Boomerang Carnets Adopts Orphaned African Elephant

The Elephant Not in the Room

Late last year, boomerang carnets COO, Leslie August visited the The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. This wildlife trust is the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.

This visit resulted in Boomerang Carnets’ fostering of Mukkoka, an adorable one-year-old baby elephant who had recently been orphaned. Mukkoka is a true survivor who wandered alone for several days before being rescued in Kenya and eventually flown to the Nairobi Nursery within the Nairobi National Park.

After a few days of rehab, it was time to introduce him to the other members of the elephant family. He was warmly received with lots of love and attention. The other elephants guided him out to the forest so that he could meet the other nursery occupants, who in turn surrounded him and extended their trunks in a gesture of welcome.

The most recent Nursery Diary reports that Mukkoka has developed a bit of a naughty side—he sometimes picks on other elephants, including a new arrival to the sanctuary. But despite Mukkoka’s antics, he seems to be adapting well to life in the sanctuary.

Rest assured that Mukkoka’s caretakers allow the elephants to teach the other elephants about how to behave properly. Ultimately, it’s the older elephants that correct the negative behavior. All of this is part of preparing the elephants for their eventual re-entry into the wild.

Mukkoka will probably be a resident of the trust for an additional 10 years as he prepares for his eventual release.

Boomerang carnets is fostering Mukkoka because we believe in stewardship and the important work of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Witnessing the commitment of caretakers and the wellbeing of elephants and other animals moved Leslie. "Adopting an orphaned baby elephant is one small way boomerang carnets can support the important work the Trust is doing to protect these vulnerable animals which otherwise would perish. Seeing the caretakers and trainers in action was a big motivator since their heartfelt commitment to the elephants and rhinos is demonstrable and compelling," commented Leslie August.

To donate or foster an orphaned elephant or to learn more about this conservation effort go here.

Sources:

https://www.thedodo.com/in-the-wild/elephants-hug-orphaned-calf-kenya

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org

https://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/keepers-diaries/april-2019/nursery-unit

https://www.atacarnet.com/Boomerang-Carnets-Foster-Orphaned-African-Elephant-Mukkoka