Cute Rescued Giraffe & Orphaned Elephant Become Inseparable

By Mark Hodge @mrhodgey

A BABY giraffe and an infant elephant have become best friends after being rescued by a wildlife charity

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Videographer / Director: THE DSWT
Producer: Mark Hodge, Nick Johnson
Editor: Joshua Douglas

Lean on me: Kiko is rescued after being found abandoned in Kenya's Meru National Park

Filmed in October, this heart warming footage shows Kiko, a one month old rescued giraffe, playing with fellow orphan Loboito – a boisterous three week old elephant calf.

One of the attentive keepers poses with the beautiful baby animal

The pair are being cared for at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust’s Orphanage in Nairobi National Park.

The team of highly trained keepers carefully transport Kiko to safety

Tall drink of water: Kiko is fed by one of the rangers

Kiko, who was found abandoned in Kenya's Meru National Park, sleeps in the stables next to the baby elephants as he is too small to sleep in the giraffe stable.

Kiko and his best friend Loboito get some much needed love and affection

And Loboito, who was found alone and hungry in Samburu, Kenya, loves spending time under the long legs of his new buddy.

The pair would have not have survived in the wild without their mother's milk

Rob Brandford is the Executive Director of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (UK).

The keepers are surrogate parents to the orphaned animals

He said: “Kiko is extremely trusting and affectionate with his carers and has been from the moment he was rescued and he loves spending time with the youngest elephant calves.

Stand by Me: The new best friends go for a walk

Special bond: The animals are given round the clock care

“Loboito follows Kiko everywhere he goes and particularly enjoys spending time beneath Kiko’s legs and belly.”

Loboito enjoys the opportunity to stretch his legs

And Rob revealed that without the heroic efforts of the rescue team and the carers, both animals would not be alive today.

Kiko the baby giraffe goes for a stroll with his new friends

He said: “Both animals could not have survived in the wild without their mother's milk.

One of the keepers is surrounded with loving rescued animals

“They are being given specialist care until they are old enough to be reintegrated back into the wild.

“Our dedicated team of keepers substitute for the orphans' families and are with the babies 24 hours a day - even sleeping alongside them in their stable at night."