Not long after the birth of this baby elephant, he was abandoned by his own family. He was small, young, and alone, so this baby elephant was left with nobody to turn to. Out in the wild, elephants thrive most successfully when they are together as a group. When babies are left to fend for themselves, it can be dangerous and scary for them. However, this lone elephant was lucky enough to meet someone that would help him raise his chances of survival. Luckily, it was this unforeseeable bond that would end up saving his life. Keep reading to learn more about this incredible story.
This Baby Elephant Forged An Unlikely Bond That Will Blow You Away
A Calf On His Own
Wildlife rescuers based in South Africa discovered a sick baby elephant that was abandoned by a herd. They knew right away that the calf’s chances of surviving were not so great. The baby managed to survive on his own for days, although he needed to be given attention and care. The dedicated rescuers who discovered the infant would do everything they could to bring him back on his own two feet. Although they did not fail to give it their best shot, it was an unlikely relationship that made for the best possible medicine.
A Calf On His Own
Rejected And Deserted
It is a fact that he would grow up to be a more independent creature, although it would have been much better for the calf to be with his kind. Animal experts went and tried to reunite the baby African elephant with his herd in the Bonamanzi Game Reserve in Hluhluwe. However, the outcome surprised the rescuers. Tragically, the herd did not take kindly to the baby, so the little guy was left on his own yet again. At this point, the wildlife rescuers decided that the best thing to do was to take matters into their own hands. Although they hoped that thing would turn around, none of them expected what would unfold next in this story.
Rejected And Deserted
Receiving A New Name
At the time he was rescued, the baby elephant was only two weeks old. In August 2015, he was taken to the Thula Thula Private Game Reserve in Zululand, South Africa for rehabilitation. When he arrived at the custom-made sanctuary in the area, they named the elephant Ubuntu or Ellie. The baby elephant first had to undergo a series of assessments as soon as he got to the wildlife rehabilitation facility. It was during this process that veterinary experts found the most probably reason his herd decided to abandon him. What could it be?
Receiving A New Name
Fighting For Survival
It was fortunate that Ellie was discovered by rescuers at the time they did. By that point, he was already fighting for his survival. The baby elephant was battling a number of debilitating ailments, the worse of which had to be his infected umbilical hernia. There was a good chance that the calf would have met his end had he not received medical treatment in time. After all, the severe condition has been proven to be fatal to 99% of those who suffer it. Luckily, his human caretakers went above and beyond to help the poor little creature.
Fighting For Survival
Willing To Do Everything
A hard-working squad at the animal sanctuary basically worked around the clock to make sure they could nurse Ellie back to a healthy condition. The animal orphanage’s medical staff kept a close watch on the calf and provided all-around care. Aside from the possibly fatal infections Ellie suffered, he also had another life-threatening condition he needed to battle. The new concern would then make the sanctuary staff members reconsider if there was any hope for the baby elephant at all.
Willing To Do Everything
Getting Even Worse
Thanks to the severity of his condition, Ellie the elephant also developed an intolerance to the kind of milk they were feeding him. This made things even worse by putting his health on the line because he needed to improve his immune system and regain his strength. The staff members at the wildlife rehabilitation center tried to feed him different types of milk that they needed to specially order from Kenya and Zimbabwe. However, he did not seem to like these new options either, which resulted in a more critical situation.
Getting Even Worse
At Long Last
The African wildlife reserve staff members eventually managed to whip up a milk formula full of coconut oil, proteins, and important minerals. You can just imagine how relieved everyone felt when Ellie finally began to drink it! At long last, they found something that would fill the baby elephant up. As the calf started to ingest the food, he began to get stronger with each passing day. The situation looked brighter with his physical improvement, although it was not only physical ailments he had to contend with.
At Long Last
Down In The Dumps
“[The elephant] was particularly weak and particularly ill,” explained Karen Trendle, one of the rehabilitation and crisis response specialist who treated Ellie. She went on, “He wasn’t showing much interest in doing anything. He was very lethargic, very disinterested.” What could be the reason for the behavior Ellie was displaying? It is true that Ellie was improving in the physical sense and constantly showered with love, but the young elephant still felt downtrodden, lonely, and withdrawn. This was when the caretakers came to a realization that would break their hearts.
