The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya is a refuge for rescued elephants being cared for. The elephants are released into the wild when they are mature, just as Yatta did ten years ago. Yatta was relocated to the center in 1999 and returned to the wild ten years later.
Although it’s been more than eight years since she departed the sanctuary, Yatta never forgets those who cared for her. As a result, she decided to pay them a surprise visit this time. She was not alone; this trip she was with her new calf.
So it was a very significant occasion that needed to be recorded on film. As a result, the keepers captured the event and even named the newborn Yoyo. However, according to the caretakers, Yatta has already performed the same with her firstborn calf, a female known as Yetu.
“She’s a proud mother,” caregiver Rob Brandford said. “And in the act of complete trust and devotion, she returned her newest kid to meet the people who saved her.”
“We have not only saved an orphan baby and raised her, but she has successfully returned to the wild and begun her own family. Family is important to elephants, so it’s no surprise that they’d want to share their new family member with their former human caregivers, who are now part of their family.” Brandford added.
Even if it’s pretty typical for orphaned elephants to return to the locations where they were born, caretakers have stated that it is always incredible. And it’s incredible to witness wild creatures while capturing their unique moments with people who used to care for them just as Yatta did.
“Imagine our delight when she decided to share her second birth with us so that we could be a part of the celebration as her new baby — a healthy little boy – arrived,” the caretakers continued.
