Pula is released

As part of the research, we monitor the release and rehabilitation of captive elephants from a camp near here. So far we have released five, and all have taught us so much about elephants and their individuality. To date we have released four males, Mafunyane, Thando, Seba and Benny and one female, Nandipa. Yesterday we released Pula, a young male. I have been really stressed about this release and have had many a restless night, because he is so young, he is captive born and it was a cold release. By cold release I mean that his routine was not changed prior to release, which we know helps with the process. To try and help, he was released near Nandipa and it was incredible to see their reunion (Nandipa was a brilliant Aunt when he was born). Ntongeni (Nandipa’s calf) was beside himself with excited as he had a playmate and gave Pula a hard time sparring him – Pula was incredibly patient with the little one. Pula only remained with them a couple of hours and then ambled into camp. He inspected all the skulls we have there, trying to work out who was who – a couple he knew and it was these he spent the most time with. He then spent the rest of the day feeding before ending up at the boma (where his herd are kept at night). I feel for Pula, we all do, the researchers, the staff the mahouts. He must be scared, lonely and confused.
GO PULA – you can do it. You’ll be OK.