Ndotto
Ndotto is one of the smallest orphaned elephants the Trust has ever rescued, suspected to have been born premature. His story is a reminder of the lengths we can all take to make a positive difference for wildlife.
Ndotto’s rescue story began on a remote mountaintop when a tiny, hours-old elephant became tangled up in a throng of sheep and goats. With limited means of calling for help in such a remote area, a community member volunteered to run down the mountain for help while villagers kept the baby warm. With newborn elephants especially fragile and vulnerable, a helicopter was sent to swiftly transport the calf directly to the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, who has been caring for him ever since. Read more.
If you feel inspired by Ndotto’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 Ndotto’s sculpture
With his trunk flung high to the heavens, as if trumpeting in happiness, the sculpture of Ndotto is as popular with visitors to the Herd of Hope as the real-life orphan who inspired it. Not only that, but this bronze likeness is a fantastic portrayal of the innate playfulness of baby elephants, who learn about their wild world through play.
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 Ndotto 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 Ndotto’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.