This Lonely Baby Elephant Needed Friendship And Found It In The Most Unlikely Place

In Africa, animals live at risk of being poached. Animal sanctuaries have been created to help deal with the repercussions of baby animals left orphaned by poachers. These orphaned animals are taken in by dedicated people who raise them back to health, with the goal of reintroducing them into the wild. Sometimes, poaching is not the only reason animals are left orphaned. If an animal is too sick to survive, the herd often rejects them leaving them to fend for themselves.

Rhino Orphanage Makes An Exception

A Rhino orphanage in Zululand, South Africa accustomed to only taking in orphaned rhinos decided to make an exception to the rule and take in a baby elephant who had been rejected from his herd. His name was Ubuntu, but he became affectionately known as Ellie at the orphanage and around the world.

The Baby Elephant’s Failing Health

When the orphanage took Ellie in, he was in bad shape and was near death due to his health issues. He had a severe umbilical hernia and abscess, which was infected. In 99% of umbilical abscesses in Ellie’s condition, it is fatal for the animal. Since the umbilical area is the direct connection into the blood supply, it was a miracle that Ellie had even survived to two weeks old.

Severe Allergies And Milk Intolerance

Ellie also developed a severe food allergy and intolerance to virtually all types of milk. Various types of milk for newborn animals were brought in for Ellie from other orphanages, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, the shelter had success feeding Ellie after they developed their food mixture made up of a very well-cooked rice porridge with added proteins and minerals.

Ellie’s Health Beginning To Restore

Slowly but surely, Ellie began to stabilize with around the clock care for his infection and feeding. However, the most significant obstacle was still to come. Since elephants are social animals, being rejected from the herd left Ellie depressed. It was clear he was in need of friendship and social stimulation.

Overcoming The Mental Health Challenges

Ellie was lethargic and not showing interest in doing much due to his depression. It was psychologically challenging for Ellie to be alone, despite having human caretakers. They did their best to care for Ellie’s needs, but it was clear that their presence was not enough. Ellie just did not seem to have a reason to live anymore.