Amidst the unforgiving drought in Kenya, a heartening incident unfolded on October 19, defying the challenges faced by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) and Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The Mount Kenya Vet Unit responded to distressing reports of a collapsed baby elephant abandoned by its herd.
Upon arrival, the team discovered the unresponsive calf under the scorching sun, prompting immediate intervention.
Despite the late hour and the closing window for a rescue operation, the team administered drips and provided shade for the ailing calf, preparing for a long night of vigilant monitoring.
Suddenly, a majestic adult elephant emerged from the undergrowth. In a miraculous twist, the calf’s mother had returned, displeased to find her baby surrounded by humans.
Taking cover, the team watched as the mother rushed to her calf’s side, accompanied by a sub-adult, likely the older sibling.
The well-timed intervention had worked wonders—the calf, revived by glucose and rehydration drips, began to stir.
The young elephant rose to her feet with gentle encouragement from her mother.
The reunited family, consisting of the mother, older sibling, and the once-collapsed calf, walked back into the wilderness together.
The SWT and KWS teams, accustomed to witnessing the restorative power of drips, noted the uniqueness of this reunion.
Typically, mothers sadly abandon their collapsed calves, missing the miraculous recovery.
This time, the mother stayed behind, and Dr. Mijele of KWS remains optimistic that the drips played a pivotal role in giving the calf the kickstart she needed.
Displaying resilience and strength, the calf purposefully followed her mother.
While the teams stand ready to assist if circumstances change, for now, this little family has been granted a second chance—a testament to the extraordinary efforts made to save wildlife in the face of challenging environmental conditions.
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