Nestled in the heart of Tsavo, Ithumba emerges as a captivating oasis, especially during the enchanting green season. Witnessing a remarkable transformation from a once-parched expanse to a canvas of vibrant green, Ithumba lives up to its reputation as the “jewel in the crown” of Tsavo East National Park, a testament to nature’s resilience and renewal.
Adorned with the lively colors of life, weaver birds play a pivotal role in signaling the change of seasons through their nests. These intricate creations serve as a dependable indicator that the much-awaited rains are approaching, bringing life to the previously arid landscape.
Established by the visionary David Sheldrick, Ithumba transforms into a sanctuary of life during the rainy season. The once-red earth, now saturated with moisture, bursts into life with a symphony of greenery, buzzing insects, and the playful antics of vervet monkeys, creating a breathtaking tableau of nature’s energy and renewal.
During the rainy season, the orphans of Ithumba eagerly anticipate the arrival of rain, finding joy in exploring rainwater puddles and consuming fresh shoots. Their excitement knows no bounds as raindrops descend from the sky, prompting them to momentarily halt their activities and revel in the unrestrained joy of rolling on wet ground.
The rainy season brings about a shift in social dynamics as wild elephants are drawn to Ithumba, enticed by the promise of water and nourishment. Even in the intermittent absence of independent orphans exploring the lush Tsavo, Ithumba remains a sanctuary of jubilation during the green season.
Given the liberty to roam, the orphans turn Tsavo into their aquatic playground. Puddles become irresistible invitations, and the orphans frolic in smaller pools or venture into the main waterhole, moving like playful fish. Their days brim with the vitality of the season, serving as a testament to the abundance and energy that the rains bring.
In a heartwarming event, Wendi, a wild-living orphan, introduces a precious new addition to Ithumba on November 17—a tiny calf named Wema, translating to “goodness” in Swahili. Welcomed into a world adorned with lush greenery and abundance, Wema represents the beauty of life and the promise of a thriving future within the nurturing embrace of Ithumba.
As the green season unfolds, Ithumba stands as a testament to the cycles of nature, serving as a sanctuary for both orphaned and wild elephants. It is a celebration of life, renewal, and the enduring beauty of Tsavo’s cherished jewel in the crown—a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of wildlife and the nurturing embrace of a visionary conservationist’s dream.