You're about to witness rare daytime footage of a wild elephant giving birth at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) in Chobi National Park, Botswana. It was captured on camera by Christian and Ginette Leroy.
Here's a mother who is able to deliver her baby in peace, trusting that her herd and keepers will keep her and her baby safe from predators. Seconds after she gives birth, the joyful herd of elephants gather around him, eager to guard and protect the precious new baby. Using their trunks, they gently lift him and sweep dust over his body so as to keep his skin safe from the sun. As you'll see, the birth sent the rest of the elephants into a euphoric state, using beautiful trumpeting vocalizations to welcome the baby.
It's a powerful sight to witness this sense of community as the other elephants gather around to show support to this mother, and celebrate the arrival of the newborn. One YouTube viewer says it best: "What better way to enter the world, everyone around you, guarding you, touching you, helping you. Now you know why the elephant smiles and is one of Earth's finest citizens."
The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT) is a Kenyan-based nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife and habitats. The DSWT is the most successful elephant orphanage in the world, rescuing and hand-rearing orphaned elephants and rhinos that have lost their mothers, all too often the victims of poaching.
Please SHARE this incredible moment with your friends on Facebook!
