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.
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| 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.
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| 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 15th 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.
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| 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.
