Elephants are distinguished by a very high degree of socialization and amazing mutual assistance. That is why this situation was exceptional when the herd abandoned the baby.
Ellie was very young, only two weeks old, and suddenly she was found in one of the reserves in southern Africa. The baby was very sick and, apparently, the herd could no longer “pull” her.
Ellie was quickly taken to the vet, who discovered she had a hernia. In the wild, she wouldn’t have had any chance of surviving because there was already a wound around the navel, where the infection had entered. But the experts decidedn’t to give up and began to treat the baby.
The animal refused milk and the staff had to cook him a special dish of rice and coconut oil. After a while, the baby elephant got stronger and had a very good appetite.
But physical recovery didn’t mean emotional recovery. Ellie remained sad and distant and without support it was very difficult to survive. She refused to be friends with people.
And one of the employees offered Duma as a companion and nanny. it was an old shepherd who served as a border guard, but was already retired. Duma was very friendly to animals of all kinds.
And this offer was the best! Ellie, at first with humility, and then more and more boldly, began to communicate with Duma. The dog was also delighted with the role of a mentor. But then another problem arose.
The baby elephant developed extensive sepsis, incompatible with life. He was gone that same night. But before leaving, he at least knew love and friendship.
