Barsilinga
Barsilinga was rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in 2015 after his mother was fatally shot by poachers. Though his story might be steeped in tragedy, there is hope: this real-life orphaned elephant is now learning the skills he needs to eventually rejoin the protected wild.
Barsilinga’s rescue story begins with the sounds of gunshots ringing out in Northern Kenya. The next morning, a mother elephant was found, barely able to walk as a result of her injuries. At her side was a two-week-old bull who had seen the attack unfold. With vets unable to save the mortally wounded mother, rescuers took the baby into their safe-keeping, arranging for the little elephant to be flown to Nairobi where the Sheldrick Trust could offer him everything orphaned baby elephants need to survive including milk, warmth and protection. Read more.
If you feel inspired by Barsilinga’s story, and want to support his care, you can adopt through the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Adoption Program. Our ability to raise orphaned elephants so that they will grow up as healthy, loved and supported animals is completely reliant on donations and the generosity of others.
Creating Barsilinga’s sculpture
Expertly sculpted in bronze by acclaimed public artists Gillie and Marc, and sat amid a herd of second chances, Barsilinga’s sculpture is a powerful reminder of the threat of poaching on Africa’s elephants.
Raising awareness for elephants
Elephants once roamed the plains of Africa in their millions but now, the species are officially endangered. Poachers and habitat loss, amongst other threats, has brought African savanna elephants like Barsilinga to the brink of extinction, while their forest elephant cousins are listed as critically endangered. There is a very real possibility we might be the last generation to see elephants in the wild.
By sharing Barsilinga’s story, we hope to raise awareness and engage people in the plight of elephants, and how our own actions could help save a species.