Down In The Dumps
Suffering From Emotional Trauma
It is no secret that elephants are highly social animals that rely on animals of their kind out in the wild. After experiencing something so traumatic early in life, Ellie appeared to be dealing with the psychological repercussions of his situation. The lonely African elephant was experiencing trouble adapting to a life without his herd. Although he was improving physically, his psychological state appeared to be in decline. The orphanage staff did not want to witness the elephant suffer some more, so they had to do something drastic that would change the life of the baby elephant under their care. What did they do?
Suffering From Emotional Trauma
Housing Many Species
Aside from baby elephants, Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Reserve where they took Ellie took in various kinds of animals. The game reserve primarily housed victims of poaching cases, particularly rhinos. You will also find leopards, hyenas, crocodiles, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo in there. Although the young elephant could have made many friends there, Ellie did not appear interested in socializing with the other orphans. However, everything changed when someone came along and formed an amazing bond with the baby African elephant. We bet you would not guess what kind of animal it was!
Housing Many Species
Introducing Duma
In the hopes of improving the mental well-being of the poor baby elephant, the wildlife rehabilitation center staff members tried to brighten his disposition by introducing him to Duma, an adult German Shephard who lived on the grounds of the rehabilitation center. He used to be a police dog and was well known among the staff for his attentive and caring nature toward creatures of all kinds. Knowing that Ellie was in a precarious condition, no one could have foreseen what was going to happen with this unlikely duo. After all, what are the odds that an elephant and a dog will get along just fine?
Introducing Duma
Hitting It Off
Everyone was both surprised and delighted to notice an immediate change in the way Ellie behaved. “We introduced Duma and the elephant in the sandpile, and it immediately cheered the elephant up,” said Karen Trendler, who was excited about this development. “And it also had a massive impact on the elephant in that he suddenly started getting a little bit of interest in life again,” she added. “And over the past few weeks they’ve been growing this relationship.” There was more to the story, however.
Hitting It Off
Reenergized By Friendship
At long last, the baby elephant found a reason to live and keep fighting. At the time, his physical condition was not yet in its optimal state, but his fatigue and depression appeared to completely dissolve as his friendship with his canine companion continued to flourish. It was clear to everyone that Ellie was doing better in the emotional sense of the word. The dog and elephant could be seen playing together and enjoying tender moments side by side. The elephant calf even looked like he was smiling whenever he and his playmate spent some time together! Although they were very different animals, Duma managed to win the heart of someone who had been previously experiencing a lot of trauma.
Reenergized By Friendship
Best Friends Forever
When it came to the relationship, the loving German Shepherd appeared to have slipped into a paternal figure to the baby elephant. “We have a hard time keeping Duma away from the elephant. He’s become incredibly protective,” a staff member at the orphanage said in reference to the dog. Everyone Ellie went, Duma followed. The retired service dog always kept an eye on his young companion. He also had a tendency to bring him some sticks or give him a nuzzle. There was no doubt that the two were enjoying the other’s presence. Aside from the emotional benefits, their incredible relationship also had a wonderful physical influence.
Best Friends Forever
An Amazing Friendship
“Against all odds, this little elephant is still with us,” Trendler said after watching the dog and elephant form a wonderful bond together. This was the first time they saw Ellie look happy and alive after he was taken to the reserve. It was the doing of Duma, without a doubt. They even caught their play time on video that showed the pair playing together with a lot of energy and telling body language. With the passage of time, their amazing relationship only continued to improve. When it comes to health, Ellie appeared to be getting better and better. His caregivers started to think about the future of this baby.
An Amazing Friendship
Safari Shelter Soulmates
In the beginning, the veterinarians and caretakers at the wildlife reserve wanted to release the baby once he regained his full strength. When he managed to do that, they wanted to introduce the elephant to a herd of wild animals or one of his fellow orphaned elephants. As more time passed, the experts at the wildlife shelter started to think about the other possible options for his future. After seeing him get along very well with Duma, they began reconsidering if their original plan was the best one for Ellie.
Safari Shelter Soulmates
No Need To Worry
It was all thanks to the impressive bond formed between the calf and the dog that the sanctuary staff felt no pressure to reintroduce Ellie into social situations. They no longer had to worry about releasing him into the wild before he could make a complete recovery. His caregivers initially wanted to reintroduce him to the wild in order for him to find animals from his own species and join a new herd. With the protection, care and security he got from his canine companion, this matter was no longer of urgent priority. Everything appeared to be going smoothly, which is why none of them expected the terrible surprise that suddenly came their way.
