After More Than A Decade, Rescued Elephant Makes Triumphant Return From The Wild To Pay A Visit To The Man Who Raised Her
Sunyei’s story starts with a rescue, but it ends with something even more surprising, a wild elephant returning years later to visit the man who raised her.
After being separated from her mother as a newborn and left stranded in a hole, Sunyei was saved by Samburu tribesmen and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, a Kenyan conservation group that protects animals from poachers and other threats. She was brought to the orphanage in Nairobi as a tiny calf, where Benjamin Kyalo, the Trust’s head keeper, became her caregiver and part of her new family.
Years later, Sunyei would come back with a baby of her own, and the reunion says everything about the bond they built.
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
This is the same kind of emotional moment as an elephant welcoming her newborn calf and bonding with her herd.
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 reunion, giving 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 Research 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 special, that she decided to share it with Benjamin and placed her faith in him."
Before Sunyei’s triumphant return, see Mila reunite with another elephant after 37 years.
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