the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, also available on Facebook.
This animal orphanage is located on the edge of Nairobi nat’l park. The trust is mostly focused on rescuing young elephants, victims of poaching usually but human made wells can be deadly to mother elephants. We also spotted a bushbuck, some impalas and few warthogs which seem to enjoy the protection. Visits can be done to admire and get a closer contact with the young elephants. The staff explains a lot of interesting facts, usually gross and sad, but there is some hope as most of these elephants will eventually be released in a park.
here are the elephants coming from the forest for a few pints of milk ( not cow milk as they are extremely allergic), up to 40 pints each a day spread over a few “lunches”! Schoolchildren are amongst the many visitors for educational purposes.
that big bottle will be swallowed in no time.
grateful kid.
after the feeding time, it’s time to look for some tender loving care.
my hand…
…and Karine’s. I defy anybody with a normal brain to resist stroking such a beautiful animal.
some kids are initially concerned but not for long.
I guess this one liked my sun lotion. I played one minute with him! Precious moment. The tip is soft, warm…and hairy.
Karine, dreaming and wondering if it would be as cool and sweet as a hedgehog to care for.
So to stay more practical we just got involved in The Baby Elephant Foster Parent Programme. I’m now the “proud parent” of a 5 year old female named Tano, poaching victim. Karine fell for 3 babies.
A rhino is also taken care of because the staff doesn’t have the heart to get rid of him since he is born blind. Meet Maxwell, the blind rhino. At 5 years old he is still fed with milk. The staff again didn’t have the heart to deprive him.
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