A baby elephant’s morning sprint has turned into a social media hit, and it ends with a cuddle.
According to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kaikai rushes down a sandy riverbank during her morning walk at the Kaluku reserve, then settles in for a snuggle with her keeper. The conservation group said beach walks are a favourite part of the young elephants’ routine, and Kaikai “never misses an opportunity to stretch her legs.”
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust said Kaikai typically dashes to the riverbank, but “upon arrival, she quickly settles into a snuggle session with Keeper Joseph!”
In the video, the orphaned elephant presses into him as he pats her down and reassures her.
One commenter wrote, “There’s my girl Kaikai. So happy they get to go to the beach. Joseph is a beautiful person as are all the keepers at Sheldrick Trust. This video means a lot.”
The trust said in its caption that Kaikai was rescued as a newborn orphan and may stay in human care for more than a decade before she is ready to fully return to the wild.
The group said the outings are part of that rehabilitation.
“Through these daily explorations in the bush, the orphans are quite literally following in the footsteps of wild elephants, they’re walking where they walk, eating what they eat, and encountering what they encounter in the bush, all under the safe supervision of their Keepers,” the caption said.
The trust said regular time in nature is part of how it rehabilitates rescued elephants. For Kaikai and the other orphans, that includes supervised walks, time outdoors, and close relationships with keepers including Keeper Joseph and Keeper Jonas.
The trust also invited supporters to learn more about Kaikai and symbolically adopt her to help fund the food, care and long-term rehabilitation orphaned elephants require.
One commenter wrote, “You go to such great lengths to ensure these little ones have the best start in life and every opportunity to live long and healthy lives.”
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