In a heart-wrenching incident on November 10, 2016, a 15-month-old baby elephant was airlifted from Shaba National Reserve after her mother fell victim to a cruel act of poaching.
Tragically, her mother was shot with extreme precision, indicating the likely involvement of poachers.
Typically, in cases of human-wildlife conflict, such injuries are inflicted on the leg, foot, or shoulder. The young elephant was deeply traumatized, and it took the sanctuary team an extended period to gain her trust.
The compassionate team at the sanctuary devoted countless hours, day and night, in an attempt to connect with the grieving elephant.
They used comforting gestures like talking, singing, and offering her food, hoping she would eventually accept the nurturing bottle.
However, it was understandable that she was initially reluctant to interact with humans, considering the traumatic experience she had been through.
A breakthrough occurred during one of their sessions when the baby elephant was seated within a circle of stacked tires in her stable.
After patiently spending time with her, she finally took the bottle, and a deep bond of trust was forged between her and her caretakers. From that moment, she began showing signs of acceptance, knowing she was in the hands of caring and supportive individuals.
Today, this brave little elephant, named Shaba, holds a pivotal role at the sanctuary as the matriarch of an orphaned herd. She takes charge, imparting essential survival skills to the younger ones, mainly guiding them on navigating steep paths.
Moreover, with an incredible display of empathy, she warmly welcomes every new orphan at the sanctuary, providing them with the emotional support they desperately need.
Shaba’s wisdom extends beyond her interactions with her fellow elephants. The observant keepers noticed something remarkable – when they changed their uniforms from what she was accustomed to, to a camouflage jacket, she exhibited signs of stress and aggression, even charging at those around her.
It seemed as though the camouflage pattern reminded her of her mother’s assailant. Understanding her distress, the team promptly reverted to their old uniforms, and Shaba’s anxiety subsided.
Every day, the sanctuary staff learns invaluable lessons from Shaba’s behavior and the dynamic interactions within the herd. She is an anchor for the unique orphaned elephants, vital to their overall well-being and success.
By sharing Shaba’s inspiring story, we are reminded of the resilience of these magnificent creatures and the importance of nurturing their fragile existence on our planet.
