Elephants - Back to the Wild | Part 1 - The Orphanage of Elephants | Free Documentary Nature 

An entire year in the life of orphan elephants is captured on film, where we witness them growing up and reintroduced into the wild. The film showcases the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and its breeding and rehabilitation station for elephants. In two episodes, we are taken to two unique locations in Kenya and tell stories of the breeding, release, and conservation efforts of elephants. We use never before seen footage that perfectly shows the coexistence of elephants and the highly emotional relationships that elephant groups maintain. It’s a spectacular look at these super smart animals and their habitat.

I was so touched to see the older orphans gather and reach eagerly for the new arrivals... elephants are amazing creatures.

I loved watching this. What a wonderful thing this lady and these keepers are doing for these adorable babies. Shame on the ones that kill for the ivory......

As a Kenyan I found this quite fascinating to watch, I have visited the elephant sanctuary several times during feeding and the bond between the baby elephants and their carers is heartwarming. I enjoyed every minute of this video, thank you so much for sharing!

the keepers are so dedicated. i’m glad there’s good humans

My life dream is to finish my biology degree and dedicate my life work to something like this.

It takes a very spiecial man to be a loving mama. ❤🧡💙Great job guys! This is amazing and I'm so touched😂

All those babies want is a mother's love, companionship and compassion!! God bless these wonderful carers, as the fill in for their mothers!! 💕🐘💕

That poor baby elephant who couldn't sleep was trying to climb into bed with her keeper! So damn cute 🐘🐘🐘

I was so interested in this video of how much these keepers do for these young babies,so touching,God bless these men who spend most their time working with these beautiful elephants,we salute you all,so glad they have u dedicated keepers,🙏⭐👏💞💞🤗

I shared this video on Twitter to bring awareness. Praise God the Babies have the keepers, and how sad this world 🌎 is these babies have to have human mothers because poachers killed their Mom's

Love when he shakes his finger at the naughty elephant and says "No!" the elephant lowers their head. It knows its behavior was wrong...too cute.

These wonderful men acting as mother's I think is just awesome and they dint really mind being the mother's so to speak . Just precious

This was heart broken in the beginning, yet insightful. Aand absoluutly uplifting and encouraging, to see how our big African Elephants are tamed, encouraged, and learn that those who hurt their .mother's and bull elephant fathers form strong bonds for the future again. I am grateful for those who protect and form strong bonds with them. Thank you.

A real wonder! God bless their keepers and the lady owner of the orphanage.

Wow,they really are big baby's.. They really miss there mothers,and for a poacher to kill a mother in front of her Baby must have a devastating effect on the poor baby.

I loved every minute of it! I LOVE Sheldrick. It is my very favourite charity group. I already have 4 adopted babies (2 girls and 2 boys - it is my virtual little herd xoxox) and I also donate for their water projects. Water IS everything. It is life. Without their artificial water holes being kept full, there would be many, many more orphans....Forever grateful for all they do...and documentaries like this are crucial! It brings awareness to their work....time to enjoy part 2...xoxoxo

The death of Elephant Orphan Dida came as no surprise to us, but nevertheless that does not change the fact that it was still the loss of a loved and treasured Elephant, rescued from a manhole on the main Mzima Mombasa Pipeline in September 2007, at the age of just 1 month. Having been with us for five years, carefully and lovingly nurtured every day of her life, we all knew, and loved her unconditionally, so her death has been particularly painful for all of us, and especially her orphan peers and her dedicated team of Keepers.

This was just wonderful, thank you for bringing it to us!

I have never seen anything like this, its so heart moving. Many Blessings to all who make it possible! Thank you 4 sharing :-)

In 1800 there were twenty-five million elephants in the world. In 1900 there were twenty-four million elephants in the world. Today there are less than 500k elephants in the world. The number could be as low as 250k elephants. It should not only be legal to kill poachers, but there should be a few thousand dollar reward for every poacher killed

Kenya was once a former British colony. Why can't the Britain honours this guys for the work they are doing to conserve wildlife for generations to come.

