Today we went to Nairobi and visited Sheldrick’s Elephant Center, where we saw over a dozen baby elephants. We watched as workers bottle-fed the young elephants, and some got close enough for us to pet. As the elephants walked around and fed on branches, we were told their names and the meanings behind them. We were also told their stories and how they ended up at the rescue center.

The wildlife team rescues elephants that are either orphans or injured and after five to ten years, the elephants are released back into the wild. Many were found at only a few months old, and they had been either separated from their families or their mothers were killed by poachers or natural causes.

After that, we got to see giraffes at the Giraffe Center. We were given bowls of food pellets to feed the giraffes. Many of us held the food between our lips and let the giraffes take it with their tongue. This was called “giraffe kissing,” and some kisses were more aggressive than others. Some giraffes used a good bit of tongue 😉

One of our members mentioned that the giraffe kiss was technically her first kiss so that was a magical moment. Other giraffes (females) would become very moody if you started to run out of food, so we had to be mindful of thrashing giraffe heads. Baby giraffes also engaged in feeding time and were very sweet.

We then went to lunch at a shopping center, and we split into groups and ate at different places. I (Caroline) enjoyed a wonderful grilled chicken sandwich. April got to enjoy Chinese food. Many of us went to a grocery store and purchased a variety of coffees and chocolates. April would like me to mention that she will not be sharing her Kenyan chocolate with family members. But don’t worry—she has some gifts for you! 

Tomorrow is our rest day, so we will begin that process very soon by enjoying freshly-made donuts from Rift Valley Academy and then going to bed. 

Goodnight!

by Caroline and April