Legend has it that elephants have impeccable memories, but this little calf may have just proven that theory wrong. This adorable baby elephant found himself in a bit of a pickle after getting separated from his herd. The mix-up happened when his family got mingled with the livestock of the Samburu community in the far-off Ndoto Mountains of Northern Kenya. In all the chaos, the young calf, who was only a few hours old, got flustered and ended up tagging along with the herders and their cows.
Getting a drink: Ndotto, the young elephant who wandered away from its herd after following some cattle, quenches its thirst from the caring staff at a specialized elephant sanctuary in Kenya.
Rescue Mission: Just 24 hours old, the baby elephant is carefully guided out of the helicopter by its caretakers, preparing it for essential specialized treatment.
Back on his feet: Caretakers provided the small elephant with a cozy blanket and assisted him in walking as he regained his strength. He had become separated from his family when he followed a group of cows into the mountains.
Arrival: Ndotto was flown to safety at the elephant nursery of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust via helicopter. Too young to know any better, with his fresh umbilical cord and pink ears, the tiny creature wandered off with the cattle. The Samburu community looked after the young elephant, still barely able to walk, until one of them embarked on a 24-hour trek down the mountainside to seek assistance. Due to the remote location, a helicopter had to be hired to transport the elephant to the secure haven of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s specialized nursery for orphaned baby elephants.
When the Samburu community found the animal among a group of cows, they cared for it for a day until assistance arrived.
Starting off on the right foot: With a weight not exceeding 50kg and a newly cut umbilical cord, carers assist Ndotto in standing on his own for the first time.
When the baby elephant is born, it will receive elephant plasma, which is essential for activating its immune system.
The baby elephant was just a toddler when it was discovered by farmers, still learning how to walk properly. The workers affectionately named it ‘Ndotto’ after the location where it was rescued. According to Rob Brandford, Director of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Ndotto weighed no more than 50Kg, making it easy for the Keepers to carry him in their arms before settling him in the stockades with special milk formula and a glucose drip. However, despite being cared for by the Samburu community, Ndotto was mistakenly fed cow’s milk, which could have been dangerous for him as elephants cannot tolerate this type of milk.
Getting used to his new environment, Ndotto, who was named after the place he was discovered, explores his surroundings at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
At a weight of only 50kg, the caregivers at the nursery had no trouble lifting the young elephant from the helicopter and transporting him to his new residence.
The animal will receive a special diet that includes elephant plasma to help it regain its strength. The team is committed to addressing any potential side effects and will provide constant care for the animal in the weeks, months, and years ahead. Shortly after birth, the animal will be given elephant plasma, which is crucial for boosting its immune system, especially if it hasn’t had the chance to nurse from its mother yet. Mr. Brandford emphasized that rescuing the animal comes with a significant financial burden, and ongoing care and support will be needed for little Ndotto until he is ready for reintegration. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please visit www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org.