Lisa Olivier,
GRI-Conservation Behaviour Advisor
This month marks 9 years since Muchichili (Muchi) was rescued, and he has undergone a remarkable transformation during that time, from being a fragile orphan under the care of our rehabilitation programme to thriving as a nearly 11-year-old bull among wild herds. This is his incredible story of adaptation, resilience, and the triumph of conservation efforts.
January 2016 (1 year 6 months): Rescue and Recovery
Muchi was rescued on an island, transported by boat and then by road to the Elephant Nursery
A one-and-a-half-year-old elephant calf was reported on an island in the Lower Zambezi. After days of observation, with no sign of his herd, a rescue was conducted with the help of DNPW, Conservation Lower Zambezi and Kanyemba Lodge. Muchi was darted and immobilised on the island, transported by boat to the mainland and then loaded for road travel for a 4-hour journey to the Elephant Nursery. He was in poor condition, indicating he had not had his mother's nutritional milk for some time, and suffering from dehydration, shock, and mouth ulcers that made feeding difficult.
April 2016 (1 year 9 months): Life at the Elephant Nursery
With intensive care and dedicated support, Muchichili began to recover, eating soft vegetation and adapting well to his new environment. It was not long until he was thriving under the care of his keepers and forming bonds with the other orphans. His regular mud baths quickly turned him Lusaka-mud orange to blend in with the rest of the herd.
November 2016 (2 years 4 months): Graduation to the Release Facility
Muchichili took a significant step in his journey back to the wild when he joined the Kafue Release Facility alongside Nkala. As he outgrew the younger orphans at the nursery, his increasing boisterousness highlighted the need for him to be with older elephants. The translocation went smoothly, with Muchi eagerly boarding the truck (for a milk bottle reward) and completing the 400km journey without issue. Upon arrival, he was warmly greeted by Chamilandu, the matriarch of the release herd, and quickly integrated into his new surrogate family. Muchi embraced his role as the ‘baby’ of the group, leaving behind his nursery antics and thriving on bush walks, mud baths, and learning the essential social skills needed for life in the wild.
2017 – 2023 (3 years – 9 years) formative years at the Release Facility
These years marked an exciting time in Muchichili’s journey, filled with learning, exploration, and building bonds that would shape his future in the wild. This energetic young bull often led or stayed at the front during daily walks into the Park, then rushing enthusiastically back into the boma for his favourite pellets.
Sociable and confident, he reinforced bonds with Nkala, while forming strong friendships with Musolole and Mulisani. Unlike more territorial elephants, such as Rufunsa, Muchi’s relaxed approach to hierarchy made him both respectful of higher-ranked elephants and welcoming to newcomers.
His friendly nature even extended to older companions like Mosi and Rufunsa, allowing him to share a stable with them on numerous occasions. He also surprised the team by quickly bonding with Batoka, fearlessly shadowing him despite the age gap. Muchichili’s bravery was evident, standing up to older bulls like Tafika, a challenge many younger elephants avoided. His curiosity blossomed as he clearly enjoyed spending time with young Mutaanzi David and reinforcing ‘elephant etiquette’ during their playful sessions. He also started to show interest in following the herd matriarch, Chamilandu.
Though there were challenges, including a bout of babesia, a tick-borne blood parasite, Muchichili’s resilience shone through. His growing independence became apparent in July 2021 when he tried to join a wild herd, only to return after older bulls exerted dominance. This period cemented Muchi’s adventurous, sociable nature and laid the groundwork for his bold adventures to come.
Muchi 2019 Muchi 2022
January 2023 (8 years 6 months): Big Steps Toward Independence
In March 2023, Muchichili (along with 6 other orphans) left the release facility in the company of wild elephants. This pivotal moment marked his transition from a managed environment to the untamed wilderness, where he would rely on his instincts and social bonds to thrive.
May 2023 (8 years 10 months): Thriving in the Wild
The research team spotted Muchichili near Maramba’s herd, alongside a wild group of elephants. Although he did not approach the keepers, his healthy condition and calm behaviour were promising signs of his adjustment. Interestingly, his closest friend Mulisani rejoined the orphan herd without him, indicating that Muchichili had started to explore independently—a key step in his journey to becoming a solitary bull.
September 2024 (10 years 2 months): A Miraculous Discovery
During a routine operation to collar wild elephants, the team experienced an extraordinary coincidence. While targeting a young bull by helicopter, once on the ground they discovered (due to his unique ear notches) it was none other than Muchichili! Now nearly 11 years old, Muchichili was thriving in the wild and had seamlessly integrated with a wild herd. The reunion was an emotional moment for the keepers, who were thrilled to see him healthy and flourishing.
Muchi being darted and fitted with a collar
November 2024 (10 years 4 months): Integration and Growth
From the GPS coordinates retrieved from his new collar, Muchichili was tracked to a lakeside area, where he was observed with a breeding herd of approximately 16 elephants, including calves and adult females. His behaviour reflected strong social bonds and successful integration into the group. The herd’s movements demonstrated spatial awareness, avoiding human settlements despite the occasional breaching into community lands. This behaviour highlights their adaptability and Muchichili’s growth within a dynamic social structure.
Muchi tracked amongst a herd of wild elephants
January 2025 (10 years 6 months old): Signs of Independence
Muchichili was recently tracked along Ngoma Road, 6km from the release facility. Found with wild elephants, he displayed calm, independent behaviour when the herd fled into the thickets. Remaining in an open area to graze, Muchichili’s actions suggest he is gradually transitioning to a more solitary lifestyle, a natural progression for a maturing bull. This independence signals his ongoing development into a fully-fledged wild elephant.
A Testament to Conservation Efforts
Muchichili’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved through dedicated conservation work. From his early days as an orphan to his current life in the wild, his journey highlights the importance of long-term commitment, sustained support and innovative tracking methods. Every step forward for Muchichili is a step forward for elephant conservation—and we could not be prouder of his progress.
Thank you to all our donors, supporters, and partners who make this work possible. Together, we are giving elephants like Muchichili a second chance at life in the wild.
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