In a heartwarming tale that reaffirms the power of compassion and companionship, a rescued baby elephant and giraffe have forged an extraordinary bond at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage in Nairobi.
The story begins with the arrival of Kiko, a one-month-old giraffe, who was found helpless and alone in the Nairobi National Park. Due to his tender age, Kiko was too small to sleep in the giraffe stables and was instead housed next to the elephant calves. Little did he know, this twist of fate would lead to an inseparable friendship with Loboito, a boisterous three-week-old elephant calf rescued from Samburu.
After being rescued, the pair were housed next to each other as Kiko was too small to sleep in the giraffe stables
Despite their differences in size and species, Kiko and Loboito quickly became playmates, spending their days frolicking and exploring the orphanage grounds. Heartwarming footage captured in October depicts the small giraffe bounding about with enthusiasm while his elephant friend struggles to keep pace, trotting eagerly behind.
Wait for me: Loboito the elephant can be seen struggling to keep up when trotting behind his leggy friend
The bond between the two orphans is not only adorable but also crucial for their survival. Both Kiko and Loboito are still solely reliant on their mother’s milk and would not have survived in the wild if left alone. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the rescue team and caretakers at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, these adorable friends are given a new chance at life.
According to the wildlife trust, the tiny elephant loves nothing more than to spend time under the long legs of his buddy
Second chance: The keepers are surrogate parents for the orphaned animals, who have all had a sad start to life
According to Rob Brandford, Executive Director of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (UK), the pair receives round-the-clock care from their surrogate human parents. “Our dedicated team of keepers substitute for the orphans’ families and are with the babies 24 hours a day – even sleeping alongside them in their stable at night,” says Brandford.
Kiko pictured being rescued after being found abandoned in Kenya’s Meru National Park in September
Playmates: Kiko the baby giraffe goes for a stroll with some of his new friends who are wearing coloured coats
The heartwarming story of Kiko and Loboito serves as a beacon of hope in a world where wildlife faces numerous threats, including poaching and habitat loss. Despite the challenges, the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust remains committed to providing a safe haven for orphaned animals and nurturing friendships that transcend species boundaries.
Tall order: The clip shows Kiko being given a drink by keepers, although the pair are still bottle-fed, staff note they will soon require a ladder to reach the growing giraffe
Playtime: The animals queue up to be fed and played with by one of the keepers in the trust
Sad start to life: Kiko was rescued after being found abandoned in Kenya’s Meru National Park in September
Lobito enjoys getting to stretch his legs along with several other friends in his new home
Caring attention: One of the keepers gives Kiko some love and affection at the wildlife trust
As Kiko and Loboito continue to grow under the watchful eyes of their caregivers, their unlikely friendship reminds us that love knows no bounds, and kindness can bridge even the most unexpected divides. In a world often plagued by division and conflict, the enduring bond between a baby elephant and giraffe is a powerful reminder of the beauty of friendship and the importance of compassion towards all living beings.