Nkachau, the Orphaned Buffalo Calf
Nkachau came to us on the 9th of November last year. She was abandoned and found wandering alone in nearby Wamba, a 2 hour drive from Reteti.
Her name means “Little one of a cow” in Samburu.
Since Nkachau arrived at Reteti, Naomi has taken on the role of her monther, and she has not left Naomi’s side. It is maternal behaviour for buffalos to lick their calves and Naomi’s brush is imitating the texture and sensation of a mother’s tongue. For Nkachau, this is a soothing and calming experience.
Nkachau has been on milk which we purchase from the Samburu women in here in Namunyak Conservancy, as part of our Milk to Market Program.
In comparison to elephants, buffalo calves are much easier to rescue and release back into the bush as they never lose their sense of wildness. She will be released back to Namunyak Conservancy to an area with buffalo, where she will join a herd to live a life as wild buffalo in Northern Kenya.
Support Reteti
If you would like to support the Reteti, any donation, small or large, from near or far, helps us to provide the very best care for these orphans.
