An orphanage in Kenya run by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has rescued over 100 baby elephants who lost their mothers to poachers. And it’s all play and no work for these orphans.
Eventually, the elephants will be released back into the wild and will live in the protected Tsavo National Park. Until then, babies spend their days with human carers and elephant friends while indulging in plenty of games.
These two are exhausted after a fun day in the mud pool.
Ashaka, Kamok, Kauro and Mbegu are taken out into the bush in Nairobi National Park for a day of play with their human surrogate parents.
Baby Ashaka is given a lesson on how to use her trunk.
Soccer is one of their favorite games.
Ashaka and Kamok cuddle up in the sand.
A cuddle with my dad! One of the youngest elephants at the orphanage snuggles up to his keeper. The smallest orphans often seek comfort this way.
Baby Mbegu (left) stands with her friend Kauro. She was rescued from a horde of angry villagers by a group of rangers who protected her.
Older orphans at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Ithumba orphanage get a lesson on how to live life in the wild.
Naipoki and Mutara indulge in a spot of heavyweight wrestling.
Rorogoi takes care of an itch with the help of a conveniently placed tree.
