DSWT NEWSLETTER 2012 The Voi Unit
Shira left of frame with Lempaute
Shira’s Story
Another event worthy of note during 2012 was the reappearance of orphan Shira, who joined a wild herd soon after being transferred to the Voi Unit from the Nairobi Nursery, and who had not been seen for several years. As the orphans were approaching their mudbath venue, a 4–5 year old female elephant ran out of a passing wild herd, instantly joining the orphans amidst great excitement. The Keepers surmised that this could only be Shira, because the newcomer mingled happily with the orphans, although she now appeared wary of the Keepers after living as a wild elephant for several years and having spent only a short time at the Nairobi Nursery. Lesanju and Sinya were not best pleased by her unexpected return, obviously fearing that being older she might usurp the leadership role. As of old, Shira walked back to the stockades with the juniors and went in without hesitation which convinced the Keepers that it could only be her, even though a fondness for the human Keepers was absent and she was careful to keep in the midst of the other elephants in order to shield herself from human contact. After a few days she re-joined her wild herd again, which just happened to be passing nearby, the Keepers were secretly relieved, no longer comfortable and confident with a larger and wilder Shira in their midst! The wild herd, and especially one youngster to whom she was probably a nannie, welcomed her return as enthusiastically as the Keepers welcomed her departure!
Voi orphans
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Playing with Joseph