In the tranquil morning of September 2018, the sun painted the horizon with hues of gold, casting a warm glow over Taita Ranches. Mr. Salim Makomba, the Company Commander of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) at Taita Ranches, was about to face a challenge that would test the resilience of both man and nature.
A distress call echoed through the air, carried by the whispers of concerned voices from the local community. A baby elephant, a symbol of innocence and vulnerability, was trapped in Mzee Kirema’s dam, nestled on privately owned land near Tsavo East National Park. The urgency of the message spurred Mr. Makomba into action, recognizing the imminent peril that awaited the stranded calf.
According to the community members, the previous evening had been ordinary, with locals watering their livestock alongside a peaceful herd of elephants. However, the morning revealed a heart-wrenching scene — a young elephant, struggling to keep its trunk above water, stranded in the middle of the dam. The herd, hindered by the hazardous conditions, had been unable to provide assistance.
As Mr. Makomba and his team arrived at the scene, the decision to abandon the distressed calf was made by the herd, ensuring their safety as they retreated from the community area. The Rangers, undeterred by the challenging circumstances, shed their uniforms and waded into the treacherous waters. With gentle guidance, they maneuvered the exhausted calf to the dam’s edge and transported it to their camp a few kilometers away.
Recognizing the severity of the calf’s condition, Dr. Poghorn, a KWS vet, and Keepers from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) Voi Relocation Unit swiftly assessed the situation. The decision was clear — the calf needed intensive care, and the DSWT helicopter was summoned. Dr. Poghorn stabilized the calf with an IV drip and cooling measures, as the DSWT helicopter, piloted by Andy Payne, prepared to airlift the young elephant to Nairobi.
The helicopter, equipped with the necessary facilities, allowed for a direct and swift transfer to Nairobi. Dr. Poghorn, Keeper Kimgoo, and the aerial team ensured the calf’s comfort and safety throughout the flight. Arriving at Nairobi Park, the calf was met by eagerly awaiting Keepers from the DSWT Nursery, ready to provide meticulous care in a prepared stable.
Once freed from the restraints, the calf displayed surprising resilience, standing on its own for the first time since the ordeal. The Keeper’s nurturing presence, coupled with warm milk and fresh greens, offered solace and nourishment to the recovering young elephant.
Throughout the night, a dedicated Keeper ensured the calf received nourishing milk every three hours, witnessing the remarkable revival of this resilient creature. Christened Dololo, after the area of its rescue, the young bull gradually regained strength, overcoming worm infestations and health challenges.
As Dololo ventured into Nairobi Park with newfound companions, Luggard and Merru, the rhythmic harmony of their steps symbolized the triumph of compassion over adversity. Dololo, once feeble and near the brink of despair, now thrived in the company of fellow orphans, embodying the resilience of nature and the unwavering dedication of those who came to its rescue.