In the heart of Chyulu Hills, an endearing young elephant named Bondeni I have entered the world’s spotlight on a fateful morning in February 2019.
Abandoned by his herd under mysterious circumstances, the little calf ventured into a nearby village, his tiny feet bearing the scars of a perilous journey through the rugged lava fields of Chyulus.
With no sign of his elephant family nearby, hope for a reunion was dim.
Dedicated teams from Kibwezi Forest and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) took swift action upon receiving news of Bondeni’s plight. The local community embraced the lost calf, sparking excitement among villagers.
A rescue operation involving the Umani Springs Keepers, the Kenze De-Snaring Team, and KWS rangers unfolded.
Bondeni, a name inspired by his fortuitous discovery location, was carefully transported to the Kaluku Field HQ for specialized care.
Despite the temptation to raise Bondeni alongside older orphans at Umani Springs, the decision was made to relocate him to Kaluku.
There, he flourished under the attentive care of Keepers Misheck and Kingoo.
Bondeni’s playful nature emerged, and his initial challenges, like sore feet, were addressed with dedicated care.
As Bondeni matured, the need for the guidance of older elephants became evident, prompting his move to the nursery in Nairobi.
The relocation, completed with a midnight convoy to ensure comfort, marked a new chapter for Bondeni and his two female companions.
The trio’s introduction to the Nairobi nursery was met with excitement from Maisha, the matriarch.
Bondeni’s initial distress transformed into playful interactions with the older elephants, laying the foundation for valuable companionships.
From the Chyulu Hills to Kaluku and now Nairobi, Bondeni’s journey has been diverse. Yet, his odyssey is far from over.
The Nairobi nursery provides a supportive environment for Bondeni’s growth and preparation for eventual release into the wild.
As he thrives alongside fellow orphaned elephants, Bondeni’s story is a testament to resilience, care, and the hopeful promise of a majestic return to the wild.
