An Extraordinary Moment

Over the past ten years, Camembert (see Blogs 5 and 16) and I have logged many hours together, and I usually make a point of talking to her when spending time with her family.  Thus, I strongly suspected that she recognized my voice and was comfortable with my presence.  I also hoped that, on some level, I had earned her trust.

However, I was in no way prepared for the extraordinary moment when Camembert showed me the extent of that trust.  With one simple gesture, she redefined our relationship forever.

On that day, I was taking a guest on a morning game drive, introducing her to the many elephant families here on Lewa.  We were having good luck and had spent time watching the Currency family as they drank, bathed and gave themselves a thorough mud bath.  We also had come across the Liquer family, with its many new babies, in the Lewa swamp.

As we were winding our way around the swamp, I noticed that the Cheese family was walking along the river and was about to cross the road in front of us.  So, I switched off the car to wait and began to tell my guest about the family and its latest addition – Camembert’s new baby boy, Gorgonzola. 

As Camembert started to cross the road, I began, as usual, to talk to her.  When she heard my voice, she turned to face the car – unexpectedly, she then changed direction and began to walk down the road toward us.  To my utter amazement and delight, she stopped next to the car and urged her baby toward my window.  Little Gorgonzola came over to the car by himself, putting his trunk up to the window to get my scent.  We all froze – utterly spell bound. 

After a few minutes, Camembert put her trunk over Gorgonzola’s back and gently pulled him back to her side.  Then, as though this introduction was to be expected, the family quietly proceeded on their way to the swamp. 

MY FRIEND  -- CAMEMBERT

It was a moment that I shall never forget -- one that demonstrated, once again, just how emotional and intelligent elephant truly are. 

Camembert was proud of her precious new baby and wanted to show him off to her friend.  How lucky and honoured am I to be that friend!

Happy Times and Sad Times

It has been wonderful catching up with all of the elephant families this month after having been away for the Christmas holidays.  Like many other areas in Kenya, Lewa is experiencing a baby boom!  And the timing could not be better.  We were fortunate to have had lots of rain in November and December, so there is an abundance of food throughout the conservancy. 

Katydid and her new baby

Almost every time that I meet up with a family, there is at least one new baby.  Among those with new calves are:  Dove, Sparrow, Alabama, Kathmandu, Celine, Tibia, Femur, Piccolo, Tia Maria, Magellan, Cicada, and Katydid.  The Currency family tops the list for new babies as Drachmae, Taka and Lire all gave birth in November, followed by Ruble just last week.   

Camembert and two-day
old Gorgonzola

One of the most exciting events since coming home has been the arrival of Camembert at the house with a two-day old baby boy!  We presumed that she was due to have a baby some time soon because her youngest calf, Havarti, was born in 2009.  But, we had no idea that the big event was imminent; the birth of her calf on the 15^th of January came as a complete but welcomed surprise. Given that Camembert is a very experienced mother and that there is plenty of food available, we expect that her new baby will thrive; so, we have named him Gorgonzola.  I would not be surprised if Jarlsberg had a baby, as well, some time in the next few months.

Kathmandu with Pokhora and
her new calf

Artichoke’s little girl is doing well and we have decided to call her Kale which seems very fitting as her big sister, Spinach, loves to look after her.

Sadly, Celery’s baby did not survive.  I do not know how or when she died, but we have now seen Celery on several occasions, and the baby is no longer with her which can only mean one thing.  As both this calf and the calf before her were born during times when plenty of food and water were available, I am beginning to wonder if perhaps their death is the result of a genetic flaw.