Where there is Love there's certainly God , Where God exists Love also exists in Abundance! Thanks to all the caters & Orphanage 👏. Love , Peace & Unity🇰🇪

The happiness on the carers face, that would have to be one of the most rewarding “jobs”.

They handle the baby elephants so gently.. Bless these guys for being so sweet to the babies... 🙂

I wish that people here could teach the others in India how to co exist with these beautiful magnificent creatures. They capture and cage them, keeping them in chains initially starved to force dependence using bull hooks as a solution to the habitat fragmentation due to expanding coffee plantations. I understand that farmers are concerned and scared, however, this does not seem like a humane healthy respectful long term solution. Many don’t realize that their morning cup of coffee cones at a very high price of elephants. This documentary is beautiful and a way to display how wonderful these creatures truly are ❤️

How wonderful that these Kenyan caretakers were so considerate and very caring for these orphaned baby elephants. Amazing! 💕 It made me warm filled with happiness. 😊 Thank you for the great care you’re providing . 🙏🏻💖

Thanks for the video, I cry whenever I watch this type of documentary. The poachers are heartless. How do I donate to this orphanage?

They are so adorable laying down. I would love to live and travel amongst the elephants.

I'M HEART BROKEN WATCHING THIS,,THE WORST ANIMAL IS A HUMAN BEING

The poor Mother Elephants :(

Economic prosperity is the cure for poaching. Lack of jobs push many youths into such life-risking practices and crimes

What a beautiful beautiful program! sooooooo commendable! So inspiring! I appreciate the keepers n congratulate them on such vast efforts their care n love for these majestic innocent creatures n their love for the country's wildlife. What a great story! My heart is glad yet sad cuz humans are so so cruel greedy. Congrats again. Keep up the excellent work.. I'm sure the elephants are grateful; they have excellent memory💯👍🏾🐘

Great appreciation to all the CAREGIVERS. I salute to you all. Good and dedicated work done!

That’s Sheldrick’s! Amazing people doing amazing work. Donate please! Adopt a baby elephant of your own!

Great video ; glad to see the amazing compassion of the keepers ...

And why did a poacher shoot an elephant mother? What is the purpose of this murder in this case? The tusks are in place, the elephant is still alive. Couldn't she have been saved? How was it determined in the field that her wound was fatal and her legs paralyzed? She has no visible wound on her spine. They just left her to die and flew away?

l really enjoyed this video. Mesmerising. Kudos to those keepers.

There are unspeakable things done to the elephants. To those evil, low life pieces of sh* who cause these babies to be orphans,I hope karma is the bi*ch it’s made out to be…

OMG !! The keepers r simply angels for the orphans Leaving their family behind they r giving up their soul to take care of these little ones All the 3 kids had a warm welcome by their second family N the elephants rumbling n welcoming was so hearttouching Such a bonding even humans don't have with their ppl What a magnificent documentary 👍👍 God bless the principal n the keepers of this family

That soccer match was better than watching FIFA World Cup 😊. So precious 🙌🏻

I've been a long-time Adoptee to many of the ele babies! DSWT is one of the best organizations you will ever find! Dame Daphne taught me this "An elephant has every single emotion a human does. MINUS hatred. "IF" they have hatred, humans alone taught them it!" 😬🤯 It is so true! I love Lek at Elephant Nature Park in Thailand if you want another amazing Documentary @Free Documentary - Nature! DST is proven over and over that they re-integrate healthy and very wild eles back into the bush! Please go and adopt a baby. It will change your life for the better! @Free Documentary - Nature, you are by far one of the BET channels on YT! Thank you a million times over for all of the hours and hours of research and information that is unbiased!

I hope someone showed gentleness to the paralyzed mother. She was clearly in distress as they took her baby away and left her there.

A recent report described the effect that 9 species, among which the African elephant, could have on sequestring CO2 from the atmosphere. The effect comes about because of the huge positive effect the elephants have on grass growth, root systems and vegetation in general. Isn't nature wonderful! Thanks to all the people that carry a big heart for elephants.

