Naserian
Naserian, whose name means "the lucky one" in Samburu, was around 6 months old when she became separated from her family. It's not exactly clear how, but it's believed that she was swept downstream by floodwaters.
She was first spotted trailing wild elephant herds in Samburu National Reserve, but facing continual rejection. One elephant was filmed trying to drown Naserian during a river crossing. She was captured later that night in a chaotic, extended chase. She was quickly sedated and then spirited away to safety.
When Naserian arrived at the Nairobi nursery, she was still very wild. On her first day she tried to escape several times, but by the next she was settled in with the other orphans. Still, Naserian remained an aggressive, pushy little elephant for some time.
Gradually, her temperament began to change and she became very gentle and affectionate. Filled with courage, she occasionally tried to take on two full-grown black rhinos at the nursery; the keepers had to scramble to restrain her!
Now at the Ithumba release site, Naserian has become the mini-matriarch of the younger orphans, displaying the strong instincts of a caring and loving mother figure.
Foster Naserian with The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. (You are leaving discovery.com for a site not operated by or affiliated with Discovery.)
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