Elephants are some of the most gentle and intelligent creatures on this planet. From Africa to Asia, the elephant is a wonderful animal that has emotions and expresses them around people when given the chance. Unfortunately, they are also hunted by humans and need our help to survive poachers.
One newborn elephant needed serious help when it was found stumbling into a camp in Kenya.
In the remote Ndoto Mountains near Kenya’s North Frontier District, a baby elephant was found nearly dead. It was cold, terrified, and completely alone. The nomadic Samburu tribesman who live in the area were the ones who found the little creature. In such a remote and isolated area, it was almost a miracle.
The elephant had been separated from his mother soon after being born.
Almost immediately after being born, the elephant baby was separated and caught up in the Samburu livestock of the area. Soon, there was no sign of its mother and the elephant herd had disappeared. When the tribesman brought the baby into camp, they took care of the elephant for two days until help came. The baby was flown out by helicopter the following morning.
When the rescuers opened the helicopter doors, they were greeted by a sad little bundle that didn’t weigh more than 50 kgs.
Lifting the little elephant, they brought it off the helicopter and carried it into the rehab center. Slowly looking over the little one, they identified the areas that it needed help. Taking the bottle for the first time, the baby drank and drank, probably on the verge of starvation.
The rehab center was worried because the little elephant was fed cow’s milk by the tribesmen.
While the intentions were noble, there are elements in an elephant’s mother’s milk that are essential. One of those things is colostrum, a rich substance that has antibodies in it that comes with the first feeding from the mother. Without it, babies are more susceptible to disease.
Slowly, the little elephant began to recover.
While recovery is never an easy journey, this little guy had the fight in him. Born premature, he struggled to walk and eat well. His ears were still pink and he had a limp because he was emaciated and had never learned from an elephant. As time went on, however, the little guy got better. The park named him Ndotto and adopted him into the family.
Ndotto became a part of the herd after some time.
Not wanting to shock the elephant, they delayed his introduction into the full herd. Soon, however, they were able to get the little guy healthy and happy. He has a huge personality and is known as a mischievous and hilarious addition to the family.
Thanks to the help from the bushman and DSWT elephant nursery, Ndotto is able to grow up into the huge and gentle animal he was always meant to be.
From premature birth, abandonment, and isolation to a happy and health elephant, Ndotto has come a long way. Thankfully, there are some wonderful people in this world who have dedicated themselves to helping other creatures when they need it the most.
Check out the story of Ndotto below!
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