In a riveting wildlife rescue story, Rokka’s journey is a testament to unwavering determination and collaborative efforts.
During a routine patrol, the saga began on July 26, 2021, along the Tiva River when pilots spotted a distressed seven-month-old baby elephant, seemingly abandoned and alone.
The stranded calf became the focal point as pilots initiated a comprehensive 15-kilometer radius search for other elephants in the hope of a potential reunion.
Despite their efforts, no other elephants were found, and with daylight fading, the urgency grew.
The pilots realized immediate action was crucial to prevent the calf from disappearing into the dense bush.
Pilots Roan Carr-Hartley and Hamish devised a daring plan. Hamish briefly landed, allowing Roan to disembark and track the calf on foot.
Armed with nothing but the shirt on his back, Roan sprinted over a kilometer through thick bush, following the helicopter’s guidance.
Upon spotting the calf, he employed a calming tactic, covering her eyes with his shirt. The challenge unfolded as the frightened calf evaded capture, darting through the undergrowth.
Roan’s resourcefulness and determination prevailed as he restrained the calf, preventing her from vanishing into the bush.
However, a new challenge arose – coaxing her through a kilometer of dense vegetation.
Over the next two hours, Roan and Hamish delicately guided her towards the waiting helicopter.
With the late hour posing a threat, Hamish left to gather reinforcements and supplies, leaving Roan alone with the calf.
Within 800 meters of a potential landing point, Roan faced the task of capturing the calf again.
Employing every ounce of strength and ingenuity, he wrestled with the thrashing elephant, using shoelaces as makeshift restraints.
Alone in the bush, Roan spent an anxious 90 minutes bottle-feeding the dehydrated calf, praying that the commotion didn’t attract Tsavo’s lions.
The sound of the approaching helicopter marked the end of Roan’s solitary ordeal. Hamish and Keepers Kingoo and Joseph coordinated to secure the calf.
The exhausted team, equipped with proper elephant straps, faced the final hurdle of lifting her into the helicopter.
After three unsuccessful attempts, a collective surge of strength finally hoisted Rokka into the helicopter, heading towards the Kaluku Neonate Nursery as darkness fell.
A dedicated crew awaited at the nursery, unloading Rokka and ushering her into her new sanctuary stocked with fresh greens and water.
Surrounded by reassuring rumbles from fellow elephants Lemeki and Thamana, Rokka finally found solace.
Having overcome immense challenges, the exhausted rescue team slept soundly that night.
Named Rokka after the Tiva River area where she was rescued, this spirited young elephant exhibits resilience beyond her years.
Despite her traumatic experience, Rokka navigates her new home with the confidence of an elephant twice her size.
Her unwavering determination was crucial to her survival during the lonely days along the Tiva.
The discovery of poached elephant carcasses in the vicinity shortly after her rescue raises the possibility that Rokka’s mother may have been among them.
Her triumphant rescue is a testament to human intervention and a beacon of hope for the indomitable spirit of wildlife in the face of adversity.
