Elephant visits her rescuers and brings them surprise [Video]

• In 1999, a baby elephant was trapped in a waterhole.
• Her herd had no choice but to abandon her.
• She was rescued by one of Africa’s oldest wildlife organizations.

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In August 1999, a baby elephant was trapped in a drying waterhole.

Worse, her herd was compelled to forsake her, leaving the baby to fend for herself. She didn’t stand a chance on her own. Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) intervened, and she, like many other elephants they’ve rescued over the years, was given a second chance.

SWT is one of Africa’s oldest wildlife organizations, having been founded 45 years ago. They’re best known for their Orphans’ Project, which has been described as “the first and most successful elephant orphan rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.”  

They were delighted to accept the poor stranded baby, whom they named Icholta. She had some difficulties at first, especially when she gained her first molars, but her health improved with time, allowing her radiant personality to emerge.

Icholta shocked her keepers with her love of water and mud baths despite being abandoned in a drying waterhole. Her charming face and friendly demeanor also won them over!

Icholta was cared for with other orphans, several of whom were featured in Geri Ellis’ book “Wild Orphans.”

SWT caregivers develop attachments to the animals they care for, making the day they are ready to be released back into the wild heartbreaking. There is one bright spot: many of their elephants, notably their ex-orphan mothers, pay visits.

The SWT crew was overjoyed when Icholta returned with her two babies after a three-year absence! They were also accompanied by Kihari, an elephant they looked after who served as a valuable friend and nanny to Icholta and her young children.

The 6-year-old baby, Inca, was as joyful and healthy as ever. But there was a very special reason for the elephants’ visit: Icholta had just given birth and was eager to bring her baby to her “home” and the humans who nurtured her! They named this adorable little one Izzy, and she’s doing just as well as her older brother.

The best part was that they were joined at SWT by a couple more members of Icholta’s herd, making it a truly memorable reunion! Such a fantastic occurrence would be notable at any time, but it is especially important because it occurred in 2022.

On their website, SWT wrote:

“The birth of a baby elephant is always an auspicious occasion, but Izzy’s birth has special significance. She is the 45th known calf born to an orphan we rescued, raised, and reintegrated back into the wild — and the fact that we met her just as we began our 45th year feels fitting indeed.”

When Daphne Sheldrick created SWT in 1977, she realized that by rescuing just one elephant, thousands more would be given a chance to live. Her dream of doing so is still alive and well, 45 years later.

Source: Inspire More