In a charming moment captured at a Thai elephant sanctuary, a young elephant enthusiastically approached a visitor for a cuddle, offering a playful interaction that delighted everyone watching The video shows a woman seated on the muddy ground when, unexpectedly, a baby elephant bounds over, eager to make her acquaintance. The audience can’t help but laugh as the calf cozily settles on her lap. A bystander comments that the woman seems to be enjoying the unusual encounter. However, the calf’s boundless energy keeps it moving around, occasionally shifting in ways that look a little uncomfortable for the woman. She smiles and strokes the baby elephant as it readjusts onto her thighs, embracing the affectionate moment. But when the calf rolls backward onto her shins, she lets out a soft “ow,” prompting a nearby person to step in and lend a hand. Unperturbed, the little elephant soon rolls f...
In a heartwarming tale of resilience, Luggard, a spirited three-year-old elephant, lags behind his playful peers at a Nairobi orphanage.
Once a victim of poaching in Tsavo East National Park, he was found at just five months old, limping due to gunshot wounds—one in his left front foot and another in his right hind leg.
Now at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) nursery, Luggard eagerly joins his herd of 20 orphaned elephants for their daily feeding ritual.
The calves gather for their special mix of baby formula, slurping it down with delight, while a close-knit team of caretakers ensures each one receives personalized care.
Each elephant at the nursery carries a story of loss and survival. From poachers to human-wildlife conflict, these young elephants have faced significant challenges.
The youngest, 10-month-old Larro, was discovered alone in the Maasai Mara after losing her family.
“Without their mothers, these calves face certain death,” explains Edwin Lusichi, head keeper at SWT. Elephants are weaned between five and ten years and can live up to 70 years in the wild, yet poaching threatens their existence, with around 20,000 elephants killed annually for their tusks.
The emotional toll of poaching is evident in the stories of the elephants. Two-year-old Enkesha, who was found with a nearly severed trunk, has undergone extensive rehabilitation to reclaim her ability to eat and drink.
The nursery provides a nurturing environment where the young elephants receive 24/7 care, including bottle feedings every three hours. At night, they sleep in cozy wooden rooms, often with a keeper nearby for comfort.
The bond between the elephants and their human caregivers is profound. During the day, the keepers accompany the calves as they roam the savannah, play in mud baths, and even engage in playful soccer games. “Sometimes we just cuddle,” says caretaker Julius Shivegha, highlighting the closeness they share.
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As these elephants grow, they eventually transition to reintegration centers in Tsavo, where they learn to adapt to the wild.
For those like Luggard, who require special care due to disabilities, SWT offers a sanctuary in Kibwezi Forest.
Over the past 42 years, SWT has successfully rehabilitated over 230 orphan elephants, with many now thriving in the wild.
However, the fight against poaching remains challenging, as poverty and human-elephant conflicts persist.
To foster a future where elephants can coexist with humans, the SWT is dedicated to educating local communities and promoting alternatives to poaching.
Caretaker Shivegha emphasizes the need for everyone’s support in protecting these magnificent creatures and calls for an end to the ivory market.
Through love, care, and education, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is making strides in giving orphaned elephants a second chance at life, filled with love and hope.
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