The orphaned baby elephant, deprived of his mother’s colostrum at birth, was sheltered with such tender care that it touched millions of hearts worldwide

With heavy hearts, we announce the unexpected passing of Doldol on the evening of Wednesday, September 13th. Her sudden departure has left us all deeply saddened, as we grapple with the profound sorrow of her loss.

Every elephant holds a special place in our hearts, but Doldol’s story resonated deeply with many, touching all who knew her and those who heard of her remarkable journey. Her life was a testament to resilience—born prematurely and abandoned, she defied the odds with the help of a compassionate local who provided her with shelter and warmth.

When Doldol arrived at our Kaluku Neonate Nursery on November 23rd, 2021, she captivated everyone who saw her. Remarkably small for a newborn, she missed the crucial colostrum from her mother, which is essential for boosting a baby’s immune system, due to her sudden orphaning.

Understanding the challenges that lay ahead, we were unwavering in our commitment to provide Doldol with the best possible care. Mishak, our most experienced Keeper known for his expertise with difficult orphan cases, was entrusted with her care. His exceptional skills and strong bond with elephants made him the perfect choice. He was supported by Peter and Jonas, two promising new Keepers eager to contribute their abilities.

Despite the inherent difficulties of caring for a newborn orphan, Doldol thrived under their attentive care. While some might attribute her progress to luck, it was primarily the result of her Keepers’ unwavering dedication. They nurtured her like devoted parents, attending to her every need with love and diligence, day and night.

Though Doldol’s time with us was short, it was filled with joy and wonder. In her realm in Tsavo, she reigned like a queen, affectionately known as “our little beetle” for her mischievous eyes and ears that resembled wings. Like a nimble insect, Doldol explored Kaluku with boundless curiosity, her small figure always in motion.

In moments of grief, we find solace in the words of our founder, Daphne Sheldrick, who once said, “Raising orphaned elephants is a blend of joy, tempered with a touch of sorrow.” Today, we feel the weight of these words as we mourn the sudden and untimely loss of Doldol, wondering why her promising life was cut short.

Doldol’s unexpected decline began on September 13th. The day started as usual, with a peaceful morning spent alongside her Keepers and the orphan herd from the larger side of Kaluku. Lately, she had been forming closer bonds with Rokka, Manda, Mayan, Vaarti, Mwinzi, and Natibu, enjoying their group outings despite her shy nature.

However, by mid-morning, it was clear that something was wrong with Doldol. She appeared unwell and had lost her appetite. Concerned, her Keepers brought her back to her stable to rest, noticing her strained movements and tense muscles. Throughout the day, Doldol’s condition rapidly deteriorated.

Despite our swift efforts and collaboration with trusted veterinarians, Doldol’s health continued to decline, even after receiving IV drips and medications. Tragically, she became unable to walk or stand, and just six hours after her symptoms first appeared, Doldol passed away at 7:30 that evening, leaving us all heartbroken.

The loss of Doldol has left us with many unanswered questions, highlighting the mysterious and unpredictable nature of the natural world. Despite our best efforts, sometimes we cannot determine the exact cause of an animal’s decline. In honor of Doldol, we remain committed to further investigation and seeking clarity in the wake of this heartbreaking event.

We are profoundly grateful to Doldol’s dedicated Keepers. Mishak’s unwavering care and support were vital in helping Doldol through the challenging early stages of life, a time when many newborn elephants face significant hardships. Together with Peter and Jonas, Mishak ensured that Doldol grew up happy and well-protected.

Being a Keeper is a demanding and often heart-wrenching role, and we deeply appreciate their commitment and expertise. Mishak spent two years nurturing Doldol, devoting every moment to her well-being. Recovering emotionally from this loss and preparing to care for another baby will take time. Mishak is currently taking a well-deserved break to heal and come to terms with Doldol’s unexpected and devastating loss.

As we grieve this profound loss together, let us cherish the memories of Doldol with warmth and affection. Remember her as the spirited and resilient soul she was, always full of joy. Though her time with us was brief, may we find comfort in knowing that our beloved beetle is now flying freely.