How absolutely precious these young babies are! Oh how I wish I could be one of their care takers! How I’d love to feed them and play and help to put them to sleep! Elephants are just so beautiful and very precious! All of the creatures God created are special. They give us much happiness! I would just love to find a way to stop poachers from killing Elephants! I’m sure there are evil unscrupulous men involved in killing beautiful Elephants. Poachers who have been caught trying to kill Elephants need to be put in Prison at HARD LABOR!!!! For an undetermined amount of time. At least for many years, so when the get out of prison they will be too old to kill a flea no less a Big beautiful Elephant!!! 🤗❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I love Elephants especially the babies!

I'm relieved to know that the keepers are so patient and don't force the babies into the trunks.

That has to be the most beautiful documentary I have ever seen! I couldn't believe that 11K elephants are in this park. It must be huge! But I loved how these men mothered the babies and the relationships that they have with each elephant. It is pure joy to watch!

You guys are amazing so beautiful in what you give to these precius animals ❤️

elephants to me are the greatest of God's creations!

That is a very beautiful place. The red soil and rock with the green is so ideal.

With immense sadness, we must share the news of our dear Shukuru’s passing. For 12 years, she lived with the mysterious health issues that plagued her. On Monday, 29th November 2021, her journey came to a peaceful end. We feared this day was coming for quite some time, but Shukuru’s death still leaves an enormous hole in our hearts.

All of you are true angels .

I am so happy to see the love and decication in caring for the elephants!! They truely are magnificent Animals

BEAUTIFUL!!! very humane and tender, this is REAL LOVE! :-)

Big thanks to those who are helping..much love

This was so good and interesting, thank God for the keepers of the elephant's 😊🙏🏻🐘

Every poacher that gets put in jail should be forced to watch this video every day that there there.

what is most amazing for me, no sticks,no elephant hooks, nothing just the bare hands.amazing what those keepers are doing. one thing i wonder though and that is not being said here. what did they do with that wounded, hind legs paralyzed legs, elephant cow where they found that little one? one can assume that the keepers put it out of her misery?

I love to see and hear the elephants joy and happiness. Makes me feel so happy for them🤗

Elephants really know how to love & bc they cant forget rhey learn to forgive humans. For Ivory when u can make replicas of ivory where u cant tell the difference. Elephants can die from a broken heart & I so would love to save elephants being so enthralled by their ability to LOVE💜🙏💞

It breaks my heart to see just how evil and selfish the hearts of most men/women truly are!💔🐘💕😥

The punishment for hurting these majestic beings must be made as severe as possible.

Dida is so gorgeous her coloring too

Love love this video so much thank you so much all the wonderful and kind hearted to make an effort to help all this elephants. God bless them all please take care😊

I'm so happy I found this. It is amazing how human like elephants are or maybe we are elephant like! Loved this story. Thank You for taking care of these wonderful creatures. Looking forward to part two.

I saw the mother elephant move at the sound of her baby couldn't they have saved her mom?

Wonderful documentary now I see how the calves be happy after the sadness thank you Keepers and Sheldrick family 🥰💯👌👋💚 So loving to see Lady Dr. Daphne to see how Daphne have safe the calves by milk by bottle so many many many calves are live there life in freedom in safe beautiful Kenya and Angela do take over of her mom work and in new age she Angela have make a great David Sheldrick Wild life Trust and then this unique step one step two and step three like a little child who goes to first school second school and next this is so veru good . See how they are go to the wild with always safety God Bless all the keepers and Angela Sheldrick Amen

