According to our updated letter: The transfer of Suguta, Melia and Tumaren to the Ithumba Rehabilitation Centre in Northern Tsavo East took place on the 2nd, and went smoothely. Suguta who had shared Matriarch-ship of the Nursery elephants with Olare, was sorely missed by little Sities, who adored her, and also by Kibo, the young bull who had been with her longest in the Nursery and who cried all night following her departure. However, Olare filled the void very proficiently, paying special attention to Sities whilst Kibo soon overcame his sadness and focused on Pushing Bouts with his male peers, Kandecha and Chemi Chemi.

Any unusual nocturnal activity always triggers anxiety amongst the other Nursery elephants, but as day dawned Olare (on the right in picture) instantly took control of all, paying particular attention to Sities, and reveling in the fact that she no longer had to share the Matriarchal slot with Suguta. However, since then Olare has proved herself to be an extremely competent and caring Leader, reprimanding bullying little boys, keeping pushy Chemi Chemi in line, and “talking to” Murka when she rudely shoved Naisula and Kitirua in the mudbath. Olare immediately approached Murka and rumbled her disapproval, after which Murka walked over to the two she had previously targeted, and laid a trunk lovingly across their backs as though to apologise! None of the Keepers doubt that she had been ordered to do so by Olare!

As we connected with Olare: Olare said Olare is really in mother care taking. Olare knows how it feels to be so sad and afraid because your Mommy is not here. Olare had to be a big brave Olare and stop crying herself when Olare arrived. People tried to care for all of us but Olare is an elephant with all the understanding that goes with being an elephant. This caring, parenting role came so easy to Olare because Olare knows what Olare needed and gives it to the babies here. yes, Olare does appreciate the help from all the angels too.