Tags
africa, baby elephants, circus elephant, david sheldrick wildlife trust, dumbo, elephant orphanage, elephants, elephants in captivity, isiolo, kenya, poaching, the elephant sanctuary
I was never into Disney as a little girl. I found the characters too shrill and cloying, not to mention unfunny. Mickey and Minnie seemed to me like those camp counselors you had who thought that if you wrote down your negative feelings on a piece of paper and then threw it away, you would feel better. As a 6-year-old, I distinctly remember thinking, You can go can go to hell and drown in friendship bracelets, Mickey and Minnie.
Well, maybe not in so many words.
I was really more of a Danger Mouse, Mighty Mouse, and Bugs Bunny kid. However, there was one Disney character that touched me so deeply, ruined me so wholly, that the effects are still in place today. I refer to Dumbo, the big-eared elephant.
Dumbo was beyond cute. Dumbo’s story crushed my heart. I mean: guh. It was only much, much later that I was able to see the racism and sexism in the movie, to see it as flawed. But by then, the movie had instilled in me a deep sensitivity toward the world of elephants.
I love all animals. However, forgive me for playing favorites, but there are several things that make elephants exceptional. Namely:
- They live in strong matriarchal family units
- They are highly intelligent and social animals
- They mourn their dead, even years after
- They have excellent memories
- They use their trunks to “hug” one another
- Baby elephants are the cutest baby animals on the planet (NO CONTEST)
As an adult, I began to research the plight of elephants in captivity – in particular, those in circuses. I watched undercover videos of circus elephant training. (Please be forewarned; these videos are difficult to watch.) I read about the history of circuses and their current conditions. (This is a good overview.) I vowed never to visit another animal circus or take the children in my life to one of them.
Overwhelmed by the callousness and cruelty, and feeling powerless, I also researched ways I could help. To my surprise and delight, I learned about an “elephant rehabilitation” facility in Tennessee that takes in retired circus elephants and gives them a peaceful environment in which to live. The Elephant Sanctuary provides over 2,000 acres of land on which the elephants can roam. There are quite a few heartwarming stories of particular elephants that they’ve helped, but maybe one of the most amazing is the story of two circus elephant friends reunited after 20 years (you can watch it here: Part I and Part II.) One day, I hope to visit The Elephant Sanctuary and help beyond my measly donations.
Outside of the United States, elephants in Africa are killed for their ivory tusks. Poachers have claimed the lives of thousands of elephants since the 1970s, and it continues today. Poaching leaves many elephant orphans, in turn creating more death, as orphaned elephants rarely survive into adulthood without the help of their families.
This is how I came to foster a baby elephant.
***
In 2009, my husband and took the trip of a lifetime to Egypt and Kenya. Before we left for the trip, I researched elephant orphanages in the hope of being able to visit one and help in some way.
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, Kenya, is one of the best animal orphanages in the world, helping not only elephants, but orphaned rhinos and other animals as well. For a $50 donation, you can foster an orphan and receive updates on their care, photos, and other warm fuzzies from across the ocean. If you foster an elephant or rhino and happen to find yourself in Kenya, they have a special program where foster “parents” can visit the orphanage after hours and see the babies coming in for the day from the field, being fed, and readying themselves for sleep in their pens. I considered this not only the trip of a lifetime but an experience I had to have before I died.
I scanned the list of available orphans, and – of course – wanted to foster them all. I couldn’t afford it. So I settled on the baby that seemed to need the most help. His name was Isiolo, after the area where they found him.
Isiolo had fallen into an erosion gully – dehydrated, hungry, and scared. His herd might have been killed or decimated by poachers, and the remaining adult elephants, if any, likely could not rescue him once he fell in the gully, so they left him. (I’m not judging, but… damn). Samburu tribesmen found him and he was transferred to the good folks at the Sanctuary.
I wasn’t Isiolo’s only foster parent; anyone who happened to choose him when donating became his “foster parent.” But fostering him made me feel better about contributing to a solution even a world away. And I couldn’t wait to meet him.
The orphanage emailed a few days before we left to let me know that Isiolo was sick, and somewhat mysteriously so. I hoped that it was nothing beyond dehydration from being in a ditch for so long, that the care and attention he was receiving would cure him. Quickly. However, the orphanage warned me that he might not be as energetic as the other orphans. I understood, and it didn’t matter to me.
