Elephants, despite their powerful and regal appearances, are actually affectionate animals with playful sides. In environments like wildlife rescues and zoos, they can form close bonds with their human caretakers and enjoy playing games with them. The caretakers at Botswana’s Elephant Havens Wildlife Foundation dedicate themselves to helping orphaned elephants grow up healthy, both physically and emotionally. One such orphan, a 6-month-old African elephant named Joy, loves to play with her favorite caretaker, KT, chasing him around like a giant puppy. The two friends delight in playing games like tag, where Joy rewards KT with trunk hugs and kisses when she catches him. Witnessing their loving relationship warms the hearts of onlookers, highlighting the special bond between humans and elephants.
Working with rescue elephants is not always fun and games, however. Elephant Havens, being the only elephant orphanage in Botswana, has witnessed the devastating impact of poaching and human habitat encroachment on these gentle giants. The baby elephants in their care are fragile, both physically and emotionally, requiring round-the-clock care, including bottle feeding every three hours and emotional support to cope with the loss of their families. The dedicated caretakers at Elephant Havens, like KT, live alongside the elephants, providing constant care and companionship to ensure the orphans feel loved and secure.
Raising orphaned elephants is a challenging yet vital task that demands unwavering commitment. The handlers at Elephant Havens are true heroes, working tirelessly to protect the African elephant species and give orphaned babies a chance at a future in the wild. Their dedication and love for these animals are truly remarkable.
