Laankailerr’s remarkable story of survival – filling our hearts with hope!

In this incredible story of hope and resilience, Laankailerr overcame the harshest of odds while spending a month alone in the wild after the tragic loss of his mother.

We are bursting with joy to share the news of the successful rescue of little Laankailerr – an inspiring elephant orphan with such a big and brave heart! After all he’s endured, it’s incredible to now see him jostling with Nachapa – his 8-month-old friend at Reteti; holding his milk bottle all his own; and even making his own way to bed.  

In his short life, this courageous young calf has suffered so many hardships – and for weeks, he faced the wilderness all on his own. We are in awe of his spirit of survival, and so thankful for the miracles that paved the way for his return to good health.

Circle of life

Laankailler’s story of hope runs alongside another calf’s heartbreaking journey, one that still leaves us aching as we remember a life that ended too soon. Because just as he arrived at Reteti, we were mourning the tragic loss of gentle Sitiin – a beloved orphan who touched hearts all over the world. The conditions of Laankailerr’s rescue were so hauntingly familiar, and a stark reminder of Sitiin’s journey just a few months before… 

Taking many winding turns – and quite a few miracles – before he arrived safely and settled into his new life at Reteti, Laankailerr is now thriving and gaining strength every day.

A race against time

About three hours south of Reteti, the distraught calf was discovered guarding his mother’s lifeless body after she passed away from natural causes. But just as the team from Save The Elephants was about to come to his rescue, the little one fled into the wilderness.

After following his footsteps and tracking the orphan, they were astonished to find that he’d already connected with a new elephant herd – and plans were put in place to bring him to safety and conclude this tragic chapter of his young life.

However, things again took a turn for the worse when Laankailerr – who was later named for the manyatta closest to where he was first found – ran off into the wild once more. Probably desperate to reunite with his mother, he disappeared as concerns mounted: chances for calves surviving without the protection of a herd are incredibly slim.

This time around, the search for the orphan proved to be much harder and longer, and for almost a month, he wandered alone through the wilderness – warding off dangers while having to fend for himself.

Video: David Daballen from Save the Elephants

Against all odds

After nearly four weeks, in a miraculous turn of events, local herders spotted an emaciated calf alongside a river close to his mother’s final resting place – and to everyone’s relief, teams dispatched by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Save the Elephants and Elephant Watch Camp confirmed that it was brave little Laankailerr.

After successfully being rescued, he was finally brought to safety at Reteti – to rest, and slowly start the process of healing and recovery. Since his arrival, Laankeilerr has reached many critical milestones, all in preparation for eventually being released back into the wild. It was important to allow him the space and time to mourn, while finding his feet after weeks of coping on his own. Our experience has taught us that calves face many challenges, and due to their ordeals and severely malnourished states, they need to heal from both physical and emotional wounds.

As emotionally complex and community creatures, elephants mourn in similar ways to humans, and just as Laankailerr’s story has been one of deep sadness – it’s also one of joy, survival and hope. His spirit of bravery is worth celebrating, and we learn from his strength and positive energy every day!

We would not be able to rescue, rehabilitate and release elephant orphans like these if it weren’t for your generous donations.

Laankailerr’s story is only beginning and we hope you will join us in supporting him to grow wild. Click the button below to see how you can sponsor some of his milk bottles as he continues on his road of rehabilitation before being released back into the wild.