The day of our orphanage visit was bright and hot. Our trusty driver and guide, Hassan, knew the orphanage well and had even already met Isiolo on a previous visit. He said Isiolo was strong, would pull through. We arrived at 5:00 PM, just before the elephants and rhinos come in from the field with their dedicated, trained caretakers.
He was the first back from the field. He pranced in, ears flapping, somewhat slower than the rest, but still young and curious. Isiolo became shy when he saw us. He slowed down, reaching his trunk out to smell, feel. I followed him back to his pen, leaned over the gate with my arm down, hoping he would come to me. After he got his nightly milk bottle, he tried to suckle a gray blanket in his pen – hung there to resemble a mama elephant. He moved on from that, feeling his way around his pen, touching the walls, the floor. To me, finally. He felt my arm with his trunk, paused, looking up at me. Not to put too fine a point on it, but the moment tingled. I smiled down at him and whispered “hello.” Then, he lay down to sleep.
I consider meeting Isiolo the highlight of our trip – more than the horseback ride at sunrise to the pyramids, more than the visit to the Masai village, more than the pink flamingos of Lake Nakuru.
Going home to regular life was difficult. I considered changing jobs to become a large animal veterinarian, moving to Tennessee to see if I could get a job at The Elephant Sanctuary, signing up for an elephant rescue volunteering program in Sri Lanka. Africa had changed me. But like all trips, over time, it faded and I returned to a regular routine, remembering what it was that I liked about my own life.
I would get updates from the orphanage regarding Isiolo. He was still sick but getting by. I had hope.
Then, a few months after we returned, I received the following message:
“The night of Saturday 5th September 2009 turned into an unexpected tragedy in our Nairobi Nursery. Our precious little 5-month-old baby bull, Isiolo, suddenly, and most unexpectedly, died in his sleep. Isiolo had been struggling with mysterious ill health for many months, ever since he cut his first molars, and the cause baffled everyone, including the Vets that were called to come and look at him many times. There were no obvious symptoms to pinpoint the cause of his problems…The only obvious indication of things not right was the fact that he cried when getting up from a recumbent position suggesting that he felt pain in a joint, yet there was no obvious swelling, nor limping to indicate where the problem lay – “
I stopped reading.
I felt I had failed him. I know it makes no sense. I had nothing to do with his care beyond donating money. The orphanage had trained, dedicated caretakers and world-class veterinarians who kept a watchful eye on him, who cared about him as much, if not more, than I did.
He died in his sleep, the message said. A later autopsy revealed that he had a diseased liver that was twice its normal size and blue rather than red, enlarged lymph nodes indicating a chronic infection, and an Achilles tendon ripped from his right tarsal joint, which, according to the vet, would never have healed. Isiolo, in his short five months of life, had suffered the loss of his family and was in constant pain.
It was like I had met the real-life Dumbo. I was able to let him know, briefly, he was loved. In turn, he had let me.
***
At work, I have a coffee mug with the silhouette of an elephant on it. You might not think so, but I get asked about it a lot.
Why elephants? someone once asked me.
It’s too much to tell. What should I say about Isiolo and his suffering? Or the elephants in circuses who are prodded, kicked, tortured? Or the baby elephants in the orphanage who suckle gray blankets instead of their mothers, killed for their ivory? What can I say that will make this person my partner in helping to fight for them?
I just like them, I say. They’re interesting creatures. Then I smile.
****
To help elephants, consider:
- Not buying anything made of ivory
- Not patronizing animal circuses
- Donating to The Elephant Sanctuary
- Donating to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
- Educating yourself about their plight
Vickey Chapman said:
Erin I loved this story and feel exactly as you do. I have loved elephants since 1975 and collected everything elephant. I donate to the sanctuary in Tennessee and pray daily for elephants everywhere. They are a part of my karma, my path. I have considered retirement in Tennessee so that I could volunteer at the sanctuary. I will probably never get to Africa or India or Asia to see elephants, but who knows. I have friends who go to Thailand and bring me back pictures of them with elephants. That counts!
Erin KLG said:
So happy to know there are people out there like you, Vickey. Thank you for reading and commenting!
