This week’s post is all about Elephants, as you probably already guessed. These unique creatures are loved by many. I don’t know if it’s the fact that they look huge and threatening, but are peaceful and loving at heart, or maybe because of their bewitching personalities and curiosity; but whatever the case, many have grown quite fond of the gentle giants. Sadly, this does not include everyone. Many still illegally poach them for their ivory tusks. Doesn’t that just make you sick? Me too. Thankfully, the people who do care more about Elephants than money are taking action. One of these people is a sweet lady named Daphne Sheldrick.
Daphne helps slather her orphans with sunscreen:
Daphne was born in Kenya and lived with her family in Tsavo National Park. She established a nursery for orphaned baby elephants after her husband David passed away. “The elephants helped me to turn the page in my life, and I try to do the same for them,” says Daphne. Before her, nobody had ever successfully raised a baby elephant. “It took me 28 years of hard work before I finally developed a milk formula that would help them grow up big and strong.” I don’t think I’m the only one grateful to Daphne for her hard work, which paid off. They’ve rescued over 200 baby elephants, most of them surviving with Daphne and her team giving them the loving care they need.
The elephants have accepted the keepers as their new family:
In the wild, elephants are always surrounded by other elephants, because they live in herds. So, the team at the sanctuary is with the group of elephants 24-7, making sure they get the attention they need, and fill in for the loved ones they lost. Even through the night! “People always ask me how we choose the keepers. The truth is, the elephants do. They can read your heart and they understand how you genuinely feel about them.” The head keeper Edwin says, “Elephants won’t live unless they are happy. We keep them as happy as possible, entertaining them and playing little games.”
The keepers play games with the orphans to keep them happy, such as this loose version of soccer:
One of the keeper’s favorite elephants is Kilaguni who is almost two years old. Poachers killed his mom, and he stayed by her side even when she was dead. When night came, a group of hyenas attacked him, biting off his tail. But he has put this traumatic past behind him. Now he is happy and healthy, thanks to Daphne and her team. Sadly, he had to say goodbye to his new family when he turned two, almost ready to live in the wild with his own kind. Tsavo National Park is home to the largest population of elephants in Kenya. He will stay at a care center in the park, free to roam about mostly, until he is completely independent from humans. When he arrives, him and the keepers are surprised by a welcome party. Ex-orphan elephants from around the park come to greet Kilaguni of their own volition. “Elephants have amazing powers of perception and communication,” says Daphne. “It’s one of the great mysteries of the natural world.”
Kilaguni and his new family revel in their freedom:
The fight for elephants isn’t over. It’s up to us to make sure we don’t lose spectacular animals like elephants, who can teach us more about love, perception, and communication than we already know. Thanks for reading this week’s post! Feel free to post comments on your thoughts and be sure to check out the IMAX film “Born to be Wild”. I’ll be posting on this movie again next week, since it crossovers two fascinating stories. Oh! And by the way, ebullient means “cheerful and full of energy”. Until next week! 😉
A keeper stays with this young orphan all night:
Finally, the keeper tucks him in as he falls asleep. Sweet dreams!
