Her name is Korbessa, named after the region, where she was found stuck in a well. The tiny days old calf fondly called “little frog” might have been timid and shy, but she is growing to be a bossy little madam, and the cleverest of all elephants rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. Korbessa is now being regarded as a potential matriarch among rescued herds in the SWT sanctuary, a role that she will no doubt fulfil as expected. This is the heart-warming story of Korbessa.
The Night It All Began
Korbessa’s story dates to the ill-fated night of August 23rd, 2023, a night when she was found stuck in a deep well in Meru National Park in Kenya. The area known as Korbessa is known for its thick vegetation and an old well that serves as a critical water source for humans, livestock, and wildlife. Locals describe how the night was disrupted with a lot of trumpeting and distress displayed by elephants, but by morning they had moved on.
Rangers Make a Startling Discovery
Early the next morning, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers went to investigate the source of the noise and discovered a tiny elephant calf at the bottom of the well. The calf had fallen into the well, which posed a serious challenge due to its steep sides. At only a few days old, the baby elephant had no chance of escaping on her own. KWS rangers quickly jumped into the well and carefully lifted her out. They immediately contacted the SWT/KWS Meru Mobile Vet Unit for assistance, while keeping the calf nearby in hopes that her mother would return. Sadly, after several hours of waiting, there was no sign of the mother or any other elephants.
On Site Treatment and A Well-Deserved Rest
By the time the Vet Unit arrived, the tiny calf was in a state of extreme exhaustion, unable to relax from the stress of her ordeal. A vet treated her with fluids and glucose, helping to restore her energy. For the first time since her fall, the calf allowed herself to sleep deeply, giving her body a much-needed break. As she slept on a comfortable mattress, the team continued to monitor her condition, hoping for a reunion that would never come. Elephants shower intense affection on their babies, but they can be as ruthless too, especially when it concerns the survival of a herd. If the herd feels it is unable to rescue a member, even a calf in distress, it will simply move on.
An Airplane Ride to Kaluku Neonate Nursery
With no sign of the herd, the decision was made to transfer the calf to the Kaluku Neonate Nursery in Tsavo, a sanctuary dedicated to raising orphaned elephants. A rescue team flew in to escort her, and despite her fatigue, the little calf slept through the journey to Kinna airstrip. Upon arrival, she had to be gently awakened to board the airplane. The air journey must have been an incredible experience for the little baby who was curious throughout, even bonding well with her keeper. Throughout the plane journey, she curiously stared out the plane window, watching the landscape unfold beneath her. She often rested her small body between her keeper’s legs as they flew to safety.
Christened Korbessa, “Little Queen”
Once settled at the nursery, the calf was named Korbessa, in honor of the place where her story began. Despite her young age, Korbessa immediately established herself as a force to be reckoned with. She made her presence known among the other elephants, particularly with Toto, an 18-month-old who soon found himself both a playmate and subject to Korbessa’s bossy demeanor. Whether opening his stable door to let him out or locking him back in, Korbessa kept everyone on their toes.
Raising a Neonate Elephant: Korbessa’s Challenges
Korbessa was assigned to a gifted young keeper named Joseph. Caring for a newborn elephant is no small feat, and Korbessa’s early months were not without difficulty. Teething proved to be a challenging stage for her, as it often is for young orphans. However, this plucky little gal made sure she developed well, even eating greens and fiercely defending any plant life she claimed as her own. This was the main reason Joseph nicknamed her “Little Frog” because of her constant desire to eat greens .
Korbessa’s Playful Personality
Growing up, Korbessa was not your typical baby elephant. While female orphans tend to be serious and businesslike, she turned out a lively extrovert, eager to form close bonds with her Keepers. She loves attention and often tries to snuggle into her Keepers’ laps or tug at their mosquito nets for reassurance.
Her Famous Frog Pose
Her affection extended to everyone she met and even now greets each new face with the same enthusiasm. Korbessa’s love for water, mud, and her unusual “frog-like” resting position only adds to her charm cementing her nickname “little frog.” Korbessa is also a big fan of Kenyn music and loved listening to the radio which was kept in her room.
A Bright Future for Korbessa
From her precarious start at the bottom of a well to becoming the queen of Kaluku, Korbessa’s story is one of resilience and hope. When she was found in the well, she was just a few days old, but now she has grown up finding herself a new family in her keepers and fellow orphans, and with their help, she is thriving. Though she is still young, Korbessa has the strength, intelligence, and spirit of a future matriarch. Only time will reveal her full potential. The feisty little calf is just a year in the SWT sanctuary, her journey is just beginning, and she will be cherished every step of the way.
Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) is Africa’s oldest wildlife trust, and a leading conservation organization dedicated to rehabilitating wildlife in the country. Do tell us what you think about Korbessa’s rescue, we would love to hear your opinion in the comments.
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