After His Herd Abandoned Him, This Baby Elephant Was Living A Lonely Life Until He Met An 'Unlikely' Friend

Aug 03, 2018 by apost team

A poor baby elephant was found abandoned by his herd. Since he was so young and unable to survive long on his own, concerned conservation workers rushed him to the Thula Thula Rhino Orphanage, which is located in South Africa.

When he first arrived and was given a thorough medical examination, some major health complications were discovered which impacted both the young elephant's joints and breathing capacity. He had septicemia, an umbilical abscess. To top it all off, there was an infection in his blood!

Though compassionate rescue workers were doing all they could to give the baby elephant care and proper nourishment, he was failing to thrive.

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After a while, the staff figured out that he may be suffering as a result of loneliness. Unbuntu, also known as "Ellie" was falling into a state of utter depression. That's when a four-pawed, furry friend came to the rescue.

The transformation in Ellie's mental, emotional, and physical state was dramatic.

Though selfless staff members like Karen Trendler were doing their best to give Ellie stellar medical treatment, it just wasn't enough to bring the little elephant back to health. So the staff decided it was time to try a solution that was a bit of an outside-the-box idea. They brought him a brand new friend named Duma. Duma was a former service dog. Once Duma entered Ellie's life he suddenly found a new purpose and started developing a will to survive.

The two became fast friends and enjoy romping and playing together. Videos of the two spending time together have become an internet sensation.

What are your thoughts about this unlikely friendship? Have you ever witnessed the power of a loving animal to bring other animals or even people out of a state of depression? Let us know your reaction to this heartwarming story! Pass it along to your friends and family to show them the amazing power of friendship to change lives!