Back to the Wild Murka will live at Tsavo until she is ready to leave. An orphan chooses when to leave the orphanage. It may take as long as 10 years before an orphan feels ready. When male elephants are old enough to


take care of themselves, they wander off to live alone. Females find a wild herd to join. Yet the bond formed between the orphans


and their keepers is a strong one. Even aſt er an orphan leaves, it oſt en returns for visits. Sometimes, orphans come back because they are hurt. Sometimes, they come to show off their new babies. Sometimes, they come by just to say hello and to see old friends. One day, Murka will be ready to join a wild


herd. Perhaps she will come back to visit her old friends. Until then, the orphanage will care for her and other rescued orphans. T e people there will try to save the orphans one elephant at a time.


Wordwise


deforestation: when trees in an area have been cut down and cleared


habitat loss: the process by which natural habitat is damaged or lost


matriarch: the female leader of a group


poacher: a person who illegally hunts animals


veterinarian: a person who treats animals for illness or injury


This orphan and keeper have formed a strong bond.


MAY 2013 17


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