In the bustling city of Nairobi, a tale of heartwarming friendship unfolds, as a precious baby elephant and a rescued giraffe forge an adorable bond that transcends all boundaries. United by the shared experience of abandonment and rescue, these two remarkable creatures find comfort, companionship, and love in each other’s presence, showcasing the true essence of compassion and connection in the animal kingdom.Meet Kiko, a baby giraffe who was found vulnerable and all alone by the Kenya Wildlife Service. Unable to sleep in a giraffe enclosure at just one month old, Kiko found himself placed alongside the elephants. Little did he know, this unexpected circumstance would lead to an extraordinary friendship with Loboito, a lively and spirited three-week-old elephant calf who had also lost his parents.
Together, Kiko and Loboito formed an unlikely companionship, supporting and caring for each other in their shared journey of healing and survival. This heartening connection serves as a reminder that love and friendship can transcend species, proving that compassion and empathy know no bounds.
They say love knows no bounds, and that is definitely true of an a.ban.doned elephant and giraffe who have formed an adorable bond after being rescued in Nairobi
After being rescued, the pair were housed next to each other as Kiko was too small to sleep in the giraffe stables
Wait for me: Loboito the elephant can be seen struggling to keep up when trotting behind his leggy friendIn October, the heartwarming scene captured shows a small giraffe playing with his new friend, who was brought in after being found alone and hungry in Samburu.
None of these lovable friends have survived in the wild as they still rely solely on breast milk, but thanks to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Orphanage, they’ve been given a new chance in life.
And what little Loboito lacks in size, compared to his long-legged friend, he makes up more in enthusiasm.
As the rescued Kiko walks through the or.phanage, an elephant can be seen eagerly running behind him, desperate to keep up with his spotted companion.
According to the wildlife trust, the little calf loves nothing more than spending time under his friend’s long legs.
As he tries to catch up, incredible clips show Kiko leaning over to snuggle up on cheeky Loboito.
Even though the couple is still bottle-feeding, the staff noted that they would soon request a ladder to reach the rapidly growing Kiko.
According to the wildlife trust, the tiny elephant loves nothing more than to spend time under the long legs of his buddy
Second chance: The keepers are surrogate parents for the or.phaned animals, who have all had a sad start to life
Lovely kids never get bored because they have lots of playmates to keep them entertained.
Wear colored coats; other agitated elephants can be seen lining up with Kiko and Loboito to be petted and fed by their caregivers.
Sadly, elephants and giraffes in the National Park still face danger from poachers, with the number of giraffes believed to have decreased by 30% over the past decade.
Rob Brandford is the Managing Director of David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (UK).
He said: “Kiko is extremely trusting and affectionate with his caregivers, and from the moment he was rescued, and he has enjoyed spending time with the tiniest baby elephants.”
“Loboito follows Kiko wherever he goes and especially likes to spend time under Kiko’s legs and stomach.”
Rob added that without the rescue team and caregivers’ heroic efforts, both animals would not be alive today.
He said: “Both animals cannot survive in the wild without breast milk.”
“They are under special care until they are old enough to reintegrate back into the wild.”
“Our dedicated care team replaces or.phans’ families and stays with babies 24 hours a day – even sleeping with them in a cage at night.”
Kiko pictured being rescued after being found a.ban.doned in Kenya’s Meru National Park in September
Playmates: Kiko the baby giraffe goes for a stroll with some of his new friends who are wearing colored coats
Tall drink of water: The clip shows Kiko being given a drink by keepers, although the pair are still bottle-fed, staff note they will soon require a ladder to reach the growing giraffe
Playtime: The animals queue up to be fed and played with by one of the keepers in the trust
Special bond: The animals are given round the clock care until they are old enough to be reintegrated back into the wild
Special bond: The animals are given round the clock care until they are old enough to be reintegrated back into the wild
Caring attention: One of the keepers gives Kiko some love and affection at the wildlife trust