Jackie said:
Erin – I loved your post – it was incredibly touching and very well written. Once you visit the babies at the Nursery, it is impossible for your heart not to go out to them…I am also based in NYC and have been volunteering for DSWT for a few years (and help do donor development now for US Friends of DSWT) b/c I felt I had to do something other than donate. It is quite fulfilling although depressing to watch what is happening to these majestic and harmless creatures! Thank you for sharing this post out to everyone!
Erin KLG said:
Jackie, thank you so much! I would love to help with that if you need assistance. I can email you separately.
craig said:
Beautiful. Simply beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing.
Erin KLG said:
Thanks so much, Craig!
craig said:
My wife Kim and I are proud “parents” to Barsilinga and Solio, and for this past Christmas gave foster adoptions as gifts to our respective moms. Such amazing work they do. While our first two trips to Africa have been to focus on lion conservation, ellies hold a special place in our hearts and we’re hoping to visit Thailand later this year to volunteer at Elephant Nature Park (and possibly Boon Lotts Elephant Sanctuary), and hope also to pay a visit to DSWT and all the wonderful ellies there in 2014. We’re so happy to have found and be able to support DSWT, and everyone we’ve met who’ve done the same have never regretted the wonderful, wonderful experience it’s been for them.
Michele Highey said:
I felt as if I was reading my bio, up until you went to Africa. I ‘ve been waiting along time for that…I am currently planning my trip to see my little orphan Lemoyian. Thanks for sharing.
Erin KLG said:
It’s wonderful, Michele. You’ll love it. Wishing you a moving, magical experience!
Sandra said:
I came to your blog from the DSWT…. this is such a heartwarming and heartbreaking story. I am a foster parent to 6 baby elphants with the DSWT but I “lost” 3 ellies so I know how you felt. I cried. And then I cried some more. I never go to circuses, I donate to BLES, an elephant sanctuary in Thailand and I feel so much better becaues of it. When people ask me why… I explain the whole story and all the reasons. And I got some friends foster a baby elephant as well. I hope to one day meet my ellies in person.
Erin KLG said:
I hope you can meet them, too, Sandra. Good for you for fostering so many in need!
Harish said:
I’m crying here like I’ve lost my own child. No words. You’ve got a beautiful soul Erin. God bless.
Erin KLG said:
Oh, Harish. Thank you!
Andrea Speraw said:
Thank you so much for expressing exactly how I feel. It is utterly beautiful and touching. I too am an elephant “mom” now…I was given two baby adoptions as Christmas gifts this year– the best gifts I have ever received! Although I have not yet met “my babies” I am excited to think about meeting them in the near future. But beyond adopting and donating additional funds to DSWT I feel completely helpless. The situation is heartbreaking almost beyond words, however you have succeeded in capturing the horrible and tragic plight of the elephant — and the love some of us feel for them. Thank you.
Erin KLG said:
I’ve learned that you do what you can do, however small, and educate the rest. Thank you, Andrea!
theanimalspirits said:
Blessings on you, on those who on the front lines are caring for the orphaned animals and Blessings on Isiolo. Although his spirit has crossed to the ‘nother places, he remains a mighty ambassador for elephants. Your touch made a difference to him. Your words make a continual difference for the animal spirits. Thanks for the beautiful post. Will post a link on our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/TheAnimalSpirits
~Gerean Pflug, The Animal Spirits
Erin KLG said:
How kind of you! Thank you for everything you do for elephants
pandahugger said:
Erin – I loved your story so much – I felt like I was reading about my exact same experience! I too went to Kenya on a lifelong-dream trip and a random taxi driver took me to the Sheldrick Trust. I met all the orphans at mud-bath hour and was hooked. Upon returning home I immediately fostered little Galdessa and returned to Kenya later that year (2007) to see her after-hours and put her to bed, just as you did with Isiolo. And sadly, like you, a few months later I received an email letting me know that little Galdessa had passed away. I feel the loss to this day. But as you said, we all do what we can and try and encourage others to help these little angels and all other elephants that are being harmed or mistreated.
Thank you so much for sharing!
Melissa T. – Los Angeles, CA
Erin KLG said:
Thank you for sharing your story, Melissa! I’m so sorry about Galdessa and your loss. I’m encouraged that there are people like you in the world who care for elephants as much as I do.
