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!

Naisimari Today

Growing stronger by the day – in body and spirit – Naisimari is filled with a joyful and inspiring energy that is especially visible during feeding times. Undeterred by her small size, she is never one to shy away from letting everyone know what she wants. She makes a beeline for her bottle – and always likes to get there first! Now that she’s found security in a stable friendship again, it’s also wonderful to witness her inherent character blossoming and coming to the fore, and although she’s quite friendly and playful, Naisimari isn’t really one for hugging or interacting much with the keepers. In terms of favourite foods, she’s already developed her own special preferances, and loves to feed on grass and evergreen grewia plants.

What is included in your adoption?

• A digital, sharable Adoption Certificate - making your foster parent-hood official!

• A Social Media Starter Pack, with videos and photos which you can use to share the news about becoming a #RetetiFosterParent

• Quarterly email updates about your foster elephant

• Updated exclusive online photo album

Please note:
Multiple adoptions of individual elephants enable us to cover the costs of caring for all 46 elephants at Reteti; your contribution will help us cover the cost of milk, the keepers, veterinary cost and other essentials your elephant needs.