Abandoned Baby Elephant Rescued from Well Gets an Airplane Ride to Her New Home
Her name is Korbessa, named after the region, where she was found stuck in a well. The tiny days old calf fondly called “little frog” might have been timid and shy, but she is growing to be a bossy little madam, and the cleverest of all elephants rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. Korbessa is now being regarded as a potential matriarch among rescued herds in the SWT sanctuary, a role that she will no doubt fulfil as expected. This is the heart-warming story of Korbessa.
The Night It All Began
Rangers Make a Startling Discovery
Early the next morning, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers went to investigate the source of the noise and discovered a tiny elephant calf at the bottom of the well. The calf had fallen into the well, which posed a serious challenge due to its steep sides. At only a few days old, the baby elephant had no chance of escaping on her own. KWS rangers quickly jumped into the well and carefully lifted her out. They immediately contacted the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit for assistance, while keeping the calf nearby in hopes that her mother would return. Sadly, after several hours of waiting, there was no sign of the mother or any other elephants.
On Site Treatment and A Well-Deserved Rest
By the time the Vet Unit arrived, the tiny calf was in a state of extreme exhaustion, unable to relax from the stress of her ordeal. A vet treated her with fluids and glucose, helping to restore her energy. For the first time since her fall, the calf allowed herself to sleep deeply, giving her body a much-needed break. As she slept on a comfortable mattress, the team continued to monitor her condition, hoping for a reunion that would never come. Elephants shower intense affection on their babies, but they can be as ruthless too, especially when it concerns the survival of a herd. If the herd feels it is unable to rescue a member, even a calf in distress, it will simply move on.
An Airplane Ride to Kaluku Neonate Nursery
With no sign of the herd, the decision was made to transfer the calf to the Kaluku Neonate Nursery in Tsavo, a sanctuary dedicated to raising orphaned elephants. A rescue team flew in to escort her, and despite her fatigue, the little calf slept through the journey to Kinna airstrip. Upon arrival, she had to be gently awakened to board the airplane. The air journey must have been an incredible experience for the little baby who was curious throughout, even bonding well with her keeper. Throughout the plane journey, she curiously stared out the plane window, watching the landscape unfold beneath her. She often rested her small body between her keeper’s legs as they flew to safety.
Christened Korbessa, “Little Queen”
Raising a Neonate Elephant: Korbessa’s Challenges
Korbessa’s Playful Personality
Growing up, Korbessa was not your typical baby elephant. While female orphans tend to be serious and businesslike, she turned out a lively extrovert, eager to form close bonds with her Keepers. She loves attention and often tries to snuggle into her Keepers’ laps or tug at their mosquito nets for reassurance.
Her Famous Frog Pose
A Bright Future for Korbessa
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is Africa’s oldest wildlife trust, and a leading conservation organization dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife in the country. Do tell us what you think about Korbessa’s rescue, we would love to hear your opinion in the comments.