As Daphne Sheldrick used to say, “Elephants grieve and mourn the loss of loved ones just as deeply as us, but then they turn the page to focus on the living.” A year ago, Makena suffered a devastating loss. She became a first-time mother last September, just as the dry season was beginning to bite. At first, her daughter appeared to be a picture of health. But then, for reasons we will never comprehend, Makena abruptly took her on a long, taxing journey into the Tsavo wilderness. Despite our very best efforts, her daughter never recovered and passed away. Makena grieved for a time, but then she turned the page and focused on the living. She has embraced her role as a nanny, looking after her all friends’ babies. She has been an enormous source of support for Ithumbah, who became a first-time mum in July. (Here, she is with her friend Kinna’s yongest daughter, Kaia.) We know Makena’s time for motherhood will come again, but in the meantime, it is wonderful to see her so happy and fulfilled as a nanny. —— Photos © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust #SheldrickTrust #SWT #MakenaSWT #KaiaSWT #wild #kenya #tsavo #love #elephants