Tamiyoi
Tamiyoi’s trust in her rescuers and the successful outcome after the struggle to save her is an inspiration to us all. A true survivor, we are privileged to share her story and symbolic representation in sculpture with you.
Tamiyoi’s rescue story began at the bottom of a dark, dank water well. Having fallen in and become trapped, she owes her life to the selfless men and women that hauled her to safety. Amazingly this bold but bantam baby was happy to follow her rescuers, as if she knew she was in good hands, and was quickly wrapped safe and snug on a blanket, bound for Nairobi. At only two months old, however, Tamiyoi’s story of survival had only just begun. Read more.
If you feel inspired by Tamiyoi’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 Tamiyoi’s sculpture
Expertly sculpted in bronze with her trunk lifted high, as if saluting the people who saved her, the sculpture ‘Tamiyoi’ represents a little life that has overcome the combined struggles of losing a family and teething.
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 Tamiyoi 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 Tamiyoi’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.