An orphaned baby elephant named Ellie found an unexpected companion in a dog named Duma at the Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage in South Africa.
Ellie, abandoned by the elephants for unknown reasons, is placed in an orphanage, where his relationship with Duma is supporting his recovery.
According to 
Karen Trendler, a rehabilitation specialist, Duma’s presence had a profound impact on Ellie’s health.
Initially weak and disinterested in life, Ellie appears happy when meeting Duma, showing renewed interest and energy.
Ms Trendler said when they found Ellie he had an abscess on his belly button area which meant it was effectively open.
She said: ‘It was very infected and there was a direct connection into his blood supply. In 99 per cent of cases an umbilical abscess of that nature is fatal.
Karen Trendler, pictured, said Ellie is intolerant to all forms of milk which has made feeding him very difficult
‘Against all the odds this little elephant is still with us.’
Despite facing health challenges, including a serious abscess, Ellie defied the odds with the orphanage’s innovative care and feeding solutions.
Staff at the orphanage are now working to reintegrate Ellie into a new herd of elephants, hoping to secure his future with fellow elephants.