Heartwarming Homecoming and Compassionate Care: Elephant Orphans Begin Their Wild Journey

Amid December’s celebration at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an air of excitement surrounded the departure of three older Nursery orphans—Rapa, Pare, and Maramoja—embarking on a transformative journey to the Trust’s rehabilitation unit in Ithumba.

Following in the footsteps of their companions, Sapalan, Namalok, and Kauro, these young elephants are taking the next crucial step toward a life in the wild.

Watch the video at the end.

ADVERTISEMENT

They move the orphans after the rains ensure favorable conditions, transforming Ithumba into a lush haven resembling a bountiful garden with full waterholes and abundant food.

Image 1269

This relocation is a vital aspect of their development, providing the opportunity to learn from older elephants and wild companions, ultimately preparing them for life in the wild.

In preparation for the move, the orphans underwent training to familiarize themselves with entering the elephant moving truck.

ADVERTISEMENT
Image 1270

Rapa, Pare, and Maramoja, much to the delight of their keepers, exhibited comfort within the truck compartments, sometimes choosing to remain inside for extended periods during training.

On the loading day, December 16, the process began exceptionally early, with Pare and Rapa confidently leading the way into the truck, closely followed by Maramoja.

The early start facilitated a smooth journey, with minimal traffic, allowing the team to reach Ithumba at 8:00 am.

ADVERTISEMENT
Image 1271

The new arrivals were warmly welcomed by their friends at Ithumba, and the seamless adaptation of Rapa, Pare, and Maramoja was notable, thanks to the reassuring communication from their companions who had made the journey earlier.

The Ithumba mud bath became a stage for a heartwarming welcome, creating a lively atmosphere.

Amidst the joy, another significant decision was made for eight-year-old Shukuru, who was brought back to Nairobi to address chronic health issues related to recurring blood parasite problems.

ADVERTISEMENT
Image 1272
ADVERTISEMENT

Shukuru’s trusting entry into the elephant moving truck reflected the deep bond and understanding between the orphans and their dedicated human caretakers.

As the sun set on that eventful day, Rapa, Pare, and Maramoja embraced the beginning of a chapter filled with growth, camaraderie, and the promise of a wild and free life.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust continues its unwavering commitment to these elephants’ holistic well-being and successful rehabilitation, nurturing them until they are ready for the ultimate step—a life in the wild.

ADVERTISEMENT
Image 1273
Image 1274
Image 1275
Image 1276
ADVERTISEMENT

Read more Elephant News.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Canidae Pet Food Reviews: An In-Depth Look

Choosing the right pet food is crucial for the health and well-being of our furry friends. In this blog post, we'll delve deep into Canidae pet food, a popular choice among pet owners, and provide an in-depth review based on various sources.

Canidae is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, offering a range of products designed to cater to pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

Product Range:

  • Canidae All-Life Stages (Dry): This vet-formulated product suits dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It's available in both dry and wet formulas.
  •  Canidae Pure: A limited-ingredient diet crafted for dogs with food sensitivities. Each recipe typically includes 7 to 10 ingredients.

Key Ingredients

The Canidae All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula, which represents the brand's product line, contains ingredients like chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, peas, oatmeal, and barley. Chicken meal, the primary ingredient, is a meat concentrate with nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

Recalls and Safety

Canidae has had recalls in the past. It's essential to stay updated with the brand's recall history to ensure your pet's safety.

Customer Reviews

The Canidae Dog Food product line has earned an overall rating of 4.5 stars from The Dog Food Advisor. The Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food has received the Advisor's second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: High protein content, suitable for all life stages, contains beneficial ingredients like flaxseed and taurine.
  •  Cons: It contains some controversial ingredients, and not all minerals are chelated, which might affect absorption.

Conclusion

Canidae All Life Stages is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that uses a notable amount of named meat meals as its primary source of animal protein. With an above-average protein content and a profile suggesting a significant amount of meat, it comes highly recommended for pet owners.