My ‘Hands and Heart for Compassion’ initiative encompasses a range of programs dedicated to supporting the preservation and conservation of nature, protecting wildlife, and helping disadvantaged individuals and communities gain access to basic necessities such as healthcare, water, sanitation, and food.
Adoption of an Orphan Elephant in Africa
As part of this initiative, I had recently adopted an elephant in Nairobi, Kenya at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. In the heart of the Nairobi Nursery, there lives a young, spirited elephant named Latika. At four years old, Latika’s journey has been one of immense courage and resilience. Her story began on approximately April 10, 2020, in the vast and vibrant Tsavo Ecosystem, specifically within the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. Latika was born into a world teeming with life and natural beauty, but also shadowed by the relentless threat of poaching. Tragically, when Latika was just 18 months old, she lost her family to poachers. Alone and frightened, she wandered the wilderness, struggling to survive. It was on October 10, 2021, that her fate took a turn for the better. Rescuers discovered the tiny orphan, weary and frail, and brought her to the safety of the Nairobi Nursery. At the nursery, Latika found not just a sanctuary but a new family.
The dedicated keepers showered her with the love and care she so desperately needed, helping her heal from her traumatic past. Here, she was surrounded by other orphaned elephants, each with their own stories of loss and survival. Together, they formed a close-knit herd, finding solace in one another’s company. Latika’s days are now filled with joy and exploration. Under the watchful eyes of her keepers, she roams the expansive grounds of the nursery, learning vital skills that will one day help her return to the wild. She splashes in mud baths, forages for food, and plays with her fellow orphans, each day growing stronger and more confident.
Adopting Latika has allowed me to play a crucial role in her journey. Through my contributions, they Sheldrick Wildlife Trust provide the essential resources needed to raise Latika and her friends, protect their habitats, and work towards reducing human-wildlife conflict. I receive monthly updates on her progress, including exclusive glimpses into her life through the Keepers’ Diaries.
Latika’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and community. From a frightened orphan in the Taita Hills to a thriving young elephant in the Nairobi Nursery, Latika’s journey is far from over. With continued support, she will one day return to the wild, where she belongs, carrying with her the indomitable spirit of survival and the love of those who have helped her along the way. In the meantime, Latika continues to enchant everyone who follows her adventures, reminding us all of the incredible resilience of nature and the profound impact we can have through acts of kindness and care.
RahulChand 