Back in April, we received reports of a collapsed elephant calf in Laikipia. Dr Poghon of the SWT/KWS Mount Kenya Mobile Vet Unit reported to the scene. At first glance, she appeared to be dead. However, a closer inspection revealed the faintest pulse and the slightest puff of breath. Holding onto a sliver of hope, we organised a rescue. We knew she wouldn’t survive the night without intensive medical intervention — but truthfully, we feared she wouldn’t even make the journey to Nairobi.
For about five hours after her arrival at the Nairobi Nursery, the calf remained entirely comatose. Then, to our utter astonishment, she suddenly returned to life. Despite her remarkable revival, Sholumai hovered between life and death for several days. But she is a true fighter and helped us save her.
The fact that Sholumai is alive today truly is a miracle. We rescued a calf that was as good as dead; today, she has her whole life ahead of her. Sholumai reminds us that we should always chase the faintest hope, no matter how difficult the odds — because miracles do happen!
