A future matriarch in the making: the rescue of Korbessa, an orphaned baby elephant
A newborn elephant calf, later named Korbessa, was rescued by The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust after falling into a deep water well in the remote Korbesa area of Meru National Park. The calf, just a few days old, was discovered by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers on the morning of August 23rd, after hearing a commotion from a herd of elephants the previous night.
Image by The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
KWS rangers found the stranded calf at first light, trapped in the steep, traditional well, a common hazard for young elephants in the region. The rangers immediately jumped into action, physically lifting the calf out of the well. They kept the exhausted elephant nearby, hoping her mother would return, but after hours of waiting and no sign of the herd, they realized the calf was orphaned and called for assistance.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit arrived to find the calf in a state of severe exhaustion and stress. Dr. Aminga administered fluids and glucose, providing the little elephant much-needed relief and allowing her to rest. Despite the team’s continued efforts to locate her family, it became clear the calf would need to be taken into care.
The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust dispatched a rescue plane to Meru, and the calf was transported to the Kinna airstrip, an hour’s drive away. Throughout the journey, the exhausted calf slept deeply, regaining some strength. She was flown to SWT’s Kaluku Neonate Nursery in Tsavo, where she was placed under the care of experienced Keepers, led by Angela Sheldrick.
Korbessa, as she was named, quickly asserted herself as a force to be reckoned with at the nursery. Despite her tiny size, she displayed a strong-willed and bossy personality, endearing herself to the Keepers and earning the nickname “Little Frog” due to her love of greens and her unique way of sprawling out on her belly.
Under the dedicated care of her Keepers, Korbessa has overcome the challenges typical of orphaned elephants, including a difficult teething period. She is now thriving, showing signs of a future matriarch in the making. Her affection for her Keepers and her determined spirit promise a bright future for this resilient young elephant.
Korbessa’s journey from a trapped orphan to a cherished member of the The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust family highlights the ongoing efforts to protect and care for Kenya’s vulnerable wildlife.
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