Elephant Rescue - Elephant Foster Program

[KarmaContestant]

I have a special affection for elephants, as do many. I don't know if it's their size and majesty - but I care very deeply for them. Almost any time elephants are in the news, it because of somthing grim and terrible - but not this time.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/10/world/...html?hpt=hp_c2

Dramatic rescue of mother and baby elephant

(There are some great photos if you follow the link)

(CNN) -- Most conservationists would agree that you should not interfere with mother nature. But there are exceptions to every rule.

Staff and tourists at Kapani Safari Lodge in Zambia were caught by surprise when a mother and baby elephant became trapped in mud.

Saying they couldn't just "stand by and watch them slowly die," what ensued was a dramatic rescue.

Together with the South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS) and the local wildlife authority, the team devised a plan to get the elephants out. The rest of the herd initially tried to help the screaming mother and baby escape, but they were stuck too deep.

Team managers from the conservation society slipped a rope around the baby and after a few attempts managed to pull her out of the muddy pit. The team says it took a lot of coaxing to get her out and on her feet though, adding that she "was terribly frightened and wouldn't leave her mum's side".

Getting the adult elephant out of the mud was a far more challenging task -- by the time the baby had been rescued, its mother was dehydrated and exhausted. But the SLCS team eventually pulled her out too, using a tractor and rope.

Staff at Kapani Lodge say it was "heart-warming to see how many local people joined in the efforts to free the two elephants... it was the happiest possible ending."

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On another note, I am a member of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and while $50 dollars can seem like a lot of money, for that price you can 'foster' an orphaned elephant. You'll get regular e-mails and pictures regarding your orphan's status and also stories of other orphaned elephants that have been rescued - this is real tear-jerker stuff, too. It's really one of the most humanly fulfilling things I've ever done, and a cause I will contribute to for my entire life, no doubt.

http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

[Richard B]

Love that last link! Add me to the elephant lover list. Amazing creatures and truly fascinating.
Here's a cool link for anyone wanting original paintings by real elephants:
Paintings made by Elephants

[Silver Springs]

I wish I could afford to pledge money for the cause. But each year I only have the money to give to adopt one animal, as I give to other charities as well. This year I have adopted a Gorilla named Dzeke. I had an Elephant last year, though.

[olive]

thanks so much i will look in to this , every bit helps! I do belong to

http://www.koko.org/index.php and own a few of their works of art including these

[KarmaContestant]

Originally Posted by Richard B

I love this - it looks like he's painting people dancing.

[Silver Springs]

Originally Posted by KarmaContestant

I love this - it looks like he's painting people dancing.

Would you look at the joy on his face. He's clearly enjoying what he's doing, even if he might not understand why. I love seeing animals so evidently happy.