Will You Be My Valentine?
Animals are the bridge between us and the beauty of all that is natural. They show us what's missing in our lives, and how to love ourselves more completely and unconditionally. They connect us back to who we are, and to the purpose of why we're here. ― Trisha McCagh
Do you think animals can feel love? I sure do! With Valentine’s Day this week, let’s talk about love. One of my goals in photography is to make images that touch people’s hearts. Watching African wildlife’s interactions is a reminder that these animals are sentient beings who care about each other. Keep reading to the end to receive a free screensaver of this image.
I felt the love between this mama elephant and her calf. The youngster seemed to seek reassurance as he brushed her side with his trunk. Perhaps the baby wanted to nurse, perhaps it just needed that affirmation of “I see you, I care about you, you’re safe with me.” Loving interactions often convey a sense of safety and connection.
You can’t help but feel the love at the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary where a team of devoted keepers care for orphaned animals until they can safely be reintegrated back to the wild. When I visited Reteti last October there were more than elephants in the love lineup. This baby kudu is a victim of Kenya’s devastating drought in 2021. The little foal happily snuggled up to its keeper who tenderly fed it a bottle and caressed its tiny body. These animals need more than nutrition to recover from their loss, they also need love to heal.
Lions are wonderful mothers. They give birth around the same time so the cubs in a pride are all close in age. The mothers nurse any cub who needs a drink and take turns babysitting and playing with all the kids. This affectionate cub played with its mother’s face while relaxing between her forelegs. Love is patient, love is kind. That’s how I felt watching these two. Loving interactions are contagious, when we observe sweet connection, we are more inclined to soften our own interactions.
Caring for a tiny orphaned elephant is a labour of love. These little ones come to the sanctuary taumatized, hungry, and often injured. It takes a team to raise an elephant. It is times consuming, like newborn human babies they need to be fed every three hours and can never be left alone. Mary Lengees, one of the women keepers at Reteti, showers her foster babies with love. It is not a one-way street, however, the babies return the love with elephant sized doses of affection. This calf was found stranded in a deep well, cold, frightened and alone. Thanks to Mary’s care, this baby has a chance to live and return to the wild. It shows it's love and appreciation as it carresses Mary and suckles her fingers. This reciprocle circle of love and care builds a beautiful bond of healing and well being for everyone, incuding those who witness it.
Loving connections between friends combats loneliness. Like most mammals, we are pack animals. When love is present in a family, a community, we feel safer, happier, and more confident. Lions in a pride greet each other with warmth and affection. In the image above, Morani, one of the Kings of the Mara, raises his head to receive a friendly head rub greeting from his son. Lions remind me that how we greet each other is a way to show our love.
Love is generous. I’ve written about Lekupanai before. He is a very special Samburu man who cares for orphaned animals at Sarara Camp and Reteti. I met him early one morning at the camp stables. We fed two young kudu babies and a pair of reticulated giraffes before the animals were let out for the day. When we finished the feeding, a pair of full-grown giraffes waited patiently outside the barnyard for Lekupanai. These tall giants live in the wild now, but they return each morning for a hug and some loving touch from the man who saved them. Love is a gift that keeps on giving.
When we care for wildlife, we take care of nature. When we take care of nature, nature takes care of us. Want to share the love this Valentine’s Day? Send a Valentine to Reteti and foster one of their elephants for only $50 US a year. This is a tangible loving gift that makes a difference in many lives.
Feel the Love!
My Valentine to you is a downloadable screensaver of Lekupanai and Fupi at sunrise. The image reminds me to start each day with loving kindness. I’ll close this week with my favourite Buddhist Prayer and very best wishes to all for a year of Loving Kindness.
May you be filled with loving kindness,
May you be well in body and mind.
May you be safe and free from danger,
May you be happy and free.
