Baby elephants have a monopoly on cuteness. Read the full story about how this newborn calf entertained us with its antics.

My Maasai guide, Kupai, and I came across a mother elephant and her tiny newborn out on a game drive on the Maasai Mara last month. The little calf was full of personality and confidence. When we approached it flared its ears and raced towards us in a mock charge…

The gates opened for the next feeding at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, but the orphans were nowhere in sight. The region is experiencing a devastating drought, the keepers and their young charges were forced to walk further out into the bush to find enough to eat. Finally, the first group of orphans arrived. They raced across the compound for their bottles.

“If we do not do something to prevent it, Africa’s animals, and the places in which they live, will be lost to our world, and her children forever.” – Nelson Mandela

Last week a tiny elephant calf fell in a well in Northern Kenya. The region is currently experiencing a devastating drought. The local Samburu people dig wells for their livestock in riverbeds during the dry season. They bring their animals to drink during the day and elephants take advantage of the wells at night. Unfortunately, sometimes a calf falls in and the elephants are unable to help it out.

I saw a tiny form tucked in amongst the elephants. The herd travelled several kilometers across the Amboseli plain and paused for a mud bath where we strategically parked midway on their route to water. The matriarch turned towards us, like a crossing guard to ensure safe passage for the little one when the elephants continued on and crossed the road.

I confess, I am in love with elephant ears—the real ones. Although, as I write this, I realize one of my favourite pastries as a child was elephant ears so perhaps, I was destined to love elephant ears. I love elephants too, most of you know that, but, those ears—amazing! I remember the day I was hooked.

At a time when the news is dominated with reports of communities in conflict and environmental disasters, I have good news! Caring people are having a direct positive impact on the lives of others. This week’s story is one of gratitude. Special thanks to readers who have donated money or purchased products from my online store. You are making a difference in the lives of people in Kenya and the wildlife they coexist with.

The temperature is rising in the mid-morning heat of Amboseli Park near the Tanzanian border in southern Kenya. The dry, grey volcanic dust of Amboseli announces each family of elephants as they march in silence towards us. I have never seen so many elephants in one place. I came to see the elephants of Amboseli, and they showed up.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is the first indigenous community owned and run elephant rescue orphanage in East Africa. It reflects a growing movement in community focused conservation practices where the local people work to protect the wildlife they have co-existed with for hundreds of years.