Kelly said:
I love this. Every Christmas, I buy something for the “girls” at the Elephant Sanctuary off their wish list. It is the highlight of my holiday, and I only wish my family were more charitable so they would not ignore my request for donations as gifts and buy me useless crap instead. I too have always been moved by elephants. I love all animals, but their sensitivity has always spoken to me. I’m so envious of your trip to Africa, and am sad to hear of your little guy’s passing, but glad for the time you knew each other.
Erin KLG said:
Thank you so much, Kelly. Kudos to you for your charitable donations every year!
Marc Smith said:
Your story has touched me very deeply. I must foster an animal and a visit to Kenya is firmly on my bucket list. Bless you Erin.
Erin KLG said:
Oh, I’m so glad! Thank you for reading, Marc.
Susanne said:
Erin – your story really touched my heart. Even if I come from Germany it is not always easy to understand every word. But I know what you want to say and feel/felt. My first fostered elephant died too. It broke my heart as I reat that he died due to a broken heart and was so sad. He just gave up. I am now fostering Faraja and I have never found an organisation like DSWS that works the way they do. I hope Faraja and all the others will make it and will hopefully live in a better Elephant-Africa someday.
Best regards Susanne
Erin KLG said:
Oh, Susanne, I’m so sorry for your loss. Thank you for reading, and for everything you do for elephants.
Aruna said:
Erin, This is a very moving story..I am a foster parent of three baby eles as well..Thank you for sharing and for being an inspiration..
Erin KLG said:
Thank you for reading, Aruna. And thank you for fostering three babies!
Lorraine Guptill said:
Beautiful but heartbreaking story. I am so happy that you had the chance to visit your baby. My first foster Nyika died they felt from a broken heart I was so heartbroken over his loss. I have two fosters Barsilinga and Faraja. I plan to watch them grow up from a far I doubt I will ever get the opportunity that you did. Thank you for being the caring compassionate being that you are and sharing your story.
Erin KLG said:
Thank YOU, Lorraine, for reading, and for sharing your heart with the elephants!
Kathy H. said:
My first foster, Nchan, also passed and I was beyond sad! It just deepens your love for them and their plight. Now I sponsor Kalama who is at Ithumba. I got to see her in the Born to be Wild film! Someday I’ll visit DSWT. I try as well to share the story of the elephants whenever I can. And I agree with you about Dumbo. Totally heart-wrenching!
Erin KLG said:
Thank you for sharing their stories, Kathy. I’m so glad people like you are in the world.
Veronique said:
On january 2009 I discovered the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and decided then that I too wanted to try to make a difference, so I fostered a baby elephant name Ndii and a baby rhino named Maalim. I never went to see them but I felt pride to help.
On october 2010 the world stopped for me when I recieved an email : “on the 17th October, 2010, we received the sad news that our precious little rhino, Maalim, who was born premature on the l7th December 2008 in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, Tsavo West National Park, died in his sleep, covered by his precious mattress.”
He died of respiratory problem.
I cried all night it was a lost like loosing a second child…
At first I was mad and wanted to stop the fostering, I just couldnt believe they let this poor baby died…But the anger went off soon after knowing they did all what could be done to help.
Today, I am still fostering Ndii and now fostering Solio another rhino. Everytime I can I speak about the Trust. I still want the world to change the way the elephants and all other animals are seen. They are living creatures that are fragile that need to be left alone but we as human being have responsabilities over them that is to protect them from us…
It is always good to know that we are not alone in this ride. Thanks for sharing!
Veronique – Quebec, Canada
Erin KLG said:
Thank you for taking such good care of elephants, Veronique!
Wendy said:
How touching, thank you for sharing, my husband and I adopted Teleki and I am so happy we did. I plan on adopting another baby elephant soon. I to feel in love with elephants after I watched Dumbo as a child, I remember weeping. My goal is to go to Kenya one day and see Teleki and to experiance the wonderful work they do at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. …. Wendy
Erin KLG said:
Thank you, Wendy! What a great goal that is.
Elaine Jefferson said:
I foster two babies at the DSWT and I am lucky enough to be able to go to Ithumba to meet one of them and stay there next September. It will be part of a much longed for safari to Kenya and I am so happy to be going.
Erin KLG said:
Enjoy your journey, Elaine!
