Elephant calves are in danger this dry season

Young elephants are being injured and killed after falling into open wells as water disappears in Northern Kenya

Young elephant drinking milk from a bottle held in its trunk at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. Text on the right reads, "Meet the elephants at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary."

Right now, rescue teams are responding to emergency calls as elephant calves search desperately for water.

During the dry season, deep wells in the ground become deadly traps for small, innocent calves.

When Longu’ro was found, he was alone at the bottom of a well — badly injured, terrified, and crying out in pain. A hyena had attacked part of his trunk, and his condition was critical.

Only an emergency rescue and specialist care saved his life.

Tragically, Longu’ro’s story isn’t unique. Across Northern Kenya, months without rain are drying up rivers and natural water sources. Desperate for water, elephants dig deeper into the earth or approach open wells created by people. These wells are especially dangerous for young calves; once they fall in, they’re too small to climb out, and heartbroken mothers are often forced to leave them behind.

World Animal Protection is supporting local rescue teams and long‑term care at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, the first community‑owned elephant sanctuary in Africa. This means being ready to respond at any hour, providing urgent veterinary care, and supporting calves through the long months of recovery that follow.

Care is rooted in the community. The calves are looked after by members of the Samburu community, who have lived alongside elephants for generations. They’re fed with locally sourced goat’s milk supplied by women in nearby villages — creating steady income and helping many open bank accounts for the first time.