Enkesha
Enkesha’s story signifies the threats facing elephants and what it takes to survive.
An innocent victim of snaring, Enkesha’s rescue story began with a simple wire trap that became ensnared around her trunk. Rescued from the Masai Mara and brought into the care of the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in 2017, many wondered if her nearly-severed trunk could be saved. But this little elephant is a true warrior and the Trust never gave up hope. One operation by specialist vets later, and many more months of daily TLC by dedicated carers, this tiny trumpeter’s injuries gradually healed. Read more.
If you feel inspired by Enkesha’s story, and want to support her 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 Enkesha’s sculpture
Enkesha’s symbolic representation in bronze is testament to the fact that this orphan has never let her injuries define her. This stunning sculpture epitomizes eternal resilience and bravery.
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 Enkesha 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 Enkesha’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.