One-year-old Mukkoka was wandering by himself in the Tsavo East National Park in Kenya; neither his mother nor any other elephants were to be found. He was worn out, lonely, and afraid.
Fortunately, the calf was discovered by David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) rescuers just in time. DSWT saves and rehabilitates orphaned elephants. When they discovered Mukkoka’s lone footprints in the sand near the Tiva River, they were doing an aerial sweep of the region in a plane. Unfortunately, they were unable to locate his mother, and they have no idea what happened to her.
After leaving the baby elephant alone for a long time, the crew quickly picked him up and transported him to the orphanage where he received medical attention and much-needed milk.
His caregivers understood it was the ideal time to introduce him to the most beneficial medicine of all: friends, a few days later, when he was feeling a little better.
The other elephants flocked to the newborn elephant as soon as he was introduced, smothering him in affection. He was now a member of their family.
Rob Brandford, executive director of DSWT, told The Dodo that they “quickly encircled him and carried him out into the bush to meet the rest of the nursery herd.” The other infants extended their trunks in a friendly gesture to comfort and welcome Mukkoka as a new member of the family.
He will be recovering and learning all the ins and outs of being an elephant until then, with support from his loving adoptive family at every turn.
Brandford stated that “touch [is] a vital component of welcoming a new family member and making them feel protected.” This tender exchange greatly aids the orphans in overcoming their sense of loss.
