Here’s a feel-good story to brighten your Friday up a little. Conservation and wildlife rehab group David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust pulled off a bumper rescue mission recently when its team came to the aid of a baby elephant – and managed to save two ostrich chicks in the process.
Image: David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The young ellie had somehow become separated from the rest of its herd in a remote area of Kenya’s Northern Frontier, and had fallen down a man-made well in a sandy riverbed. A rescue team was dispatched and found the youngster in distress and in need of some urgent medical care. But before the fragile patient could be airlifted to safety, some feathered co-passengers joined him on board – two orphaned ostrich chicks also in need of rescue.
DSWT has released an amazing video of the trio being transported to its elephant orphanage in Nairobi National Park. “All young elephants are extremely fragile, not least when they have experienced being separated from their mother,” DSWT explains.
In the video, the team can be seen treating the elephant en route, with the ostriches tucked in beside it (we like to think they’re trying to be supportive).
Staff at the orphanage say things are now looking good for the adorable trio. “All three are safe in the care of the DSWT and settling into their new home.”
And what’s a good rescue story without a few cute animal names? The rescued ellie has been dubbed ‘Wass’ (after the area where he was found), while his two feathered friends now go by the names ‘Pea’ and ‘Pod’. Judging by this photo, they all like to hang out together.
And just in case you thought this story couldn’t possibly get any cuter, take a look at what young Wass has to look forward as he spends the next few years growing up at the elephant orphanage. These ‘school’ excursions into the bush are a daily routine for the orphanage’s young residents to prepare them for life in the big wild world. Happy Friday!
