Luggard
Luggard sadly passed away in 2021 as a result of his injuries. But his unyielding bravery and strength of character are a source of inspiration to us all. In his honour, we are privileged to share his story and symbolic representation in sculpture with you.
Luggard’s rescue story began with an urgent phone call: A Sheldrick Wildlife Trust pilot on a routine aerial patrol had spotted a young elephant calf hobbling along, unable to keep up with his herd. Vets treated the infant in the field for two gunshot wounds but without intensive care, he was unlikely to survive. With the calf’s life on the line, a rescue unfolded to bring the injured elephant to the Trust’s Nairobi Nursery for specialist care. Read more.
If you feel inspired by Luggard’s story, and want to support the rest of the orphan herd in the Trust’s 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 Luggard’s sculpture
Expertly sculpted in bronze by acclaimed public artists Gillie and Marc, Luggard’s likeness in the Herd of Hope epitomizes the bravery he showed throughout his lifetime, in the face of life-threatening trauma.
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 Luggard 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 Luggard’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.