An orphaned baby African elephant named Eliot, whose parents’ herd was killed by lightning strikes has found comfort in the company of two friendly older elephants in a sanctuary.
Eliot was rescued on Christmas Day at just three days old and has been under the care of animal campaigners ever since.
Kadiki, aged three, and Beatrix, one, are Eliot’s new playmates who were also orphaned and had traumatic experiences in their early lives.
Eliot, the baby elephant (right), pictured with Beatrix (left) and Kadiki (center) – all three are orphans. Source: Daily Mail
Like Eliot, his new playmates Kadiki, aged three, and Beatrix, one, were also orphaned and narrowly escaped death. Source: Daily Mail
Since being rescued on Christmas Day and taken to a sanctuary aged just three days old, Eliot has been helped through the tough times – by two friendly older elephants. Source: Daily Mail
Kadiki took on the role of a mother to Beatrix when the latter arrived at the sanctuary. Pictures of Kadiki gently wrapping her trunk around Beatrix, providing reassurance and comfort, won the hearts of readers last year.
Now, the two elephants have taken Eliot under their wing, comforting him through his tough times as they have experienced it too.
The Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery, located near Harare, is where all three elephants live under the care of Roxy Danckwerts’ charity, Wild is Life. She said, “The other two immediately comforted Eliot because they’ve been through it. The intensity of the emotion and care is extraordinary.”
Elephants are known to have strong social bonds within family groups, as per academic research. The sanctuary hopes to move the three elephants to a reserve near Victoria Falls, which is safe from poachers, once they are strong enough to integrate with wild elephant herds.
The story of Eliot and his older elephant friends is a reminder of the compassion that animals are capable of and how they can provide comfort and love to those in need.
