Taroha’s remarkable journey from the shores of Lake Jipe to the Nairobi Nursery is a touching story that has captured our hearts.
It all began on March 2, 2023, when Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers stumbled upon a lone baby elephant.
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At just one year old, the calf was too young to fend for itself and desperately needed care. With no sign of his mother after a day of observation, it became evident that he was an orphan.
In a spontaneous rescue act, the Trust’s JCB backhoe, typically used for nearby construction, became Taroha’s unlikely transport.
Carefully lifted into the vehicle’s bucket, the young elephant was taken to the KWS ranger base at Lake Jipe in Tsavo West National Park.
As plans for a rescue mission unfolded, dusk approached, prompting a decision to have the orphan spend the night at our Voi stockades.
Named Taroha in homage to a place near Lake Jipe, he settled into a cozy stable, watched curiously by older elephant orphans.
After a peaceful night in Voi, Taroha’s journey continued to Nairobi, where he would reside for the coming years.
Nursery Keepers from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust delicately transferred him onto the plane, completing the final leg of his journey.
Initially greeted with cautious optimism, Taroha soon faced health challenges, showing reluctance to eat anything besides milk and greens, which impacted his well-being. Despite setbacks, our team persevered, navigating both triumphs and setbacks.
During this trying time, a heartwarming friendship blossomed between Taroha and Mokogodo, the most crucial orphan at the Nursery.
Clad in matching blue blankets, they formed an inseparable duo, with Mokogodo’s spirited nature complementing Taroha’s laid-back demeanor, proving instrumental in his recovery.
Taroha’s unique journey also brought him an unexpected neighbor in Raha the rhino, with whom he shares nightly retreats to adjacent stables, each enjoying their meals but adding to the charm of Taroha’s life.
Initially hesitant to enroll Taroha in the adoption program due to his health struggles, we watched him regain his strength and form an unbreakable bond with Mokogodo, a testament to his resilience.
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