Rescued elephant calf finds family with keepers in Kenya

In Tsavo East National Park, Kenya, park rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service rescued a days-old elephant calf after she became separated from her mother.

Tourists first spotted the young elephant alone, and provided the location to authorities. Trevor, a manager with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, led a team that found the calf hiding within a herd of zebras for protection. Wildlife officials believe a lion hunt had frightened the calf’s family, causing the separation.

The tiny elephant faced danger from predators during the night, but the team successfully located her. They transported the calf to the Kaluku Field Headquarters and Neonate Nursery, naming her Wangalla after the area where she was found. At the nursery, Wangalla bonded closely with Misheck, an experienced elephant keeper who has worked with the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust since 1998. Misheck dedicated five months to caring for Wangalla, refusing to take time off to ensure she received constant attention.

Now ten months old, Wangalla plays with other animals at the sanctuary and interacts with the older elephants, preparing for her eventual return to the wild.