Kibo

Mt. Kilimanjaro is a volcanic mountain with three cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The summit of Kibo is the highest point towering 5,895 metres above sea level rising from the surrounding terrain. In the Maasai country at the foot of Kilimanjaro is a rocky well, dug to serve cattle belonging to the pastoral Maasai people of the area. This particular well sadly was where a 3-week old baby bull calf was found.

This baby bull was named “Kibo” and discovered by Maasai elders who reported his predicament to the Amboseli Elephant Research Project . The calf was rescued from the well at 9.00pm, and was taken to the Amboseli Elephant Research Project headquarters for the remainder of the night and was given water, covered in a blanket and watched over all night.

Very early the next morning the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) orphanage was called and a rescue plane and team mobilised to fetch him. In the meantime the calf was driven to the Amboseli airstrip where Kibo was able to warm up in the early morning sun as they waited for the plane to arrive. The keepers were able to feed him some milk before preparing him for the flight back to Nairobi, where the orphanage is based.

Estimated to be about two to three weeks old, baby Kibo was in good physical shape on arrival, except for extensive bruising on his back. He was safely transported to DSWT and taken very good care of, which aided his full recovery.  You can watch a few snaps from his time at the nursery here.

Photo credit and text: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust