“You are the God of great wonders." ~ Psalm 77:14
When rescuers arrived at the scene, they were surprised to
find a small herd of elephants standing vigil around the injured calf, shielding
him from another lion attack. The mammoth sentries remained calm as if they
knew the Kenyans were trying to save his life. The injured baby was whisked by
helicopter to the Nairobi Nursery as her guardians melted back into the
wilderness.
The vet’s prognosis
was grim: lion bites are prone to infection, and his leg injuries were
extensive. The immediate goal was to ease his pain and buoy his spirits. They
knew from experience that an elephant’s emotional state makes or breaks a
recovery.
They placed him in a
cozy stable with two other baby elephants, Mzinga and Nyambeni, who instantly
‘adopted’ him. They brought milk and set up mud baths so he could enjoy daily
rituals. Due to his lack of mobility, his days mostly consisted of long naps.
There was no shortage
of qualified nannies. When the 250-pound baby boy dozed, fellow orphans and the
2-year-old surrogate pachyderms provided round-the-clock care and a much-needed
‘family’ structure for the young elephant who’d lost his own family.
With such a promising start and constant attention, he quickly gained strength and began acting like a normal, spirited boy. They named him Askari, Swahili for "warrior," and his unlikely healing brought national attention.
While a reporter from “The
Daily Nation,” Kenya’s most widely read newspaper, asked Director Kaunda
about Askari’s rescue and recuperation, the playful calf frolicked in the
background and stole the spotlight!
Kaunda inadvertently
mentioned Askari’s name. That prompted an immediate and friendly reaction from
Askari. The little guy darted forward and began a delightful display of
affection as Askari nuzzled against his human caretaker, expressing genuine
happiness.
His presence was impossible
to ignore, yet Kaunda was unfazed by the interruption. He casually included Askari’s
amusing behavior in his interview. “Oh, Askari,” he chuckled, “always
one to make an entrance, aren’t you?” Picture perfect!
Although elephants
aren't specifically mentioned in the Bible, their attributes can symbolize
God's magnificence. Their size and power can symbolize God's might and
sovereignty. Female elephants are revered for their leadership and protective
nature.
The jumbo giants live
in complex social groups, or herds, with strong bonds between family members,
and the entire herd helps raise the young. They display emotional depth such as
joy, grief, and compassion. Elephants communicate through a wide range of sounds,
scent markings, and physical displays, demonstrating intricate social
interactions. They can remember humans, locations, and migration routes over huge
areas.
Askari’s playful
interruption serves as a reminder of the bond between humans and elephants, one
built on humor, curiosity, and mutual respect. We can learn a lot about
harmonious coexistence from these magnificent creatures.
Loving Father, thank You for these intelligent,
gentle giants who grace our planet with their human-like presence. May they
continue to roam free, their wisdom and strength a testament to Your boundless
creation. Amen
