In the USA, elephant sightings are restricted to zoos. This is a relief, as even though it is claimed – but not proved – that elephants consider humans cute, we could all do without being trampled by a clumsy herd of the world’s largest land animals.
The African Elephant is a common sight in Kenya, though. Sadly, the population of this animal tends to fluctuate wildly. Elephants are still hunted and killed by unscrupulous humans seeking to profit from the ivory trade.
This leaves many baby elephants orphaned and helpless. Thankfully, facilities like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust exist to keep them safe from harm.
Of course, part of the care and rehabilitation of these animals is feeding. Baby elephants that cannot obtain milk from their mothers need it from another source. Baby elephants are just as independent and free-spirited as human toddlers, though.
Watch this video for an insight into what we’re talking about. As you’ll see, Bondeni the elephant is determined to hold his own milk bottle with his trunk, thus feeding himself.
Let’s be clear here – this is not a sign that Bondeni is unhappy or mistreated in any way, or going hungry after being left to fend for himself. It’s just all part of the mischievous charm of these animals. A similar video, and one of our all-time favorites on the entire web, is this cheeky youngster sneaking an extra bottle of milk for himself when his keepers are not watching.
Alas, the elephants that enter the care of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust are often in a bad way. Bondeni was found roaming Nairobi alone with significant leg injuries. The team at the sanctuary took him in, aided in the healing of wounds, and fed him with milk every three hours. As you’ll see, Bondeni took this lifestyle pretty well!
Bondeni, like all the elephants in the care of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, will eventually be returned to the wilderness surrounding the Kenyan capital. This will not occur until the elephant is strong enough to flourish, though – these big-hearted helpers never abandon animals.
There is no denying that the Trust does amazing work and deserves our support. Hopefully, however, the team will eventually face less intake of animals injured or orphaned by unnecessary and unwelcome human interaction.
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