Sandy S said:
Hi Elaine. I’m going to Ithumba in September also 🙂
Carri said:
Thank you for sharing your story, Erin! I first learned about the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust when my sister fostered an elephant in my name as a birthday gift. I have been in love ever since! The constant updates and pictures that they provide to the “parents” are so adorable and are a great way to show how the donation is really changing the lives of these incredible creatures. My first baby (received a second baby for Christmas) is Kilaguni, and I burst into tears in my living room when I was watching the movie “Born to be Wild” and saw that he was the star!! I was so proud! I called my sister, spouting the story as if he really was my son.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your baby elephant, but it is so great to know that in his short life he was so loved and cared for by the Trust!
Happy New Year!
Erin KLG said:
How awesome, Carri! What a treat to see your baby on TV. Happy New Year!
Gail Dalby said:
Beautiful. Elephant lovers understand perfectly, I have cried so much over the loss of these wonderful beings. I have been to the nursery and Ithumba and Voi stockades, I have walked with the juniors, met some extraordinary wild ex orphans, and stood near and communicated with wild wonderful elephants. I was humbled and in awe of these wise ancient beings. We have to save them, and your account helps to raise awareness.
Erin KLG said:
Thank you so much, Gail. We’ll keep “trumpeting” the cause!
Judith Cavey (Norwich, England) said:
Erin – I’ve read your story about little Isiolo which brought the usual tears which happen often when reading many articles from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I, too, love those baby elephants and first fostered baby Mumbushi for my birthday in August 2011. Sadly, he never seemed to get over the terrible trauma of his mother’s death and within a month of fostering, he didn’t have the strength to live whilst teething. I felt devastated and I’d only known him for a few weeks. I was given a little girl elephant, Naipoki in Mumbushi’s place and have since added two little boys, Barsilinga for 2012 birthday and Lemoyian for this past Christmas. It would be wonderful to meet them and visit the DSWT – hoping to find a suitable tour which will include a trip or two to meet my babies.
Erin KLG said:
Oh I hope you can meet your babies, Judith! Thank you for reading.
Ffyonna Scott said:
I have fostered Makena, a DSWT orphan for a number of years. She is now in Tsavo but I follow the emails and FB postings on all the elephants. I do remember the sad sad story of little Isiolo and have cried again.
Your story is beautifully written and I so hope it brings yet further awareness of the disgusting and unacceptable treatment that humans give these beautiful gentle giants.
I hope to visit DSWT some day in the near future. I know I won’t see Makena, but I’ll be happy to be near any of other orphans.
Thank you again for sharing this. X
Erin KLG said:
Thank you for reading, Ffyonna! I hope to raise awareness, and I’m so heartened that people like you share that goal.
Deepti said:
Lovely post! I instantly felt a connection to you when you mentioned Dumbo :). Dumbo was my favorite disney character too – his story broke my heart and I totally fell in love!
I found out about DWST in August 2012 and I asked for baby elephants to be fostered in lieu of my upcoming birthday. My first foster “gift” was kinango – who unfortunately died later that fall. It broke my heart and didn’t get over it for weeks. I dont think I’m still completely over it. I have 4 other foster elephants now who i pray make it and live long lives! It’s so wonderful to know there are organizations out there that help these special creatures – and that there are still so many humans willing to support this cause!
Erin KLG said:
I’m truly grateful for DSWT and all the work they do, and for people like you. Congratulations on all of your “babies!”
Janice said:
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story. I foster Tano and little Barsilinga. In November 2012 I was lucky enough to visit them at the orphanage in Nairobi. Coming all the way from Northern Ireland it was so worthwhile to interact with such intelligent animals. Tano came over to me after her mud bath. She covered me in mud too but I wore it with pride!
Erin KLG said:
How fun, Janice! I’m so glad you got to see your babies!
Mae said:
Lovely, moving story, Erin. I felt your loss, as we all do each time one of the babies doesn’t make it. Such a mix of grief and outrage that they are orphaned to begin with. I’d love to meet my foster baby, Barsilinga, and say thank you to the wonderful keepers for their loving care!
I like your clearm succinct summing up of what we can do to support elephants.
Mae said:
meant to say “clear and succinct’
Erin KLG said:
Even if you never meet with Barsilinga, Mae, your baby has already felt the effects of your generosity. Thank you for reading!
