I think we were all appalled and deeply saddened to learn about the deaths of so many pygmy elephants in Sabah recently.
But now, Joe, the surviving baby elephant is learning to have fun again, all thanks to his caretakers who are taking really good care of him. However, they are not sure if Joe would still die of a broken heart. It takes a lot of work and dedication to help Joe adjust to his new life.
This Chinese New Year, let us not forget that many lives out there who need our compassion and kind wishes. Let’s send all our best wishes to Joe and the other pygmy elephants out there, and wish them well.
I reproduce the write-up below from a forwarded email which I’ve just received. My apologies to the photographer for being unable to seek his consent for the writing of this blogpost, but it is done with all good intentions.
Elephant My Friend.Keeper Augustin David is providing 24 hour care for the pygmy elephant. Joe’s mother was one of 14 elephants to die of mysterious poisoning.But to a young orphan called Joe, this 29-year-old nature reserve keeper has become the next best thing.The three-month-old pygmy elephant was pictured last week nuzzling his lifeless mother in a desperate attempt to revive her. The beautiful bond between Joe and his caretaker.
Bath time: Joe’s new keeper Augustin seems to be enjoying it, but the elephant isn’t so keen. Augustin said of the elephant that he ‘has clear likes and dislikes’.
Feeding: Keepers have found a special formula of milk which caters to Joe’s nutritional needs.
Then he was introduced to Augustin David. Now, in a remarkable bond between man and beast.
Like any parent, Augustin faces a gruelling schedule that requires feeding Joe every two hours, all through the night, with a particular mix of formula milk that the infant has a taste for.Playtime involves him running Joe around the compound at Lok Kawi zoo near Kota Kinabalu, which the little elephant loves; and persuading him to keep still for bathtime, which he loathes.
riendly: So far, Joe seems to be adapting fairly well to life among humans after his mother’s death.
Surrogate mum: Like any parent, Augustin faces a gruelling schedule that requires feeding Joe every two hours, all through the night, with a particular mix of formula milk that the infant has a taste for.
The baby elephant is being cared for at the animal’s wildlife rescue area.