Barnoti, a young elephant who faced adversity from an early stage, has triumphed over substantial challenges on his path to survival. Born to the renowned female Bouenza in the Amboseli region in April 2019, Barnoti’s life took an unexpected turn when tragedy struck in November 2020 with the natural passing of his mother.

Typically, a calf of Barnoti’s age would face significant challenges surviving on its own, but an unexpected abundance of rainfall provided him with ample vegetation. His two older sisters played a crucial role in caring for him during this challenging period.

In 2021, Barnoti faced another test of resilience as the anticipated rainfall failed to materialize, leading to a severe shortage of food. On October 19, 2021, the Amboseli warden discovered Barnoti in critical condition, triggering an immediate and urgent rescue mission.

The Amboseli Trust for Elephants, in collaboration with the SWT/KWS Amboseli Mobile Vet Unit, coordinated the rescue effort. Despite the challenges of handling a two-and-a-half-year-old elephant, the team safely transported Barnoti to the Nursery in Nairobi.

Although surviving through a drought posed a precarious situation for Barnoti, his remarkable adaptability shone through. Embraced by fellow young elephants in the Nursery, Barnoti seamlessly became a part of the group, overcoming his weakened condition.

The rescue not only preserved his life but also enabled him to establish meaningful connections within the Nursery herd. Now a member of the Nursery herd, Barnoti admires Mukkoka, an impressive bull, and is forging connections with Taabu, another recent addition.

In the face of a challenging beginning, Barnoti’s journey stands as a testament to the resilience of his spirit and the steadfast support provided by the committed team that saved him.