Burkina Fasso, September 2022… IFAW rehabilitates Nania, an abandoned elephant. The search for her herd
and preparation of her reintegration are essential steps towards a return to wildlife. Discover unique bond
between Nania and her caretaker…
🐘 Baby Elephants in Rehabilitation Centers: A Second Chance at Life
When baby elephants are abandoned—often due to poaching, human-wildlife conflict, or natural causes—they face near-certain death without their mothers’ milk, protection, and emotional support. These calves are highly sensitive and can suffer from grief, dehydration, and malnutrition.
🌿 Care in Orphanages and Rehabilitation Centers
Social development: Orphans learn to interact with other elephants, often forming bonds with older calves who act as surrogate siblings or mini-matriarchs.
Round-the-clock care: Keepers sleep beside the elephants, feed them every few hours, and provide emotional comfort.
Specialized nutrition: Calves receive a custom milk formula and are gradually introduced to natural vegetation.
🌍 Global Efforts Centers like the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya, Elephant Havens in Botswana, IFAW and CWRC in India have successfully rehabilitated and reintroduced many elephants into the wild. Some even return to visit their human caretakers or introduce their own calves years later—a touching sign of trust and memory.