An orphaned baby African elephant named Eliot, who lost his family to a lightning strike, has found solace and companionship with two older elephants at a sanctuary in Zimbabwe.

Eliot’s life began with trauma when his entire herd was killed. Rescued on Christmas Day at just three days old, Eliot’s story turned hopeful thanks to two other elephants, Kadiki and Beatrix, who have become his playmates and protectors.

Kadiki, aged three, and Beatrix, aged one, have their own harrowing stories of survival. Kadiki survived a lion attack when she was just a day old, while Beatrix was rescued after being trapped in a gully. These shared experiences of loss and rescue have created a strong bond between the trio.

When Beatrix first arrived at the sanctuary, Kadiki took on a maternal role, often seen gently wrapping her trunk around Beatrix in a comforting gesture.

This nurturing behavior has now extended to young Eliot, with Kadiki and Beatrix offering him the love and care he needs.

The trio resides at the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery near Harare, where they are looked after by the charity Wild is Life. Roxy Danckwerts, an animal campaigner and founder of the charity, noted the remarkable empathy and care shown by Kadiki and Beatrix towards Eliot.

“The other two immediately comforted Eliot because they’ve been through it. The intensity of the emotion and care is extraordinary,” she said.

Elephants are known for their strong social bonds within family groups, a fact supported by academic research. This innate social structure is visible in how Kadiki and Beatrix embraced Eliot.

The nursery aims to eventually relocate the trio to a reserve near Victoria Falls, a protected area free from poachers, where they can integrate with wild elephant herds once they are strong enough.