The Incredible Tale of One Dog’s Mission to Save Endangered Animals
Africa is home to some of the world’s most magnificent animals, known as charismatic megafauna. These awe-inspiring creatures, which include elephants, rhinos, hippos, and giraffes,
captivate our hearts with their size and beauty. Unfortunately, despite their grandeur, many of these species are facing increasing threats and are on the brink of extinction.
This urgent situation has mobilised conservationists around the globe to save as many as possible.
In an inspiring twist, the fight for these endangered species is not solely in human hands. In a South African reserve, a remarkable dog named Duma is making a difference in a unique way.
A Rescue Story: The Orphaned Elephant.
During a routine patrol in the Bonamanzi Game Reserve near Hluhluwe, volunteers from the Thula Thula animal rescue shelter discovered a frail baby elephant wandering alone.
Abandoned by his herd, the young elephant was gravely ill, having survived for several days in a weakened state—a true testament to his resilience.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the rescuers took the elephant in, hopeful they could nurse him back to health. However, given his severe condition, even the most advanced medical care seemed uncertain.
The Importance of Herd Life.
Elephants are deeply social animals; their herds provide crucial support for their well-being. For this young elephant to survive, it was vital not only to rehabilitate him but also to reintroduce him into the wild, either with his original herd or a new one to share the vast savannah.
As he began his recovery, the question arose: who would provide him the companionship he so desperately needed? Little did the rescuers know, Duma,
the special dog, would step into that role, forging an unexpected bond that would play a pivotal part in the elephant’s journey back to health and the wild.
Ellie: The Journey of a Resilient Elephant.
In August 2015, a baby elephant named Ubuntu, affectionately nicknamed “Ellie,” arrived at the Thula Thula Private Game Reserve in Zululand, South Africa. Just two weeks old,
Ellie’s first stop was a thorough veterinary checkup, which revealed the heartbreaking reason he had been separated from his herd.
A Troubling Condition.
Ellie was fortunate to be rescued when he was; otherwise, he might not have survived much longer. He was suffering from several severe health issues, including an infected umbilical hernia that posed a significant threat to his life.
Even if his herd had not abandoned him, Ellie would still have needed urgent medical attention to have any chance of survival. The situation was dire, but his dedicated caretakers were determined to do everything possible to help him recover.
A Lifesaving Team.
At the sanctuary, the team rallied together to provide round-the-clock care for Ellie. Their commitment was unwavering, as they understood the urgency of addressing not only his
immediate health crisis but also other potential challenges that could hinder his recovery. The staff knew that without comprehensive care, their efforts could ultimately be in vain.
Hanging by a Thread.
Ellie’s illness had led to an intolerance to the milk provided by the veterinary staff. Without a suitable substitute, his life hung in the balance once again. He needed all the strength he could muster, and the inability to digest milk posed a serious threat to his recovery.
In a determined effort, the rehabilitation centre staff sourced special milk from reserves in Zimbabwe and Kenya, but nothing seemed to work. It appeared that Ellie might not pull through.
Finding the Formula.
Refusing to give up, the staff experimented with various formulas and types of milk until they finally discovered a winning combination.
They developed a specialised milk formula enriched with protein, minerals, and coconut oil, which Ellie eagerly accepted.
As he began to eat regularly, his health started to improve. While Ellie was getting stronger, he still faced challenges ahead.
Signs of Depression.
Once Ellie’s condition stabilised, his caretakers noticed a troubling change in his behaviour. Karen Trendler, a rehabilitation and crisis response expert, observed that Ellie was lethargic and disinterested in his surroundings. “He was particularly weak and ill, showing little interest in anything,” she remarked.
It soon became clear that Ellie was experiencing loneliness and depression, prompting his caregivers to address his emotional needs alongside his physical recovery.
Emotional Scarring.
Elephants are not only incredibly intelligent but also deeply social creatures. Throughout their lives, they form strong bonds with their herds and families, similar to human connections. Ellie, having faced the trauma of being abandoned, understandably felt a profound sense of sadness.
The emotional impact of losing his family was significant, and the staff recognized that without a herd or some form of social connection, Ellie risked losing his will to thrive.
They understood that caring for his emotional well-being was just as crucial as attending to his physical health. But how could they achieve this?
Animal Companions.
Thula Thula Wildlife Rehabilitation Reserve is home to more than just orphaned elephants. It shelters a variety of animals, many of whom have fallen victim to illegal poaching, particularly rhinos. Alongside these majestic creatures, the reserve also houses buffalo, leopards, giraffes, zebras, hyenas, crocodiles, and more.
Despite the diverse array of potential companions, Ellie showed little interest in socialising with most of them. However, just when he needed it most, a special friend arrived: Duma, the German Shepherd. This unexpected bond would prove to be transformative for Ellie.
The Start of an Unlikely Bond.
“We introduced Duma to the elephant in the sandpile, and it instantly lifted the elephant’s spirits,” explained wildlife expert Karen Trendler during Ellie’s rehabilitation.
“It sparked a renewed interest in life for him,” she continued. “Over the past few weeks, they’ve been building a remarkable bond.” Little did anyone know just how profound their friendship would become.
A New Lease on Life.
Ellie’s connection with Duma appeared to breathe new life into her. Although she was still recovering from her physical issues, the shadows of depression and fatigue began to fade, and the two became inseparable. They frolicked across the reserve, digging in the dirt and racing around the trees. To the staff’s delight, Ellie seemed to be genuinely joyful.
A Canine Companion.
Duma had become a vital presence for Ellie, but it was clear that Ellie was just as significant to the German Shepherd. “It’s a challenge to keep Duma away from the elephant; he’s become fiercely protective,” noted one of the shelter’s staff.
Wherever Ellie ventured, Duma was right by her side, bringing her sticks and showering her with affection. As their bond deepened, it appeared to have positive effects on Ellie’s physical well-being as well.
Ellie’s Future.
After forming a heartwarming friendship with Duma, the reserve staff at Thula Thula felt a wave of relief. “Against all odds, this little elephant is still with us,” Trendler noted, watching Ellie grow stronger and healthier day by day.
As time passed, the bond between Duma and Ellie deepened, but the staff knew they had to consider Ellie’s future.
The original plan was to eventually release her back into the wild, either by introducing her to an existing herd or to a new group of elephant orphans.
However, as months went by, experts began to reassess what would truly be best for Ellie. Given her strong attachment to Duma and her still delicate health, her caretakers started to believe that Ellie’s future might take a different direction.
Change of Plans?
Initially, the plan for Ellie was to return him to the wild after he regained his strength. He was meant to either join an existing herd or integrate into a new one with other orphaned elephants. However, as time passed, experts began to reconsider this approach.
Given his strong bond with Duma and his ongoing health concerns, his caretakers started to believe that a different future might be more suitable for the young elephant.
Duma.
Duma, an adult male German Shepherd, has been an integral part of the Thula Thula nature reserve and wildlife rehabilitation centre in South Africa. Living on the reserve, Duma has a wealth of experience assisting animals in distress,
earning a reputation for his gentle and nurturing demeanour, even towards wild creatures. No one anticipated the profound connection that would blossom between him and a baby elephant who arrived at the reserve in 2016.
Relief Amidst Challenges.
The bond between Duma and Ellie provided the reserve staff with much-needed respite, allowing them to pause and reflect. With Ellie no longer in a state of despair, the urgency to reintroduce him to the wild diminished.
Duma’s companionship ensured that Ellie received the love, attention, and social interaction necessary for his well-being, enabling his caretakers to focus on his treatment and ensure he genuinely regained his health.
However, it became evident that Ellie would not fully recover. Thanks to Duma, Ellie experienced joy and affection during the final months of his life.
A Health Crisis.
In January 2016, Ellie’s condition took a drastic turn for the worse. His dedicated caretakers were determined not to give up on him and sent out urgent requests for assistance from anyone who might help. They found themselves once again battling for Ellie’s survival.
Desperate Measures.
In January 2016, Karen Trendler found herself in a desperate situation. “We urgently need IV colloids for a collapsed elephant calf,” she shared on social media, making a heartfelt plea for medical assistance.
Despite the improvements in Ellie’s mood and his friendship with Duma, his health remained precarious due to a lingering infection that they thought he had overcome. Ellie’s condition was grave, leaving uncertainty about whether he would survive the night.
Saying Goodbye,
Ellie held on for a few more days, but ultimately, he passed away. The reserve’s social media was inundated with heartfelt messages of condolence and grief from his many followers, responding to the touching announcement of his passing.
The staff at the reserve described him as “brave and tough,” noting that his legacy would resonate far beyond a single sad post online.
Roaming with the Herd.
In a poignant tribute, the wildlife conservation organisation shared that “Ellie has been returned to the wild and buried in a special place at Thula, where his spirit can roam with the herd.
” Although the sanctuary staff were aware that Ellie’s chances of survival were slim, they were still overwhelmed with “deep sadness and so many tears.”
They found comfort in knowing they provided Ellie with several good months, especially thanks to Duma, whose love and care helped restore some strength to the young elephant, even if only temporarily.
His Memory Lives On.
Though Ellie left this world at a tragically young age, his adoptive family and fans worldwide will forever remember his perseverance, strength, and bravery, along with the tender bond he shared with Duma during his darkest days. As for Duma, while he mourned Ellie’s passing—perhaps more than anyone—he would soon find a new wild friend, proving that his role at the reserve was far from over.
New Friends.
Duma was really missing Ellie, but he decided to turn his feelings into something positive. While Ellie would always hold a special place in his heart, Duma was ready to extend his love and compassion to another young, orphaned animal that had just arrived at the sanctuary. This time, it wasn’t an elephant; it was a baby rhinoceros.
