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.