Grief and Healing – Murera’s story - Part 3
Elephants constantly remind us that miracles are possible. Many thought she wouldn’t survive, but Murera proved them all wrong. Under her leadership, a herd of elephants have found their futures beneath the canopy of the Kibwezi Forest. Now, at 13 years old, Murera is embarking on the great new chapter of motherhood.
- Angela Sheldrick
Mwana - Photo Credit DSWT
Like most elephant babies, Murera’s calf was 200 - 250 pounds at birth. Little Mwana needed constant nourishment, two to three gallons of milk a day. Although Mama Murera was loving and protective, she did not seem to know how to nurse her baby. Without milk Mwana would not survive long. The next miracle in this story was the fact that Mwana was born in a community where the human keepers were experts in the difficult and demanding task of raising orphaned milk dependent elephants. Murera seemed to welcome the support.
Photo Credit DSWT
The keepers at Umani Springs grew up milking their own livestock at home. As soon as they noticed that Murera wasn’t nursing they stepped into action. Murera allowed the keepers to milk her and bottle feed Mwana so her belly was always full. The keepers were determined to do everything necessary to support the mother and calf for as long as needed.
Photo Credit DSWT
For eleven days and eleven nights they milked Murera and fed Mwana around the clock. Then without any fanfare, on the eleventh day Murera put her leg forward and Mwana latched onto her breast without missing a beat. Murera has been feeding Mwana on her own ever since.
Photo Credit DSWT.
The African proverb of “it takes a village to raise a child” rings true in this story. Sonje, Murera’s female companion at Umani Springs, took over matriarchal duties while Murera adjusted to motherhood. The rest of the herd jostled for a position as Nanny to care for Mwana. Everyone doted on this little miracle baby.
As for Mwana, she lapped up all the loving attention. Elephants have much to teach us about love, courage, resilience and compassion. If our human communities could be as kind and supportive the world would be a better place.
Photo Credit DSWT.
Who knows what the future will bring for Murera and Mwana. They live in two worlds, secure in the Umani Springs compound at night and free to roam wild during the day. The keepers are clear, whether Murera and Mwana choose to stay, leave, or come and go is their choice.
I firmly believe that Mwana is Luggard’s final gift. A twist of fate stole his future, but his memory spurred Murera to embark on a premeditated journey to fill the void that he left. What is so extraordinary is that, up until that day, she had shown little inkling of ever undertaking such a journey. She had never interacted with the wild elephants, preferring to give their boisterous ways a wide berth given her own vulnerabilities. For Murera to launch off into the wild for four nights was a departure from all that we had ever known.
As Luggard’s time on earth drew to a close, he left Murera with a beautiful child to share her life with. I feel sure Daphne and Luggard are smiling down from the great beyond, watching their beloved elephant begin a new chapter with a healthy daughter by her side. - Anglea Sheldrick
Follow the stories about Murera, Luggart, Mwana and other orphan elephants under the care of the DSWT at https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org Instagram @sheldricktrust.
For $50 a year you can foster an orphan elephant and join the ranks of the conservation heroes. When we save nature we save ourselves.