My Christmas Tradition

I have always loved animals. My mother told me the story of when she took me to the Washington D.C. National Zoo a giraffe bent over and look at me, deep within my baby carriage. I have also thought this was a blessing for me and built a bond with my fellow creatures.

Every year at this time I renew my commitment to Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. It is my Christmas present to myself. This organization is fantastic and one I have supported for a few years now. They rescue baby elephants and adult elephants in Nairobi. Angela Sheldrick was the founder and now her daughter keeps the legacy going.

Elephants are amazing. They have so much to teach us. They need each other. Their instincts are so heart felt. There seems to be an instantaneous bonding on sight of one elephant for another. Every one is each other’s guardian. If a baby becomes orphaned, its chances of survival are nil if help does not show up.

My first elephant has totally returned to the bush and is a mature Bull. One of my elephants passed. All found orphans have stories they can not share. Mother elephants do not abandon their babies unless a situation is beyond their capabilities like a baby that may fall in a well. The herds pull eventually will take over. With great grief , backs are turned. Often an orphan is because of a tragedy.

My contribution is small. The trust sends me news that warm my heart. The keepers are amazing. In my dreams I see dusty tracks and muddy joyous love. We have much to learn from Elephants.