No Need To Worry
An Unexpected Development
His caretakers at the animal orphanage thought it was time to kick back and relax a little. After all, the calf looked like it would be fine both physically and emotionally at that point. However, all their dreams for the baby African elephant would soon be in a perilous situation. After spending several months at the rehabilitation sanctuary, his health started to decline on faith unfortunate day in January 2016. However, we are glad that they did not lose hope on the calf. His caregivers immediately asked for help from people who had the capacity to help.
An Unexpected Development
Cry For Help
This was the message Karen Trendler put up on social media accounts to ask for Ellie’s urgent assistance: “We need to get IV colloids bought thru for a collapsed elephant calf.” The staff at the sanctuary could not stand the idea of standing by idly while Ellie went through another hardship in life. Although his friendship with the dog boosted his overall health, his previous septicemia infection regressed and started spreading alarmingly. They knew that their elephant ward was in a precarious condition. At the time, they did not even know if he would make it through another night.
Cry For Help
Bad News
The kind people at the Thula Thula reserve were met with bad news. It only took a couple more days before their adorable elephant friend passed away. The end came for Ellie only five months after they took him to the animal orphanage. The reserve facility received a flood of condolences when they posted online about the terrible fate he met. The resilient little elephant underwent a lot of difficulties over the course of his short life. Ellie was best remembered for being a “brave and tough” fellow. However, the story did not end there.
Bad News
His Spirit Lives On
“Ellie has been returned to the wild buried in a special place at Thula where his spirit can roam with the herd,” the wildlife conservation organization announced in an emotional announcement. Although the staff members were affected by their loss, they knew that their efforts had not been fruitless. Despite this, many of them felt overwhelmed by “deep sadness and so many tears.” The only comfort they had was that Ellie found happiness in the presence of Duma. They knew that his legacy would live on. Duma was saddened by his loss, but he did not let this stop him from continuing on with his happiness in life. He even made a new friend…
His Spirit Lives On
Forever In Their Hearts
It was truly unfortunate that they had to bid Ellie goodbye when he was still so young. However, his fans and the people who cared for him will forever remember how he braved all the hardships life threw at him. He never failed to show kindness and love even when he faced terrible challenges. Moreover, his bond with Duma would never fail to warm the hearts of everyone who found about the story. With the passing of his companion, Duma felt down in the dumps. We are glad to report that his low morale did not last too long since the canine soon made a new friend.
Forever In Their Hearts
Meeting Someone Else
Without a doubt, Duma felt the void his companion had left in his heart. However, it did not take long before he befriended another little animal that needed some cheering up as well. Although Ellie could never be replaced, everyone was glad to find the German Shepard behaving more like himself once more. Once again, he showed that he was ready to show compassion as usual after the vets introduced him to another creature in need of companionship. This time, it was an orphaned infant rhinoceros!
Meeting Someone Else
A Similar Story
Duma the dog earned a reputation as something of an emotional support dog in the reserve. He ended up becoming the adoptive parent of other orphans at the Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage. After the sanctuary staff members noticed how amazing his presence had been for Ellie, they hoped he would do the same thing for Nandi, the baby rhino. Just like Ellie, this black rhino had no choice but to adjust to living at the wildlife preserve after a traumatic experience. Her mother was killed by poachers, and the animal conservationists found her. They took her to the orphanage right away, although it did not seem like she had an easy time transitioning from the wild.
A Similar Story
New Friendship Formed
Nandi is a black rhino, a species that has become endangered because of excessive poaching. Although concerns like this one were finally off the baby rhino’s mind when she got to meet her new friend Duma. It simply seems like Duma is an expert at making other animals feel better! The ever-playful dog approached the little rhino with plenty of energy and curiosity to go around. There was more. The German Shepherd also brought his new friend a stuffed animal in his mouth. Another beautiful thing followed this sweet moment.
New Friendship Formed
Games Of Frolicking
Duma brought the fluffy toy pup to Nandi as an offering. Tails began wagging and playtime ensued. The dog was a natural leader who led the way and showed his new rhino friend how to play an intra-species game. They picked everything up from there as they hopped and chased the day away. Nandi soon got the hang of the game she was taught, and the unlikely friendship blossomed between the two. The rhino eventually started to initiate their frolicking games! From that point on, these two creatures became inseparable. However, how do you think things would change when Nandi grows up?
Games Of Frolicking
Perceptive Friend
As they posted videos and photos of the dog and rhino together, the Internet noticed and turned the unlikely pair into a viral sensation. Viewers could simply not get enough of these two. However, some people also raised concerns about this friendship. The wildlife sanctuary housing the pair received a couple of inquiries about how the dynamic between them would change when Nandi is no longer a baby. However, the orphanage reassured them that Duma would know how to handle the situation as he was very skilled at sensing and adjusting to the moods of the rhino.
