Orphaned calf found trailing a bull elephant gets a home at Nairobi nursery
A calf now named Talek had been following tour vehicles near Balloon Crossing in Kenya's Mara before a veterinary unit could reach her, and she vanished before anyone could confirm she was an orphan. On 26 June 2023 she reappeared in the Talek area, this time trailing a bull elephant for protection. The bull offered protection but not milk, so wardens authorized a rescue and the calf was driven to Keekorok Airstrip for a flight to the Sheldrick nursery in Nairobi. Keepers describe her as an "independent girl", though she has settled into a sibling-style bond with Pardamat, a calf rescued from the Mara a few weeks after her.
Talek's rescue shows the order wildlife teams follow. They track an elephant calf and confirm she is an orphan before they step in. Then they give her the milk and care a wild companion could not.
Source: Talek (sheldrickwildlifetrust.org).
Written by the HappyGood desk from the primary source linked above and checked against it. Every story links its source. Corrections: [email protected].
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