Nkachau starts a new life!
We are immensely proud of Nkachau – our beloved buffalo orphan – who recently started her next adventure at Nairobi National Park after a successful relocation! Nkachau – which means “little one of a cow” in Samburu – brightened our days with her lively presence, and we miss her every day!
While planning Nkachau’s next step with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), they recommended translocating her to Nairobi Animal Orphanage within Nairobi National Park, which is run by KWS. Nkachau represents the national movement of community-driven wildlife conservation which holds the key to ensuring that wildlife numbers continue to increase across all of Kenya’s vital ecosystems. The Samburu community of Namunyak Conservancy, who own and manage Reteti, are proud to be part of this initiative and to demonstrate what is possible for the future of community conservation in Africa.
During her 20-month stay at Reteti, she captured all of our hearts. We feel so incredibly blessed to have witnessed her grow into the brave-hearted spirit we’ve come to love.
Nkachau’s pivotal role at Nairobi Animal Orphanage
Nkachau’s role goes beyond being a resident buffalo at the orphanage; she is a vital symbol of hope and inspiration for the youth of Kenya.
Many young Kenyans have never had the opportunity to witness the wonder of wildlife firsthand due to the challenges of urbanisation.
Nkachau’s presence at the orphanage provides a unique opportunity for them to connect and instil a sense of responsibility and a desire to protect and conserve these precious creatures and their habitats.
As the saying goes, “You only protect what you love,” and Nkachau’s story aims to ignite a sense of love and passion for wildlife in the hearts of everyone who visits Nairobi Animal Orphanage.
Starting small
As we said our goodbyes, we remembered the day Nkachau came to Reteti – after she was found wandering the streets of Wamba Town all on her own. Difficult conditions caused by the drought in the region sadly left her separated from her Mama and her herd. She was so small and meek at the time!
As soon as she arrived, Naomi – one of our dedicated keepers – immediately stepped in and calmly assumed the role of Nkachau’s mama. Soothing her while keeping the young calf company, it was beautiful to see the nurturing effect of Naomi brushing Nkachau’s hide for hours. Imitating the texture and sensation of a buffalo mama’s caring tongue, it was so similar to the caring way she would lick her calf.
Growing stronger, and more full of life by the day, Nkachau’s little horns also grew bigger as time passed by. In the blink of an eye, the tiny thigh-high calf that arrived on our doorstep was suddenly a boisterous young buffalo reaching chest high! But the most encouraging sign of all was how she started behaving like a real buffalo – always chasing everyone around and keeping the keepers on their toes.
Nkachau photographed in February 2022. She arrived at Reteti in November 2021. Photo by Simon Pocock
A surprising story of how Nkachau became orphaned
As soon as Gabriel Lenkupae, a member of the community in Wamba, read our post about Nkachau’s relocation on our Facebook Page, he reached out to share more details about her rescue and the day she was found. Apparently, she got separated from her herd when a lion in the area attacked and caused the buffaloes to scatter. Nkachau then ran off and joined a group of cows that were herded by Samburu warriors. After disagreeing about killing her, they decided to bring her safely to the Kenya Wildlife Service office, and that’s when Reteti was called. Only when you look closely, you’ll still see some marks caused by the attack on Nkachau’s face – she’s healed so beautifully and bravely from her wounds!
Just after Nkachau was rescued in Wamba town. Photo supplied by community member, Gabriel Lenkupae
Inspiring legacy
We will never forget our little buffalo who grew up to become the bold-hearted, cheeky buffalo! When she left, there were many mixed emotions – from pride to sadness and joy. At the same time, we also welcomed other orphaned calves at Reteti, and embraced new opportunities to nurture and care for abandoned and injured animals in need.
Nkachau’s journey reminded us that every life counts. Each orphan we care for helps to ensure the conservation of Northern Kenya’s precious wildlife, and the dedicated efforts of the Samburu’s community-led conservation efforts in Namunyak Conservancy are showing what is possible for the future of community conservation in Africa.
We would not be able to rescue and rehabilitate wild animal orphans like Nkachau if it weren’t for your generous donations. Click the button below to see how you can sponsor other orphans.
