So the rainy season is finally starting to make its way to Save the Elephants. It has rained multiple times, the river is flowing, grass is growing and the park is coming back to life! But where are the elephants? Well unfortunately I’ve found out the hard way that elephants follow the rain closely, and although its sprinkled here, it’s poured in Isiolo and elsewhere, which has drawn them out of the park and closer to abundant plant growth. My study subjects are few and far between, and it’s quite unfortunate timing!

Luckily, I was able to bear witness to The Ewaso Nyiro River filling up for the first time this year in Samburu/Buffalo Springs. What a sight to see! I felt honored to witness this event that has such meaning to the inhabitants here. It happened when we got a phone call from Gilbert and Kylie who were in camp when water started flowing past the office window. Luckily we weren’t far from the river and were able to hustle to a prime viewpoint where we parked the car and waited. We had to wait 45 minutes but it was well worth the wait! Once I got sight of the water reclaiming it’s territory on the barren, dusty river bed, a smile spread across my face and a sense of relief washed over me. It wasn’t as dramatic as a flash flood can be, but the rushing torrents were enough to provide some good footage as I videoed and photographed the re-birth of Ewaso. One thing I found amazing was how much elephant dung was lifted and taken downstream! Here I thought I was looking at a rocky riverbed with scattered stones littering the sand as far as the eye could see...but I was so wrong. As soon as the water appeared the “stones” were picked up and washed away, and the sheer amount of elephant waste I saw floating along blew my mind. I can only hope a park down south will benefit from it in the form of compost!

Since the return of the rains the elephants have been harder to find, but I did get to experience a very entertaining show put on by a 6 month old,which made my week. A few days ago David took Kylie and I out to do some monitoring and we felt grateful to find The Virtues not far from the river. The key find was seeing Hope’s offspring with their relatives! (If you read my previous blog you will read the story of Hope's unfortunate demise and you will see why this sighting is significant.) We were so thrilled to see that 2 of Hope's calves managed to find the other half of the family who normally don’t co-mingle on a regular basis but who include aunts and cousins capable of providing protection. We photographed the two young females feeding with their “new” family and they appeared to be stable and in good condition (relative to what they recently endured). At least they have a chance now! Thank goodness!

While watching and IDing The Virtues, I noticed a rambunctious 6 month old female curiously investigating all interesting sights and smells. She wasn’t sticking close to her mother like most youngsters, and she showed a great deal of courage for something so infantile. She first investigated a new pile of dung left by an older family member, then walked right up to our car and boldly circled us less than 3 feet away. Next she walked over to another adult female and after pausing at her feet for only a moment, she found a nearby cattle egret much more interesting, and so, with a toss of her head approached her next playmate. Chasing ensued for a few minutes while her mother grazed (seemingly unfazed) a distance away. The baby then attempted to pick flowers and grass with her not-yet-dexterous trunk, and our amusement lasted for a total of 10-15 minutes.

The grand finale came when we started the car and frightened her, only to be charged by the most precocious and ferocious 6 month old elephant you can imagine! She spread her ears and even trumpeted as she repeatedly charged us from about 3 meters away…until we started moving. Once the car started rolling away she instantly lost her nerve and went running back to mom with her tail in the air, as if to suddenly realize that charging a big, loud vehicle when you’re a small, helpless baby (with no backup) is not a fruitful endeavor. We all agreed she will make a good matriarch someday and hope she lives on to achieve that title. I only wish I was here to name her when she reaches adulthood; words like “courage” and “spunk” come to mind.