An Unfortunate Start for a Baby Elephant
It’s no secret that elephants are known for their strong parental instincts and their dedication to their herds. They will go to great lengths to protect their young and help any member of their herd in need. However, in this particular story, we learn about a baby elephant who faced rejection from his own mother right from the beginning.
When this precious calf was born at the Shendiaoshan Wildlife Sanctuary in Rongcheng, China, things took an unexpected turn. Instead of embracing her newborn, the mother elephant harshly kicked and tossed him around. It was clear that this was no place for the baby to thrive, so caregivers made the difficult decision to separate them for his safety.
The Emotional Toll on the Baby Elephant
The baby elephant was given the name Zhuang Zhuang. Despite the abuse he endured, Zhuang couldn’t bear the thought of being separated from his mother. He experienced an overwhelming sense of loss and despair that could only be expressed through heart-wrenching sobs. For five long hours, he cried inconsolably, breaking the hearts of everyone who witnessed his pain.
“He couldn’t understand why his mother wanted to leave him,” explained a compassionate worker at the sanctuary. The image of Zhuang curled up under a blanket with tears streaming down his cheeks is one that will forever be etched in our minds.
The Road to Recovery
Thankfully, the dedicated keepers at the sanctuary closely monitored Zhuang’s well-being and provided him with the love and care he so desperately needed. With time, the baby elephant slowly started to heal and find solace in the company of his human caregivers.
However, the heartbreaking situation had a deeper underlying issue. The mother elephant was found to be exhibiting signs of anorexia, leading the doctors to suspect she was suffering from depression. This could possibly explain her actions towards her own calf. Researchers at the University of California, Santa Barbara have delved into the complex emotional lives of elephants and shed light on their expressions of emotions.
Do Elephants Weep?
According to the researchers, elephants do shed tears similar to how humans do. Tears play a crucial role in protecting and lubricating their eyes, just as it does for other animals. However, it is difficult to determine whether elephants shed tears solely as an emotional response.
While elephants are known to exhibit human-like qualities such as happiness and even melancholy, it is unclear if their tears are solely a result of their emotions. Some scientists speculate that these majestic creatures have their own unique way of dealing with loss and may even remember and mourn the departed in their own way.
In the face of adversity, Zhuang Zhuang’s story serves as a reminder of the resilience and capacity for love that exists not only within us but also within the animal kingdom. Let us cherish and protect these magnificent creatures, ensuring a world where they can thrive and find the love and acceptance they deserve.
