Why would Mweya embark on a 100-kilometre journey across drought-stricken plains, with her young daughter and newborn in tow? We believe it was a brave leap of faith to save both her babies. On Tuesday morning, the Keepers were shocked to find Mweya outside the Voi stockades. They hasn’t seen the ex-orphan since February, and given that reports placed her herd some 100 kilometres away, didn’t expect her to reappear until after the rains. We will never know what impelled Mweya to make the long trek ‘home’ at such a precarious time, but we can surmise: At just three years old, Mweya's firstborn, Mwitu, is still suckling (as you’ll see in the second slide). She would depend on milk particularly during the drought, given there is so little vegetation to be found. When Mweya gave birth to Mojo last month, she must have known that she would struggle to produce enough milk for both babies without supplementary food. So, she made the extraordinary decision to venture back to Voi, where she knew plenty of sustenance would be available. She needed support, which is why her best friend Edie’s middle daughter, Eden, joined her. There is no water between where they were likely stationed and Voi, which means they completed the 100-kilometre journey in a single go. That all four elephants not only survived the journey, but are by all accounts thriving, is an enormous testament to Mweya. Because of her decisiveness and leadership, her little family averted potential disaster. We are incredibly proud of Mweya for taking charge and handling this crisis so adeptly. She has been resting and refuelling at Voi, eating plenty of food and ensuring both her babies have enough milk. Her family will find support and sustenance with us for as long as they need it. To read this remarkable story in full, tap our link in bio/stories or visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/news/updates/mweya-mojo —— Photo & Video © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust #SheldrickTrust #SWT #MweyaSWT #MwituSWT #MojoSWT #EdenSWT #elephant #kenya #swtbirthannouncement #elephant