Chaimu the Elephant's Heartwarming Reunion with Her Caretakers

Chaimu the elephant has proven that she never forgets those who cared for her. Rescued by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) in 2009, Chaimu's journey began when Kristin Davis discovered the abandoned and weak calf during a trip near Kenya's Chyulu Hills. Concerned for her wellbeing, Davis and a group of animal lovers reached out to SWT, which stepped in to save her.

Under the Trust's guidance, Chaimu regained her strength at the Nairobi orphanage before moving to the Ithumba Reintegration Centre, where she gradually adapted to life in the wild and formed bonds with a herd of elephants.

Despite her newfound independence, Chaimu maintains a special connection with her past. Recently, she made a heartfelt visit back to the Ithumba Centre, bringing along a delightful surprise: her first calf, a boy named Chapa.

On the evening of September 24, Chaimu returned to the reintegration centre, where she chose to give birth just steps away from the people who had raised her. The SWT shared their joy on social media, stating, “Ex-orphan Chaimu returned home to give birth in our midst, sharing her new joy with the people who raised her. We have named her baby—a perfect little bull—Chapa. He is utterly adored.” Chaimu, who did not grow up alongside her mother, is showcasing her nurturing instincts as a first-time mom.

This milestone is particularly meaningful for Davis, who has been a steadfast supporter of the SWT since Chaimu's rescue. “I was so thrilled when I learned that Chaimu had a baby! The Sheldrick Trust has a remarkable track record of raising orphaned elephants and successfully reintegrating them into the wild,” Davis shared with PEOPLE. “Chaimu’s decision to give birth near the reintegration unit shows she trusted it as a safe space to welcome her new calf and wanted her human family to meet him.”

Following the birth, Chaimu's herd celebrated with jubilant trumpeting, encircling the new mother and son to welcome Chapa into their family. The bond between Chaimu and her former caretakers remains strong, as they continue to visit frequently, with the SWT noting that Chapa looks “plump, active, and utterly loved.”

This year is especially significant for Chaimu, not only because she welcomed her first calf but also as she has been featured as one of two SWT orphans in sculptures for the Great Elephant Migration, a traveling art installation that features life-size elephant replicas.
 

The installation, created by artists in Southern India, aims to raise awareness about coexistence between humans and wildlife while supporting conservation efforts worldwide. Davis remarked on the importance of such initiatives, stating, “Elephants face so many challenges. The Great Elephant Migration beautifully highlights the need for coexisting with wild animals, reminding us to make choices that support environmental sustainability.”

The Great Elephant Migration is currently on display in New York City's Meatpacking District until October 20, before heading to Miami Beach in December, with plans for later stops in Montana, Wyoming, and California.