Malima’s incredible rescue unfolded on October 30, instigated by an urgent call to Mr. Trevor Jennings, the Works Manager of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), from the Assistant Warden of Tsavo East National Park.
The distressing report revealed a baby elephant in critical condition near the Aruba Lodge, setting the stage for a life-saving mission.
Upon receiving the call, the DSWT team swiftly responded, finding a young female elephant calf in dire straits, lying on her side on a mound of earth.
The harsh drought had left the elephants with heart-wrenching decisions, abandoning their weak loved ones for sustenance.
The team acted promptly, providing shade and a life-saving IV drip and transporting the frail calf to the fences for further treatment.
At the fences, the calf, later named Malima, began her road to recovery. The dedicated team, including Angela Sheldrick, made arrangements at the Nursery for her arrival. Despite Malima’s initial frailty, the team’s efforts brought about a gradual improvement.
She regained consciousness, received oral hydration, and embarked on a journey to Nairobi for extensive care.
Malima’s rescue involved a 1/2-hour flight to Nairobi, with the DSWT team ensuring constant IV fluid supply.
Her rescue was timely, preventing a pride of lions from claiming her, and she arrived at the Nairobi Nursery with renewed strength.
Despite a setback, collapsing due to exhaustion and weakness, the team administered life-saving IV fluids once more, successfully reviving her.
Affectionately named Malima, meaning “mound” in Swahili, reflecting her discovery location, she continued her remarkable recovery.
Initially restless and fearful, Malima gradually embraced her new life, consuming milk and rehydration salts.
Overcoming the challenges of severe emaciation, Malima not only survived but thrived.
Today, she is a lively addition to the Nursery herd, seamlessly integrated into the loving elephant family.
Read more Elephant News.
