In the absence of a mother to provide comfort, this small orphan elephant has discovered a suitable alternative. Despite the fact that the large gray blanket placed in the African wilderness may not deceive anyone, it serves as the ideal surrogate mother for the scared and solitary baby elephant. To simulate a mother’s stomach during feeding, the tiny elephant needs to sense something at the end of its trunk. The oversized comfort blankets fulfill that need effectively.
At the renowned David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya, keepers hang up large grey blankets to provide comfort for orphaned elephants. This elephant orphanage, overseen by Daphne Sheldrick and her daughter Angela, welcomes new arrivals regularly, often following traumatic rescues. The baby elephants seek solace by snuggling up to the blankets and rubbing the end of their trunks against them, reminiscent of their interactions with their real mothers in the wild.
Angela Sheldrick explains, “When the elephants come to us, they are vulnerable due to the stress they have experienced. They have been separated from their herds, whether due to accidents, floods, or the loss of their mothers. This stress can make them susceptible to pneumonia and other gastric infections. Additionally, getting them to feed can be a challenge. This is where the blankets prove to be helpful.”
The baby elephants find comfort as they nestle against the blankets, rubbing the end of their trunks against the material, mimicking the interaction they would have with their real mothers in the wild.
Angela Sheldrick explains, “The elephants need to feel something on the end of their trunk, which would typically be their mother’s stomach, before they will feed. The grey blankets are hung up in the bush, and the elephants approach them, touching them with the sensitive tip of their trunks. This encourages them to feed.”
During the early months, the elephants rely on the blankets for comfort. As they grow, they transition to taking bottles in the bush and start to interact more with the herd naturally. The process of caring for the young orphans also involves the keepers sleeping with them at night, providing additional support and companionship.
With the support of over 10,000 foster parents worldwide, the elephants receive extensive help. Once the elephants reach 12 to 18 months of age, they are moved to rehabilitation centers in Tsavo East National Park, where they undergo further preparation before being released back into the wild.
Absolutely loving it: The incredible feeling of the elephant using its trunk to caress the blanket recreates the comforting embrace of its very own mother’s belly.
Embracing the magic: Experience the sheer delight as the elephant’s trunk delicately glides across the blanket, reminiscent of the tender touch of its mother’s nurturing stomach.
Unleashing pure bliss: Prepare to be captivated as the elephant’s trunk gently sweeps over the blanket, evoking the blissful memories of being cradled in its mother’s warm, loving embrace.
Indulge in pure joy: Surrender to the enchanting moment as the elephant’s trunk lovingly strokes the blanket, transporting you back to the serene comfort of its mother’s tender belly.
Nurturing their young: During the initial months, the elephants find solace in the blankets before transitioning to bottle feeding.
A remarkable legacy: In 1977, Daphne Sheldrick, who was honored with knighthood in London in 2006, established the orphanage as a tribute to her late husband David. Alongside her daughter Angela, they have lovingly raised over 70 orphan elephants.
Decades of dedication: Since the 1950s, David and Daphne have been devoted to assisting orphan elephants. Their orphanage stands as the only one of its kind worldwide, where elephants are not only cared for but also reintegrated into the wild.
Pioneering compassion: When Daphne first embarked on the journey of raising an orphaned elephant in the early 1970s, it was an unprecedented endeavor. Through years of perseverance and learning from trial and error, she has honed the milk formula and vital techniques necessary for nurturing newborn elephants.
A harmonious return: Angela emphasizes that the ultimate goal of their Orphans Project is to raise elephants in a way that ensures their psychological well-being, enabling them to be reintroduced to their rightful place in the wild.