The multi-group rescue was made possible by a tourist who reported the lost calf
NEED TO KNOW
- A baby elephant in Kenya was rescued after being separated from his herd during a river crossing
- Rescuers used fresh elephant dung to help his family accept the calf back
- The rescue involved multiple conservation groups and highlighted the dangers young elephants face when separated from their herds
A 2-month-old elephant calf that was swept away from his family during a river crossing in Kenya has been reunited with his herd, and the rescue required some creative problem-solving.
Conservation group Save the Elephants shared the story on Instagram on Monday, May 18, explaining that the male calf, part of a herd known as "The Virtues," became separated from his family while crossing the swollen Ewaso Nyiro River, near Larsens. He was alone for more than three hours before rescuers were able to bring him home, a dangerously long time for a calf so young.
Credit: @savetheelephantskenya
It was a group of tourists who first noticed the baby elephant alone and raised the alarm. The rescue that followed became a joint effort between Save the Elephants, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and rangers from Samburu National Reserve. The team caught the calf and transported him to Buffalo Springs National Reserve, roughly three hours away, to attempt the reunion.
To help the herd accept the calf after his time away, rescuers coated him in fresh elephant dung to mask any unfamiliar scents. The Virtues, as seen in the video, were cautious at first, but they ultimately welcomed him back.
"He was even seen nuzzling his mother and playing with the other calves," the group wrote in the caption. "Reuniting lost calves with their families in the wild is delicate and challenging work — and when it succeeds, it's magic."
Credit: @savetheelephantskenya
For elephant calves, separation from the herd can quickly become life-threatening. Young elephants depend on their mothers and family group for food, protection and survival, particularly in challenging terrain and near dangerous water crossings.
The outcome moved animal lovers on the platform.
"Inexperienced mother, big herd and they lost a little one. What a beautiful story…Beautifully done, kudos to all involved," one person wrote. "Thank you for the tourists for contacting the right people. Be well little elephant!" another added.
Save the Elephants also shared that a second rescued calf, who could not be reunited with his family, is currently receiving expert care and will eventually be rewilded.
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