nestɩed in the heart of Tsavo, Ithumba emerges as a captivating oasis, especially during the enchanting green season.
The vibrant colors of life flourish as weaver birds signal the change in seasons with their nests, a reliable sign that rain is on the horizon.
Transformed from a once-dry expanse into a vivid green landscape, Ithumba truly earns its title as the “jewel in the crown” of Tsavo East National Park.
Founded by the visionary David Sheldrick, Ithumba becomes a sanctuary of life during the rainy season.
The previously red earth, now soaked with moisture, bursts into life with a symphony of greenery, buzzing insects, and the playful antics of vervet monkeys.
The atmosphere crackles with life, creating a breathtaking tableau of nature’s resilience and renewal.
During the rainy season, the orphans of Ithumba eagerly welcome the rain, reveling in every detail of the transformation.
Their days are filled with the joy of exploring rainwater puddles and savoring fresh shoots. As raindrops fall, their excitement reaches new heights.
The orphans pause to bask in the rain, rolling on the wet ground and expressing pure joy.
The sociaɩ dynamics shift as the rains draw wiɩd elephants to Ithumba, lured by the promise of water and nourishment.
Even when independent orphans venture out to expɩore the lush Tsavo, Ithumba remains a sanctuary of joy during the green season.
Given the freedom to roam, the orphans turn Tsavo into their aquatic playground. Puddles become irresistible, and they frolic in smaller pools or dive into the main waterhole, moving like playful fish.
Their days are filled with the vitality of the season, a testament to the abundance and energy brought by the rains.
In a heartwarming event, Wendi, a wiɩd-living orphan, introduces a precious new addition to Ithumba on November 17—a tiny calf named Wema, meaning “goodness” in Swahili.
Welcomed into a world of lush greenery and abundance, Wema symbolizes the beauty of life and the promise of a thriving future within Ithumba’s nurturing embrace.
As the green season unfolds, Ithumba stands as a testament to nature’s cycles, serving as a sanctuary for both orphaned and wiɩd elephants. It is a celebration of life, renewal, and the enduring beauty of Tsavo’s cherished jewel in the crown.
