In the heart of the harsh drought that plagued the land, Mweya the elephant embarked on an extraordinary journey, guiding her newborn to the place where she herself was nurtured. It was a trek filled with peril and uncertainty, yet Mweya’s determination and maternal instincts propelled her forward, defying the odds at every turn.
Mweya at the time of her rescue (2001)
Mweya’s story begins with a chance encounter in a small village, where she was found as a mere month-old calf, bewildered and alone. The locals, startled by the sight of an infant elephant in their midst, rallied together to ensure her safety, eventually leading to her rescue and rehabilitation.
Mweya nannying Edie’s baby, Eden (2015)
Before finding her way to the Nursery, Mweya spent a transformative six weeks at an education center, where she forged unlikely friendships with chimpanzees and displayed a resilience that belied her tender age. It was here that the seeds of her indomitable spirit were sown, laying the foundation for the remarkable journey that lay ahead.
Mweya, right, introducing us to her firstborn baby, Mwitu (2019)
Graduating from the Nursery to the Voi Reintegration Unit in Tsavo, Mweya honed her survival skills and formed lifelong bonds with fellow orphaned elephants, most notably her best friend Edie. Together, they navigated the challenges of the wild, forging a formidable partnership that would shape their destinies.
The last time we saw Mweya, right, she was heavily pregnant (February 2022)
As the years passed, Mweya assumed the role of head nanny to Edie’s offspring, demonstrating a depth of maternal instinct that earned her admiration and respect within their ex-orphan herd. In November 2019, Mweya welcomed her own daughter, Mwitu, into the world, embarking on a new chapter of motherhood with characteristic determination.
We were pleasantly surprised when Mweya showed up with her newborn in tow
But it was Mweya’s latest journey that would truly capture the hearts and imaginations of all who knew her. In the face of drought and adversity, she made the daring decision to return to Voi, guided by an instinctual understanding of the need for sustenance and sanctuary for her growing family.
Mweya arrived with Mwitu and Mojo, along with Edie’s seven-year-old daughter, Eden, who is evidently head nanny
Accompanied by her eldest daughter Mwitu, Edie’s daughter Eden, and her newborn son Mojo, Mweya embarked on a grueling 100-kilometer trek across unforgiving terrain, driven by a mother’s unwavering love and determination. It was a journey fraught with peril, yet Mweya’s steadfast leadership ensured their safe arrival at their destination.
Mojo spent much of his first day at Voi napping and recharging
For days following their arrival, Mweya and her family sought refuge at the stockades, replenishing their strength and nourishing their spirits. Despite the challenges they faced, Mojo, the newest addition to their ranks, reveled in his newfound surroundings, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of youth.
Mweya is very proud of her growing family — as she should be!
Mweya’s journey stands as a testament to the enduring bond between mother and child, a testament to the resilience of the natural world in the face of adversity. Her courage and determination inspire us all to persevere in the face of uncertainty, guided by the unwavering light of love and compassion.
Mojo is the 52nd known calf born to one of our ex-orphans
As Mweya and her family continue to thrive in their newfound home, their story serves as a reminder of the power of hope and the indomitable spirit of the wild. In their triumphs and trials, we find echoes of our own humanity, bound by a shared journey toward understanding and connection.