A pair of orphaned baby elephants have found solace in each other’s company after being rescued by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT).
Ashaka and Kamok, both named after regions in Kenya, were discovered separately in the wild after being left behind by their mothers a year prior.
They were taken in by DSWT, located on the outskirts of Nairobi, where they have since become inseparable companions.
The energetic duo now spends their days frolicking in the mud, chasing warthogs, and playfully knocking over bushes.
Ashaka (left) and Kamok (right) were rescued by rangers and taken to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi National Park in Kenya a year ago. Source: Daily Mail
The animals have developed a close friendship after being integrated into the herd of orphaned elephants also rescued in the wild by rangers. Source: Daily Mail
Kamok was only a day old when she was deserted by her mother and her herd. Her weakened limbs rendered her unable to walk properly, and she stumbled frightened and alone into a camp at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Rangers found her and began bottle-feeding her. Ashaka, on the other hand, was discovered at the bottom of a deep waterhole three weeks after her birth. She had alerted Kenyan Wildlife Service rangers at Tsavo East with her cries of distress.
Both elephants were flown to the Trust’s nursery in Nairobi National Park, where they joined the foster program.
Rob Brandford, UK director of the DSWT, explained the significance of the bonds formed between elephants: “The other elephants become their lost herd and family, with many choosing their own best friends. These bonds will last a lifetime.”
He continued, “Kamok and Ashaka were rescued within months of one another, and as both are girls in the original infant group, they have settled into nursery life in the knowledge that in each other, they have a playmate and friend.”
Cozying up: The elephants rub their heads together at the park in Nairobi. Source: Daily Mail
The animals join other orphans for a walk with two rangers at the Trust. Source: Daily Mail
When orphaned animals are taken in by rangers or conservationists, they form fast attachments with other creatures after losing their herds. Source: Daily Mail
The baby elephant rolls around in the mud to cool down as visitors at the Nairobi National Park watch on. Ashaka and Kamok are part of the Trust’s fostering program. Source: Daily Mail
One of the young animals gets a mud bath from a ranger who uses a heavy shovel to coat their dried skin with damp, wet mud as temperatures soar. Source: Daily Mail
Rangers use a special formula of milk to feed the elephants when they are babies. Eventually, they will be released back into the wild to integrate with herds. Source: Daily Mail
Founded in 1977 by Dame Daphne Sheldrick in memory of her late husband, DSWT primarily focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned elephants.
The Trust has cared for over 150 elephants for nearly 40 years, reintegrating them back into the wild when they are ready.
Additionally, the Trust supports the conservation of endangered elephants, black rhinos, and even a baby giraffe named Zili.
