From Straying To Safety: Baby Elephant Rescued After Mingling With Cattle
In a story that challenges the saying of elephants never forgetting, a young elephant found himself in a perplexing situation when he strayed from his herd.
This confused calf and his family became entangled with the livestock owned by the Samburu community in the remote Ndoto Mountains of Northern Kenya.
Thirsty work: Ndotto the elephant, who got separated from its family when it followed some cattle, takes a drink from carers at a specialist elephant orphanage in Kenya
Amidst the ensuing alarm, the tiny elephant, who was mere hours old, became disoriented and wandered away alongside the herders and cows.
Despite his fresh umbilical cord and pink ears, his innocence led him to trot off in the company of the cattle.
Rescue: Barely a day old, the baby elephant is eased out of the helicopter by carers before undergoing specialist care
Due to the isolated location, a helicopter was requisitioned to transport the young animal to the secure sanctuary of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s elephant nursery.
This facility specializes in providing care for orphaned baby elephants. The staff at the sanctuary are dedicated to ensuring the well-being of the calf, with plans to address any potential side effects as he continues to grow over the weeks, months, and, hopefully, years ahead.
As a newborn, he will receive crucial elephant plasma to stimulate his immune system, which is particularly vital if he hasn’t consumed his mother’s milk.
Reflecting on the situation, Mr. Brandford emphasized the significant financial investment required for rescue missions.
Back on his feet: Carers gave the tiny elephant a warm blanket and helped him support his body as he walked around. He had got separated from his family after following a herd of cattle in the mountainsUntil the calf, named Ndotto, can be reintegrated, he will depend on ongoing full-time care and support.
Touch down: Ndotto was helicoptered to safety of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust elephant nurseryAfter being discovered among a herd of cattle, members of the Samburu community looked after the animal for 24-hours while help was on its wayBest foot forward: Weighing no more than 50kg and with a fresh umbilical cord, Ndotto is helped to his feet by carersAs a new born, the youngster will be given elephant plasma which is vital to trigger his immune systemThe elephant was so young when it was found by farmers that it had barely mastered the ability to walkBedding in: Ndotto, named after the mountain range where he was found, takes a look around his new surroundings at the David Sheldrick Wildlife TrustWeighing in at just 50kg, it was easy for carers at the nursery to carry the young elephant from the helicopter to his new homeThe animal will be given a special diet including elephant plasma to build up its strength
