We have the best news to share! After nearly a year away, some very special orphans have returned to Voi. Kenia, Naipoki, and Panda, who went wild in February, turned up at the stockades last night. They were in the company of Edie and her ex-orphan herd, who clearly shepherded the newbies through the drought. We had every confidence that Kenia and co. were ready to reclaim their place in the wild, but a drought year is a difficult time to take the leap. Ndii, Tundani, Mashariki, Araba, Bada, Ishaq-B, and Ndoria, who were also part of Kenia’s group, haven’t made an appearance yet, but we have no reason to worry. They likely linked up with wild friends or other ex-orphans, or perhaps they’re en route back to Voi, too! In the first slide is Lentili, Naipoki, Eco (Edie’s third baby), and Kihari. The star of the second slide is Kenia. Despite the drought, she is in excellent condition and seems very content with her wild life. We are so proud of her and the other ex-orphans. Although they were raised by the human hand, they are now indistinguishable any other wild elephant in Tsavo. Each one is decisive, competent, brave, and compassionate. Best of all, they are living wild, exactly as nature intended. To learn more about how we reintegrate orphaned elephants back into the wild, please visit: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/projects/orphans/raise-an-orphan-elephant —— Photo & Video © Sheldrick Wildlife Trust #SheldrickTrust #SWT #kenya #KeniaSWT #LentiliSWT #EdieSWT #EcoSWT #NaipokiSWT #KihariSWT #goodnews