Former Orphan Elephant Introduces Her Baby to the Wildlife Sanctuary That Saved Her Life

Yatta, a once-orphaned elephant, recently brought her newborn calf to meet her former caretakers at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) in Kenya. The 18-year-old elephant, released back into the wild more than eight years ago, was rescued as an orphan by DSWT in 1999.

ADVERTISEMENT

Yatta grew up at the sanctuary, raised by human caretakers alongside other orphaned elephants. Eventually, she joined a herd of adult ex-orphans living in the wild.

Last month, Yatta returned to the sanctuary with her new calf, whom rescuers have named Yoyo. Yatta’s firstborn daughter, Yetu, accompanied her mother and new brother during the visit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch the video at the end.

Mother Elephant Brings Her Newborn Baby To Meet The People Who Saved Her Life 1
Yatta allows a caretaker to remove ticks from Yoyo’s ears. Source: DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

DSWT staff described Yatta as a “proud momma” who, in a display of trust and affection, brought her newborn to meet the people who saved her. Rob Brandford of DSWT remarked that although it is common for ex-orphans to return with their calves, each visit remains an extraordinary experience.

Brandford highlighted the significance of these visits, noting that elephants consider family to be everything. The former caretakers become a part of the elephants’ family. Yatta, now called a “miracle mum,” has given birth to two healthy calves fathered by wild-born elephants.

ADVERTISEMENT
Image 69
Yatta’s ex-orphan herd returning for a visit. Source: DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

DSWT was delighted to discover that two of Yatta’s adopted orphan “sisters” also gave birth to calves the same month. The sanctuary now celebrates a total of 28 wild-born babies. These new calves bring hope to DSWT, which rescues numerous orphaned and injured elephants each year, many of whom fall victim to poachers.

Image 70
Yatta’s new calf, Yoyo. Source: DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST

Yatta’s own mother was killed for her tusks when Yatta was just one month old. Workers nearby heard her cries and helped transport her to DSWT’s care. Yatta is now one of over 100 orphaned elephants successfully reintroduced to the wild by DSWT, which also employs a field team to protect wild habitats from poachers.

Mother Elephant Brings Her Newborn Baby To Meet The People Who Saved Her Life 2
Yoyo, the calf, walks alongside his mom, Yatta. Source: DAVID SHELDRICK WILDLIFE TRUST
ADVERTISEMENT

The caretakers at DSWT expressed their joy at witnessing the ex-orphan herds expand so naturally, calling it the greatest gift and a testament to the success of the Orphans Project.

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch a video of the three new calves below:


Via: The Dodo

ADVERTISEMENT

Canidae Pet Food Reviews: An In-Depth Look

Choosing the right pet food is crucial for the health and well-being of our furry friends. In this blog post, we'll delve deep into Canidae pet food, a popular choice among pet owners, and provide an in-depth review based on various sources.

Canidae is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, offering a range of products designed to cater to pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

Product Range:

  • Canidae All-Life Stages (Dry): This vet-formulated product suits dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It's available in both dry and wet formulas.
  •  Canidae Pure: A limited-ingredient diet crafted for dogs with food sensitivities. Each recipe typically includes 7 to 10 ingredients.

Key Ingredients

The Canidae All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula, which represents the brand's product line, contains ingredients like chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, peas, oatmeal, and barley. Chicken meal, the primary ingredient, is a meat concentrate with nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

Recalls and Safety

Canidae has had recalls in the past. It's essential to stay updated with the brand's recall history to ensure your pet's safety.

Customer Reviews

The Canidae Dog Food product line has earned an overall rating of 4.5 stars from The Dog Food Advisor. The Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food has received the Advisor's second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: High protein content, suitable for all life stages, contains beneficial ingredients like flaxseed and taurine.
  •  Cons: It contains some controversial ingredients, and not all minerals are chelated, which might affect absorption.

Conclusion

Canidae All Life Stages is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that uses a notable amount of named meat meals as its primary source of animal protein. With an above-average protein content and a profile suggesting a significant amount of meat, it comes highly recommended for pet owners.