Dawn said:
Dear Erin;
Reading your article was heart wrenching for me because we know what those little ones go through. It hit home so very much. I too hope that some day I can make the journey to see my little one Balguda. Because of the elephants extreme love and regard for their own kind and the way they bring up their young , there are times that I am saddened to be part of the human race that uncaringly seems to destroy rather than protect the wonderful animals which have been given to us to enjoy . Thank you for such a wonderfully written article.
Erin KLG said:
I get depressed about that, too, Dawn. But look how many people responded to this article! Be heartened by that. There are elephant lovers all over the world, and we’re all fighting. Thank you for reading!
Laurie said:
Erin – I know you are hearing this from so many people but I felt like I was reading something that I would have written. I, like you, get asked all the time “why elephants” and I reply with the same list as you but I also say that I cannot explain completely my love of elephants because it is so deep within my heart, that I can’t believe it myself. My husband and children are certain that if I was faced with saving an ele or a stranger, I would save the ele ( oops…they may be right!:) I have orphaned several eles from DSWT – now I foster Quanza ( the poor little guy that lost his beautiful mom and sisters just recently) and Tassia. I adore getting the highlights each month. I can only imagine your sadness when your little guy passed away….I also donate to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee and like you, I too have contemplated somehow, any way to work with eles!!! I don’t know if you have visited Douglas and Sandi Groves in Botswana but we went last year to have our own “Elephant Experience” and “met” and got kissed by their 3 “babies” – Jabu. Tembi and Marula – who they have raised since orphaned as babies. Incredible — the most wonderful experience I have ever had. BUT top of my bucket list is DSWT in Kenya to meet my “fosters” and The Elephant Park in Thailand – my daughter just went there and got to bathe and feed sweet, eles that have been rescued from abuse:( Anyways…..just wanted to say I loved your piece and I feel like i have finally met a fellow kindred spirit of mine…..Thanks for doing all that you are doing for the most wonderful creature on earth…..
Erin KLG said:
That sounds divine, Laurie. My dream trip is Botswana! Nice to meet you, kindred spirit. 🙂
Tory said:
Your sentiments mirror thousands of ours. Though it is as you say, “It is too much to tell,” on Facebook we report and follow the Sheldrick’s orphans, world progressive sanctuaries, and advocate for the plights of poaching counteracted by anti poaching teams, the caustic confinement of zoos and the abuse of circuses. We would love to have you join us. facebook.com/saveallelephants; facebook.com/elephants.sanctuary and facebook.com/elephantloverspage .
Erin KLG said:
Considered your causes joined. 🙂 Thank you for all the great work you do!
Tory said:
Oh, and we cover Jabu in Botswana, the most gorgeous bull on the planet.
Erin McDonough said:
Thank you for sharing. My love of elephants and their safety is still new however it is a very strong conviction in my life. Thank you again…from one Erin to another!
Erin KLG said:
Thank you, Erin! Glad you’re here!
Marion Bennett said:
I love your story, I also have been fostering Baby elephants, I started with Shimba , who is now at the Voi with the older adolescents, he is now over 6 years old, and is doing very well, I got to visit him when I went over to Kenya in 2008. I now foster Shukuru, who I hope one day I will meet. Daphne Sheldrike is a wonderful woman, who has raised many orphaned baby elephants, I often wonder, if it was not for her and her keepers, if there would be any elephants left. She is amazing, and I am glad I can do a little to help.
Erin KLG said:
Your help is so appreciated, as is Daphne’s. Here’s to elephant lovers! Thank you, Marion.
Nara Meyer said:
I am a daily visitor to the Orphanage website and the Elephant Sanctuary as well, I love elephants. I really enjoyed your story, and what I related to the most was when you said you were asked ‘why elephants’, and you said it was too much to tell. So often I wish I could sum it up with the PERFECT short sentence that would make people understand how much they suffer, but you’re right. Too much to tell.
however, I wanted to recommend a video on youtube called ‘Elephants + Man’. It is the most complete history on the plight of elephants in captivity that I have ever seen.
It’s a story everyone should know.
Erin KLG said:
I can’t wait to watch it, Nara! Thank you for reading.
