After More Than A Decade, Rescued Elephant Makes Triumphant Return From The Wild To Pay A Visit To The Man Who Raised Her
The wild is a diverse and unforgiving world. In this case, it was too much for a young elephant to bear.
Alone and stranded inside a hole after being separated from her mother as a newborn, Sunyei's life was in jeopardy. Luckily, she was quickly rescued through the combined efforts of Samburu tribesmen and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trustâa Kenyan conservation group that works to protect animals from poachers and other threats.
At just a few days old, Sunyei was brought back to their orphanage in Nairobi, where she would begin her life as part of a new elephant family. There, she met Benjamin Kyalo, head keeper of the Trust's elephant nursery, who would serve as her new caregiver.
According to the executive director, Rob Brandford, Benjamin oversees the orphans' daily care and well-being, ensuring their happiness and health at all times.
Little Sunyei with Her Rescuers in 2003
With Benjamin by her side, Sunyei thrived in a joyful, healthy environment, learning everything she needed to know about surviving as an elephant.
Sunyei parted ways with the Trust and her caregivers in 2009 to find her own path in the wild. However, the most remarkable part of her story takes place when she returns to the orphanage after more than ten years, with her own baby.
The Reunion Was Caught on Tape
Meet Siku, Sunyei's Daughter
Adorable.
So Precious.
Brandford said, "While it might have been more than a decade since Sunyei chose to return to the wild, it seems she has never forgotten the kindness that was shown to her."
Brandford praised the elephant's mentality, stating that the fact she brought her new baby to meet Benjamin and the fellow keepers who raised her "speaks volumes about their intelligence and sense of family."
He noted that there was no other reason for her to return to the place where she was raised to show off her newborn, except that the keepers were people with whom she retained strong ties.
Sunyei and Benjamin
It wasn't the first time Sunyei had returned to see her foster parents. In fact, she has made several more visits since this reunionâgiving Benjamin and his team an opportunity to watch the young elephant grow over time.
Although Sunyei left their care years ago, this story is a testament to how much the Trust's work meant for her early life. They certainly played a significant role in ensuring that the next generation of elephants would be possible.
Brandford shared that this moment was proof of how much Sunyei loves Benjamin and her human family. "While Sunyei has learned to see Benjamin and our keepers as family, whatever interactions she has with them are always on her terms. That is what makes this moment extra specialâthat she decided to share it with Benjamin and placed her faith in him."
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