Perceptive Friend
A True Companion
“Fortunately Duma has been reared with rhino and worked with a much larger black rhino, he is exceptional at reading their behavior and seems to know when to get out of the way,” said the crew at the orphanage, “With the older rhino Duma would pick up that the rhino was going to charge even before we spotted the subtle changes.” We have all the evidence we need to say that Duma is talented at making friends and helping animals who felt down. His connection with Ellie and Nandi was certainly unique, but there are other animals out there who have formed incredible bonds with creatures from a different species. Keep reading to learn about another unlikely duo in the animal kingdom.
A True Companion
Same But Different
The next tale of adorable animal companionship we are about to tell is one about another elephant. However, this incredible story happened in another part of the globe. Unlike the story of Ellie and Duma, this one took place a continent away! Not unlike Ellie the elephant, Bubbles is another elephant who was born in Africa and suffered a terrible fate not long after she was born. Luckily, rescuers found her and she ended up creating a beautiful friendship with a certain puppy. Let us first warn you that you might feel #squadgoals envy as you read on!
Same But Different
From Africa To America
It was in 1983 that this elephant was saved by rescuers in Africa after poachers attacked her family and rendered her an orphan. Bubbles was one of the lucky ones who found a place to call home in the United States during the poaching epidemic spanning two decades from 1970 until 1989. The Myrtle Beach Safari in South California wanted to adopt her and take her to a secure place where the elephant could live calmly and freely. Bubbles had to cross the Atlantic Ocean for this, but no one could have foreseen what was about to come for this orphaned elephant calf.
From Africa To America
Growing Up In A Wildlife Park
When Bubbles arrived at the new facility in America, she was only 42 inches in height and 340 pounds in weight. This was considered to be “small and helpless for an elephant”. Away from her home and left with no biological family, her trainers were not sure how she would adjust to life in a place like the wildlife park. However, she made strides over the year and reached adulthood at 9 feet tall and 9,000 pounds. Thank god for puberty, right? Despite her huge size, Bubbles had no problems making friends with an adorable little puppy.
Growing Up In A Wildlife Park
Pool Of Friendship
To make Bubbles the Elephant feel more comfortable in her new home, the Myrtle Beach Safari made a pool where she could wade as much as she wanted. However, there was something other than the pool that the contractor would leave at the wildlife center. At the site, they abandoned the cutest black Labrador pup called Bella. She was left there without anyone to look after her. Back then, no one could have foreseen just how important the pool was going to be for these two animals who ended up calling the Myrtle Beach Safari their home.
Pool Of Friendship
Bella And Bubbles
Bubbles the elephant and Bella the puppy had some similarities together. They were both orphaned when they were very young, for one thing. It is a good thing they did not suffer loneliness for an extended period of time. With such similar backgrounds and social attitudes, they embarked on a friendship for the ages. They might have made an unusual pair, but this did not stop the black Lab and the African elephant from being each other’s family. However, no one predicted how big of a sensation the two would become!
Bella And Bubbles
Famous Friendship
The unusual duo immediately became a big hit with the visitors, both in the flesh as well as online. The two was regularly seen playing with each other in The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species in South California. The trainers at the park elaborated by saying, “The pool and eventually the [nearby] river presented these two the opportunity to interact in a way that developed a deep and lasting friendship.” People came just to witness the beautiful bond for themselves, although the pair’s reputation extended further than the space they were in.
Famous Friendship
A Love To Last
Apparently, Bubbles the elephant even made a name for himself as one of the most popular wild animals in the country! After all, he appeared in films like Dr. Dolittle and Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. However, her home life with Bella is nothing short of amazing. The pair could regularly be seen playing a specific game. Bubbles threw a ball using her trunk and then Bella jumps off her back and into the water to get it back. They both love water, although there is more to it than you would think.
A Love To Last
Friends Forever
Bubbles and Bella both seemed happy with their arrangement. Aside from playing together in the water, the black dog also liked to ride or climb on top of her friend. “They just love to romp around together,” a staff member at the safari said. There was no one who would have suspected this but looking at this dog and elephant duo will tell you just how comfortable the two animals are. It sure seems like they are now each other’s best friends. As you can see, companionship and kindness can make the world a much better place!
Friends Forever