Busara is the last of the Voi Kids rescued during the 2022 drought. Her name means ‘wise’ in Swahili — a fitting moniker for a little elephant who has already overcome so much.
The 2022 drought brought an influx of orphaned elephants into our care. Our Voi Reintegration Unit, which is usually a destination for older orphans as they advance in their rewilding journey, became a nursery of sorts. Given their weakened state and urgent need for care, many older calves rescued from Tsavo East skipped the Nairobi Nursery and went directly to Voi instead. We called this special ‘class’ the Voi Kids.
On 21st October 2022, rangers on Mwatate Sisal Estate reported a young orphaned elephant. She was very weak and emaciated. In the drought, only the fittest prevail, and elephants must make heartbreaking decisions. When an elephant lacks the strength to keep up with the herd in search of food or water, they are left behind. This was likely Busara’s fate.