Emotional Support Dog.
Though Duma is a dog, he takes his role at the shelter very seriously. After his success with Ellie, the staff hoped he could help Nandi, an orphaned baby rhino. Like Ellie, Nandi had faced significant trauma at a young age. Her mother had been killed by poachers, leaving her to wander the bush alone. Adjusting to life in the shelter was tough for her, and that’s where Duma stepped in.
Duma and Nandi.
Nandi is a black rhino, a species increasingly endangered due to poaching, so ensuring her care is crucial for her survival and potential return to the wild. Despite the loving environment, Nandi was still feeling down from her experiences, and Duma sensed she needed some encouragement.
He approached her with his usual energy and curiosity, bringing a special gift: a stuffed animal he held gently in his mouth, hoping to bring a smile to his new friend.
Fast Friends.
When Duma offered the stuffed toy to Nandi, both their tails began to wag, igniting a joyful play session that echoed throughout the reserve. Duma eagerly showed Nandi the ropes, teaching her a variety of games filled with chasing and hopping.
Before long, Nandi took the lead in initiating play, and the two became inseparable companions. But as Nandi grew, questions arose about how their friendship would adapt.
Duma’s Safety.
As photos of Duma and Nandi circulated online, they quickly became an internet sensation. While many were charmed by the unlikely friendship between the dog and the rhinoceros, some voiced concerns about Duma’s safety.
Rhinos, being wild animals, can be unpredictable, especially if they feel threatened. The wild animal orphanage received numerous inquiries about Duma’s well-being and assured worried fans that he was perfectly safe and adept at reading Nandi’s moods.
Raised With Rhinos.
To ease the concerns of their supporters, the animal orphanage released a statement: “Duma has been raised with rhinos and has worked with a larger black rhino. He’s exceptional at interpreting their behaviour and knows when to steer clear.”
The orphanage emphasised that Duma often sensed a potential charge even before the human handlers did. Duma truly stands out as an extraordinary dog, but he’s not alone in forming bonds with larger creatures.
Other Side of the World.
Long before Duma and Nandi’s friendship captured hearts, a similar tale unfolded on the other side of the globe. Bubbles the elephant, like young Ellie, faced a challenging beginning in the African savannah and forged a remarkable bond with a puppy. However, Bubbles’ journey took a different path, leading to a much happier ending.
Poaching Epidemic.
From 1970 to 1989, Africa endured a devastating poaching epidemic that claimed the lives of countless elephants. In 1983, poachers killed Bubbles’ family, leaving her orphaned. She was brought to the United States, where she found refuge at Myrtle Beach Safari in South Carolina. As Bubbles made her way across the Atlantic, no one could have anticipated the extraordinary life that awaited her.
New World, New Home.
When Bubbles first arrived at her new home in America, she stood at just 42 inches tall and weighed under 350 pounds—”small and helpless for an elephant,” as her caretakers noted. There were concerns about how she would adapt to the wildlife park without a herd to support her.
However, with the right care, Bubbles would grow to an impressive height of 9 feet and a weight of over 9,000 pounds, thanks in part to a very special friend who was there for her from the beginning.
Building a Pool.
To help Bubbles feel more at home, Myrtle Beach Safari constructed a large pool in her habitat. However, the contractors left behind more than just a swimming area;
they also left a small black Labrador pup named Bella. Instead of giving her up for adoption, the safari decided to keep Bella, and soon, she and Bubbles formed an unbreakable bond.
Bubbles and Bella.
Both Bubbles and Bella were orphans at a young age, but they didn’t have to face loneliness for long. With similar backgrounds and temperaments, the two quickly became friends, creating a family for each other. Their unique friendship surprised everyone, but it became a heartwarming spectacle that captivated many.
T.I.G.E.R.S.
Bubbles and Bella quickly became a major attraction at the safari, delighting visitors at The Institute of Greatly Endangered and Rare Species (T.I.G.E.R.S) in South Carolina. The pool, along with a nearby river, allowed the pair to interact in ways that deepened their bond, as reported by the park staff.
Celebrity Residents.
Over the years, Bubbles has gained fame as one of America’s most beloved wild animals. She has appeared in films such as Ace Ventura: Pet Detective and Dr. Doolittle, but her most captivating story is her friendship with Bella.
Their connection is evident to anyone who sees them, particularly during their favourite game. In this playful routine, Bubbles tosses a ball into the pool with her trunk, and Bella leaps in after it, often launching herself from Bubbles’ back.
Cross-Species Friendship.
Bubbles and Bella have a remarkable level of comfort with each other; Bella frequently rides on Bubbles’ back, even outside of playtime.
Their bond beautifully illustrates that friendship and love can transcend barriers, proving that a dog and a massive African elephant can truly be the best of friends.
