent intervention.
Taita Hills Sanctuary, formerly part of the Lualeni ranch owned by a British individual, is now a tourist destination managed by Hilton Hotels International. Hilton acquired 28,000 acres to create a destination for their guests.
Located southeast of the Taita Hills, the Sanctuary is accessible from the road between Voi and Taveta, near the Kenya-Tanzania border.
It borders Tsavo West National Park to the west and adjoins privately-owned ranchlands next to Tsavo East National Park to the north. The area extends south into the former Lualeni ranch, now home to local tribes and their livestock.
The Sanctuary features two notable lodges: Taita Hills Lodge and Salt Lick Lodge. Taita Hills Lodge, designed in the style of a German fort, commemorates World War I battles in the region, including the Battle of Salaita Hill, where two Victoria Crosses were awarded.
Salt Lick Lodge, with rondavels on stilts overlooking the Bura River, offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
The James Stewart River House, named after the actor known for “A Tale of Africa,” provides scenic views and is used for barbecues and group events.
Recently, the Sanctuary has faced challenges due to neglect and increased poaching, including bushmeat snares.
Elephants migrating between Tsavo West and East are at heightened risk, as exemplified by the young orphaned elephant, Burra, nearly strangled by a wire snare.
Human-wildlife conflicts have escalated as human populations encroach on traditional migration routes.
On the evening of November 27, the Elephant Keepers and Mobile Veterinary Unit rescued a young calf Lualeni. She was rehydrated and fed, then transported to the Voi Stockades for the night.
At the Stockades, she received comfort from older orphans like Icholta and Natumi, who acted as surrogate mothers.
The next day, she was flown to the Nairobi Nursery, where she adapted quickly to bottle feeding and Keepers’ presence.
Lualeni’s initial days at the Nursery were marked by fatigue and limited interaction, raising concerns about potential brain damage.
However, after several months, she made a remarkable recovery. Lualeni began to display energy, engage in play, and interact positively with the other elephants, gradually overcoming the trauma of her early experiences.
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