After orphaned baby elephants lose their mothers, an ostrich cuddles them to make them feel less alone
Without assistance, injured or orphaned pets have a difficult time surviving in the outdoors.
The David Sheldrick Wild Animals Trust Fund (DSWT) takes in and cares for animals in need until they are ready to be released back into the wild. Now, at the DSWT sanctuary, a female ostrich is making headlines for her love of elephants and relationship with them.
The ostrich’s name is Pea, according to DSWT, and it arrived at the sanctuary in 2014.
Pea came to the sanctuary with her brother Case, but she was drawn to the elephants right away. Pea was allowed to remain at the sanctuary after Hull was released back into the wild.
Pea has been a wonderful friend to the baby elephants who have been brought to DSWT, as seen by the numerous images of her cuddling up with them.
She has spent so much time with elephants that she has begun to mimic their behavior.
Pea can often be found resting with the elephants, who like stroking their paws over her velvety plumes after a mud bath. Pea has formed a unique bond with one of the baby elephants in particular.
Herders rescued Jotto from a well in 2016 and brought him to the wildlife refuge. According to workers at the wild animals shelter, Jotto was just a month old. Because he was so little, Pea was more than pleased to provide him with a mother role. In another photo, Jotto is seen reclining over Pea as if she were a soft padding.