Ann Early said:
Erin, it is wonderful every time I discover a kindred spirit. In the last month, I have activated my unused Facebook page for no other purpose than to spread the word in my own small way about the plight of the African elephant. I decided to do it after reading the story on both the Sheldrick website and at biglife.org about the October massacre of the Q family in Amboseli and the survival of baby Quanza. I also wanted to spread the word about the Sheldrick petition to CITES at iworry.org.
I went to Kenya on safari in 2011 as an innocent, not yet aware of the escalating holocaust of elephants. We visited the nursery at the public hour, and I had the thrilling experience of meeting Dame Daphne when she came out on her porch just as I was walking by on the path to the waterhole. It wasn’t long after returning home that I discovered the terrible truth in the August 2011 issue of Vanity Fair. Now I spend time each day searching for hope and ways to do whatever I can to help.
I have posted your beautiful piece on my elephant Facebook page. I have read your moving last paragraph many times.
Thank you so much for this story, and may little Isiolo rest in peace.
Erin KLG said:
Ann, I’m so glad to know that people like you are out there fighting for the elephants. Thank you for reading and sharing.
Christopher Bayer said:
“Somehow,” elephants have been endowed with capacities for empathy, loyalty, kinship, and they have radar!
And memory systems that defy even human logic….
Great article/story/post by Erin KLG!
It is moving, informative and spot on…a genuine treat from a gifted writer…thank you
Best always
Christopher Bayer, pH.D.
New York, New York
Erin KLG said:
Oh, how nice of you to stop by, Chris! I love that you know so much about elephants. 🙂 Thank you for being so supportive.
Janine Smith - Lempaute's "mom" said:
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt memory with all of us. I too found your story through the DSWT page, and felt as though I was reading about myself, until the part where you actually met your baby. 🙂 I have fostered 2 of Dame Sheldrick’s orphans and wish I could afford all of them, or at least more. I also lost one little baby – Kimana – and I cried for his plight. My prayer now is that enough of us, maybe only one by one, spread the news about the horror going on in circuses, and the poachers destroying animals. Maybe it will take more, like the visits of celebrities and sports figures, but I tell myself that our efforts will matter – eventually! Thank you again.
Erin KLG said:
Janine, thank you so much for your comment. I have been overwhelmed by all the comments and heartened by how many of us care about elephants. I do believe our efforts matter. Keep up the great work!
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Sarah Green said:
Hi im 12 years old and i’ve always loved Dumbo too. Elephants are my favourite animals and all i want to do is help them. People ask why? I think elephants aswell as other animals deserve to be saved. I foster Balguda and when im older i want to volounteer at the DSWT. i want kids but i rather be the parents of elephant. i just want to say u inspired me to keep doing what im doing to help elephant. Thankyou
Erin KLG said:
Sarah, your note made me so happy. To think about how young you are and that you care so much for elephants — well, it’s touching. I’m heartened knowing that there is a new generation of elephant lovers ready to carry the torch. Thank you for stopping by! Sending you lots of trunk hugs.
Kathy Gordon said:
Hi Erin, Your sentiments mirror mine (as well as those of many others, apparently). I, too, love all animals (and have since a child), but have a particular love for eles. I have followed the DSWT for years and adopted Nyika last year (At the time I texted my boyfriend, who was out of town, to let him know that since we couldn’t get a cat I had adopted an elephant. He just laughed and replied “Well, I guess you can’t get anything larger.”). I was devastated when Nyika died – and from a broken heart? Heart-wrenching. I then fostered Faraja. Since we were planning a trip to Africa in Oct last year, I made a special point to go to Nairobi to finally visit the orphanage. We went to both the public and foster-parent viewings and I was in heaven. An abundance of cuteness! We were there the day Quanza was brought in and were told that he was very distressed and to be cautious around his pen. Amazingly, he reached out his trunk to us – and we were smitten. We now also foster Quanza and Ishaq-B, who also used his little trunk to check us out. So much ele love! There is a fabulous book called The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony which really articulates how amazing eles really are. Definitely worth a read. I would love nothing more than to work hands-on with eles. Until I figure out how, I will continue to spread the word about poaching and to make donations. Thanks for such a heart-felt article and for all of the ele love. Keep up the good work.
Erin KLG said:
Isn’t it wonderful when they reach their little trunks up to you? I have read The Elephant Whisperer, and I agree — amazing book. Thank you for caring so much for elephants. I’m glad people like you are spreading the word. Thank you for reading and commenting, Kathy!
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