In an unexpected and touching situation, an elephant at a wildlife sanctuary in Kenya gives birth to a baby elephant, shocking both mother and mahout. The news was shared by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing orphaned baby elephants.
A 25-second video posted on Twitter shows the newborn baby elephant, named Milo, lying on the ground while surrounded by a herd of curious elephants. The organization captioned the video: “The baby elephant was born before our eyes. This was the moment yesterday morning when baby elephant Melia gave birth to her first baby! Incredible sight.” The name Milo means “beloved.”
The video has garnered more than 51,000 views and 4,000 likes, with many users expressing appreciation for the fund’s efforts. One user commented: “It’s more than heartwarming! Surrounded by love from all sides from elephants and humans. Thanks to the keepers, for making this possible. Guys. wonderful people!” Another user commented on the beauty of seeing Milo’s arrival and the excited reaction from the gatekeepers behind.
According to the Trust, wild elephants and orphaned elephants begin to congregate outside Ithumba during the dry season. Head keeper Benjamin heard a loud noise and noticed a series of movements. All the elephants seem to be startled by whatever has landed, and even the larger females, usually quite calm, become scarce.
Before Benjamin could understand what had happened, other elephants ran over. Then he realized Melia, an orphaned baby elephant, had given birth and the baby was still partially wrapped in a white placenta.
The Trust added that Melia has gradually become more round but as a big elephant she hides her weight very well and the Trust couldn’t tell when she was pregnant. Melia had visited the reserves the night before, but there was no hint that she would go into labor a few hours later.
In fact, the mother, Melia, seemed confused by the baby lying in front of her. Other experienced elephants intervened and helped first-time mothers handle the situation. Gradually, as the days passed, she kept staring at her little baby and stroking it with her trunk.
Here are some comments from those interested in this elephant:
Well, that’s what I call an elephant-sized surprise! ???????? Congratulations to the new mom and conservation team!”
“Talking about a pleasant surprise! I guess Milo can’t wait to meet her elephant family. ????”
“Nature never ceases to amaze me. Welcome to the world, little Milo! You have a big family taking care of you. ????❤️”
“I bet the head keeper will never forget this day! A surprise baby elephant isn’t something you see every day. ????”
“Milo is a reminder that life always finds a way to surprise us, even in the animal kingdom! ???? Can’t wait to see him grow up with his loving livestock.”
“This story made my day! A mother’s face must be priceless. Congratulations to the newest member of the elephant family! ????”
“I can only imagine the excitement in the sanctuary that day. It’s not every day that you witness the sudden arrival of a baby elephant! ????????”
Whoa, that’s one surprise party I wish I’d been invited to! ????????”
“Mama elephant must have thought, ‘Wait a minute, I don’t remember ordering a baby!’ ????”
“Baby Milo just popped up like, ‘Hey everyone, I’m here! Surprise!’ ????????”
“Talk about an unexpected bundle of joy! Even the other elephants were like, ‘Whoa, where did you come from?!’ ????”
“I guess even in the elephant world, surprises can come in big, adorable packages! ????❤️”