In an inspiring story of unexpected friendship, a baby elephant named Themba found an unlikely companion after a tragic loss.
Following the death of his mother, Themba was taken to the Sanbona Wildlife Sanctuary in South Africa.
Despite initial attempts to find him a surrogate mother, the young elephant spent his first week at the sanctuary alone.
Determined to find a friend for Themba, the sanctuary staff introduced Albert, a sheep, into his life. At first, Albert was scared and took shelter in a cave for twelve hours, which is understandable given the unusual pairing of a sheep and an elephant.
The next morning, however, brought a delightful surprise. Albert emerged from the cave, and Themba stayed by his side, refusing to leave.
Over the following weeks, the two formed an inseparable bond that captured the hearts of many on social media.
Their friendship blossomed as they explored the sanctuary together and even shared naps on a termite mound.
Albert adapted to Themba’s diet, eating thorny acacia bushes, demonstrating the depth of their connection.
Dr. Johan Joubert, the director of the wildlife center, shared insights into this extraordinary friendship.
While acknowledging its uniqueness, the team at the sanctuary plans to eventually reintroduce Themba into the wild.
The goal is for Themba and Albert to part ways, each cherishing the memories of their special bond. Themba will return to the wild, enriched by the experiences shared with his woolly companion.
