The Elephant Whisperer

Mnumzane impregnates Nandi, and everyone is thrilled about another elephant baby’s arrival. When the birth finally happens, Lawrence is told that the herd is gathered around the baby and acting peculiar. He arrives to find the baby still lying down, which is alarming, as it should have already been on its feet. He approaches as close as possible, and through his binoculars, he discovers that the baby has deformed front legs. The other female elephants continually try, but fail, to help it stand.

The herd keeps up the attempt for 24 hours, neither eating nor drinking anything in the process. Lawrence is sure the baby will die without further medical intervention; however, Nana eventually backs away, recognizing they have done all they can, and the rest of the herd, except Nandi, follows. Lawrence manages to distract Nandi away with food and water while some of the rangers manage to carry her baby to safety.

The young calf, named Thula, is extremely weak and dehydrated and is put on a drip by the vet. Lawrence procures elephant formula and bottles while Franćoise sets up an elephant nursery in a spare room. The vet explains that Thula is too big, hence her feet folded over in the womb with not enough room to grow.