Doldol, the tiny elephant with an incredible story of survival, has reached a remarkable milestone in her journey.
It has been 18 months since we welcomed her into our care, and to commemorate this special occasion, we’ve put together a touching video tribute to our little hero.
When Doldol first came into our lives, we were amazed by her tiny size. She was the most minor orphan we had ever rescued, and it was clear that she was born prematurely. Her mother had likely faced complications during labor, leaving her precious calf behind.
On November 23, 2021, Doldol was discovered in the town of Dol Dol, situated on the northern frontier of the Laikipia Plateau in Kenya.
This region can become extremely cold at night due to winds from Mount Kenya, making it a challenging environment for a calf just a few hours old.
Fortunately, a compassionate community member provided shelter, keeping her warm and safe in his boma.
The next day, she was transported to our Kaluku Neonate Nursery, specially designed for our most vulnerable rescues.
Caring for a premature orphaned elephant presented unique challenges. Mishak, a seasoned Keeper with over three decades of experience, was chosen to lead Doldol’s rescue.
Known for successfully raising some of the most challenging orphan cases, Mishak quickly formed a strong bond with Doldol.
She became his devoted companion, following him everywhere, even requiring him to sleep beside her at night on a bedroll on the ground. Thankfully, after a few months, she outgrew this need.
Doldol is a petite orphaned elephant who found a loving family among her keepers. Initially, she was the sole member of her “herd” until two new neonate rescues, Peter and Jonas, joined her.
While there were concerns about how Doldol would react to the newcomers, she welcomed them with open arms and relished her role as the “queen bee.”
Although still tiny, she’s gradually growing bigger, earning her the affectionate nickname “little beetle” due to her petite, round stature, protruding eyes, and heart-shaped ears that always seem in motion.
Her insect-like demeanor is charming, as she flits about with a sense of purpose, constantly exploring her world.
Today, we celebrate Doldol, our little queen beetle! Being a part of an elephant’s journey from the beginning is a profound honor.
Despite her challenges when abandoned at birth, Doldol defied the odds and continues to thrive. This miniature miracle now has a bright future ahead of her.
Watch the video below:
