A rescued orphan elephant has quietly taken the lead in Kenya, and the rest of the herd seems happy to go along with it.
In a recent Instagram post, Sheldrick Wildlife Trust said Toto, a “sweet, sensitive boy,” has become the leader of the orphaned elephants at the Ithumba Reintegration Unit.
The organisation said the role is “a special privilege” for an elephant who “would never muscle his way into such a position.”
It said Toto “brings a wonderful jauntiness to the role” and that “the rest of the herd happily falls into step and follows his infectiously happy lead.”
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust said Toto arrived at the Ithumba Reintegration Unit from Kaluku in April with fellow graduates Mwinzi and Natibu.
The group described the move as “the next step in their gradual journey back to the wild,” and said it was “an especially big transition for little Toto,” but that “he’s adapted marvellously.”
The organisation also wrote, “It makes us so happy to see how well Toto has settled into his new home.”
One commenter wrote: “Toto is a natural leader, and it’s wonderful to see him thrive in his new role.”
Another said: “That’s so wonderful to hear!!! God bless him!!”
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