Orphaned calf whose family was killed by lightning is taken under the wing of older elephants
Stay with us little one! Adorable orphaned calf whose entire family was killed by lightning is taken under the wing of friendly older elephants
- Eliot was rescued on Christmas Day and brought to a sanctuary at three days old.
- His new friends Kadiki and Beatrix were also orphaned and escaped death.
Orphaned after lightning killed his parent’s herd, baby African elephant Eliot had a traumatic start to life.
But ever since he was rescued on Christmas Day and brought to a sanctuary at just three days old, two friendly older elephants have helped him through tough times.
Like Eliot, his new playmates Kadiki, three, and Beatrix, one, were also orphaned, narrowly escaping death.
Kadiki survived deep injuries after being attacked by a lion at just one day old, while Beatrix was rescued after becoming trapped in a ravine.
Eliot the baby elephant (right) pictured with Beatrix (left) and Kadiki (center); all three are orphans
Like Eliot, his new playmates Kadiki, three, and Beatrix, one, were also orphaned, narrowly escaping death.
Since being rescued on Christmas Day and brought to a sanctuary at just three days old, Eliot has been helped through tough times by two friendly older elephants.
When Beatriz arrived at the sanctuary, Kadiki assumed the role of mother. Images of Kadiki gently wrapping a reassuring trunk around Beatrix captured the hearts of Mail readers last year.
Now they are passing on their love to three-month-old Eliot. The three live in the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery near the capital, Harare. Animal advocate Roxy Danckwerts, whose Wild is Life charity runs the site, said: “The other two immediately comforted Eliot because they had been through it.” The intensity of emotion and care is extraordinary.’
Academic research has revealed that elephants often have “very strong social ties” within family groups.
Once all three are strong enough, the nursery hopes to move them to a reserve near Victoria Falls, which is safe from poachers, to blend in with the wild elephant herds.