Adopt Naisimari

Naisimari’s Rescue Story

When the one-week-old Naisimari was trapped after falling into a well in Kalepo Conservancy, the team who came to her rescue had to set off on foot when their truck got stuck in sandy riverbeds and terrain. Consisting of Reteti’s vet and keepers, rangers from Namunyak and Kenya Wildlife Service, and a communications team, the crew reached her at last to come to her aid.

On closer inspection, they discovered that little Naisimari had sustained injuries on her trunk, which were caused as her mother desperately tried to free her from the well. Situations like these are especially heartbreaking as her mother most probably tried everything in her power to help her calf, before having to move away when people or livestock came to the wells. Due to her injuries, it was agreed that it would not be possible for the calf to be reunited with her mother, and authorities agreed for Naisimari to be brought to Reteti, where she could properly heal and recover after her harrowing ordeal.

When she first arrived, Naisimari struck everyone at the sanctuary with her incredible innocence, and it was impossible to miss her friendly demeanour towards people. Because she was so young, she imprinted on people and the elephants very quickly – following whoever would allow her in their personal space, every minute of the day.

She immediately sought out the company of the bigger female in the small herd, Sitiin – who soon assumed a motherly role and offered her the comfort she needed. Sitiin had an equally rough start in life, when she was found guarding her mama’s body for three days high in the Matthews Mountains. Naisimari would often suckle Sitiin's ear for comfort, and Sitiin was incredibly generous with her. It made it all the more devastating when Sitiin unexpectedly passed away due to natural causes. Naisimari was clearly grief-stricken by this sudden and very grave loss of her ‘foster mom’ so soon after being separated from her Mama and herd.

Everyone was extremely worried about her wellbeing, and it came as such a relief when she bonded with Titiyo. Despite the bond between these two ellies not being the same as the one she had with Sitiin, they’ve become closer ever since. Naisimari has always had quite an amazing character, and it’s been wonderful to watch her interact with the other orphans, because in the nursery herd, she makes the other young ones seem old!