Meet Kinyei
Meet Kinyei
An unexpected encounter
On July 4, 2018, in the Ol Kinyei Reserve, a safari group spotted a pride of lions. However, something caught their attention: a tiny elephant calf, alone and wandering dangerously close to predators. Its fate seemed uncertain.
Meet Kinyei
The beginning of their rescue
The Porini Cheetah Camp team was immediately alerted. While searching for the calf, they found the lifeless body of a nursing elephant nearby. Kinyei, as we would later call her, was seen following three adult males, but unable to receive the milk she needed to survive.
The rescue was swiftly activated. With the help of the Mara Elephant Project, the Kenya Wildlife Service, and brave rangers, Kinyei was flown by helicopter to Nairobi, on an urgent and hopeful flight.
Meet Kinyei
His first refuge
At the time, Nairobi was experiencing heavy rains, constant cold, and soaked soil. Because of her vulnerability, it was decided to move her the next day to Kaluku, Tsavo, a warm, dry environment where she could begin to recover.
There she met Kindani, another orphaned elephant with whom she formed an inseparable bond. Together they supported each other through the toughest times, like true sisters.
Meet Kinyei
A fight for life
Although he initially appeared strong, Kinyei fell ill three months later. He lost weight, weakened, and required intensive care, including intravenous drips, to survive the extreme heat of Tsavo.
But Kinyei is a fighter. Little by little, she regained her strength, and with Kindani's company and the arrival of Bondeni, a young, energetic elephant, she found new motivation to keep going.
Meet Kinyei
His passion for life (and eating!)
Kinyei loves to eat. From a young age, she showed absolute dedication to her grazing sessions. In Tsavo, she learned to take advantage of every green shoot, knowing that they are scarce during the dry season.
Even now, nothing can distract her when she's busy grazing. She's an elephant on a mission... and she always accomplishes it!
Meet Kinyei
A new chapter in Nairobi
In 2020, Kinyei, Kindani, and Bondeni moved to the Nairobi orphanage, now filled with vegetation thanks to the rains. There they found new friends and an ideal environment to continue growing.
It took Kinyei a while to adapt to the local vegetation, but she soon began to enjoy the new flavors. Today, her round tummy and chubby cheeks are proof of how well she feels.
Meet Kinyei
A bond that unites us
Misheck, her caregiver since day one, remains her favorite person. And we, from our corner of the world, continue to support her with love and commitment.
Adopting Kinyei has been one of the most beautiful decisions we've ever made. Her story is a daily reminder that every life matters and that, together, we can make a difference.