It is true that animals will never forget the act of kindness that you have shown towards them. A 14-year-old orphan elephant has proven this to be true. Because of what he rescuers did, they gave her the chance to grow up and be a mom.

This orphan elephant is Loijuk.

She became an orphan since she was only five months old. She was loved and raised by the people of Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, an organization in Kenya that operated a sanctuary. She bonded with everyone before she was released from the sanctuary to the wild. But even though she was eventually separated from the people who took care of her, she never forgot about the people who raised her.

Loijuk adapted well to the wildlife. But monthly, she would come and visit her caretakers. During one of her visits, everyone was shocked because she did not come alone. Alongside her was a healthy-looking baby elephant – Loiijuks’ newborn!

The staff estimated that the elephant calf was only a few hours old. The caretakers named her ‘Lili.’ Giving names to animals that are under their care is a common practice at the sanctuary. After meeting the baby elephant, they felt that it was fitting to name her Baby Lili.

Elephants are known to be very protective of their young. But towards her rescuers, Loijuk did not show any aggressiveness. It was clear that she never forgot about the people who took care of her. It shows that she trusted them with Lili. She proved this by letting the head of the sanctuary get close to Lili.

Lili was also very trustful like her mom. The head of the sanctuary patted the baby elephant and instead of backing away, she pressed into his legs as if she knew him. Maybe she felt that her mom trusts these people, so there’s no reason to be afraid of them – that she can’t trust them too!

The head keeper then proceeded to breathe into Lili’s trunk. This is to establish a certain connection. They knew that elephants have a very good sense of smell and an impressive memory. So in order to bond with the elephants, the keepers need to breathe into their trunks once these animals gained their trust. They believe that by doing so, the elephants will be able to remember their scents.

A couple of weeks later, Loijuk always visited the sanctuary. It’s as if she is allowing the keepers to care and watch over Lili. Maybe she knew that by doing so, Lili will be in good hands and that she would remain healthy if she is cared for by the same people who took care of her in the past.

The first time that Loijuk took Lili in the area, she was a bit shaky in the legs. So the keepers made sure to regularly check on her all throughout the week. When Lili was born, it was the height of the Tsavo dry season. This means that it would be more difficult for elephants to find food on their own. So the keepers were able to supplement the mother elephants’ diet so she can take care of her calf.

Loujuk and Lili are very lucky that they have the sanctuary to run to at times like this.