This has some incorrect information. In the wild baby elephants usually nurse until their moms are pregnant with the next baby, they give birth about every 5 years. So most babies drink milk until they are nearly 5. At Sheldrick’s they provide them bottles well after 2 years of age. At the 2 reintegration units the youngest babies still get bottles for a couple of years. Elephants stay in the Reintegration units for about 10 years. During that time they are accompanied into the wild by keepers. They have protected night stables. They are monitored just as before. They leave when they want to. Joining a wild herd of their choosing after spending short amounts of time with the wild herd, then increasing amounts of time usually up to spending a night or 2 out with the herd until one day they leave with the herd and don’t come back home. They do continue to touch base with their old keepers by returning occasionally and just hanging around for a day or more. And once a female ex orphan has a baby they always bring their babies back and show them off to their human keepers and any old friends still in the reintegration unit. It’s amazing and a testament to how connected they become to their “human mothers”. I love this! Also Sheldrick’s has a different truck now. It’s easier to load the babies in. And Sheldrick’s now sends a couple of the keepers from the nursery with the babies to the reintegration units so the babies have some keepers they know staying with them.

I have been to this orphanage, great place!

Did the mother elephant survived?

Absolutely wonderful. Especially the greetings of the group to the 3 from the nursery so special! What beautiful animals they are! The keepers have my greatest respect and admiration. Thankyou so much for filming this. Greetings from Aus

You are doing wonderful work in protecting African wildlife, which is part of the great African heritage.

I am going to do more research; I would love to donate to something that is dedicating so much time, energy love to help these beautiful animals.

I wish they could have euthanized the poor mother first. It was heartbreaking when the baby cried how hard the mother tried to stand to protect her baby not knowing it was being saved. I wish they could of saved the mother.

I can't get this out of my mind: Did you at least put the mother elephant to death for mercy's sake? I'm going to believe you took pity on her... pls. comment

Thank you so much for all you do for our wild animal friends. The mud bus looks like so much fun Almost makes me want to join them haha Thank you for all you do

All babies are the same regardless of their parents species... they need to be loved, fed, and nurtured to grow and live the life they were predestined to live... while these baby elephants will always remember their mom and their family... they will also live and remember their keepers and their new herd forever... I especially love to watch the babies and the keepers play football...

The investment in this amazing 👏 effort beautifully presented!

Absolutely beautiful wonderful & healing watch these magical magnificent gentle giants. Thank you for this amazing documentary!!! I appreciate all the love dedication of the trainers staff & care givers your gift to humanity & the amazing animal kingdom.🐘💗🐘

GRACIAS DIOS POR PONER JENTE QUE CUIDE DE ELLOS 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

Do the elephants learn the word “no”? Do you ever train female keepers or is it always men? Are the bottles warm, room temperature or cold? I wouldn’t have thought baby elephants could drink powdered milk as an ingredient. What time do the elephants actually go to sleep and wake up for the day? It’s almost like the baby elephant wants to lay near the keeper. Probably instinct as in the wild the mother would keep them warm and protected.

Totally Awesome. I Love Elephants

It’s never easy for a baby elephant to lose their mother nor is it easy for SWT to adjust them to a routine where they learn how to be an elephant as each orphan is different in personality, age and their background stories. But the care, patience and devotion to each orphan never wavers and the dedication of SWT and team is assuring that the orphans will thrive and that elephants will continue to live in the wild. Love you, SWT - and thank you. ❤️🐘❤️

So I see that upon the release back into the wild, the 2plus year olds still receive milk bottles and sleep inside at night for safety. During the day they are off in the bush with the many elephant lessons to learn. Oh yes, the mud baths look like a lot of fun. Thank you all for caring for these beautiful loving animals. And I am ashamed to call myself human because of the poaching of ivy, killing the mother ellies and leaving the babies orphan. This has to STOP. Now in 2022, What can we do to help?

Brilliant ✨ Love these big fellas ❤️

Thank you for this beautiful documentary. I foster one of the young elephants. Elephants are so beautiful. ❤❤‍🩹💕 Would love to hug and pet an elephant. God Bless everyone there!! Thank you for what you do for these beautiful animals. 🥰😍❤🦣🦣

Wow 🤩 amazing work the keepers do 👍❤️🥰🙏😊 thank you so much for there very very hard work 😓 you guys do

Beautiful, loving, and heart warming. Thank you and receive love from USA!

The giraffe looked up like what are all of these babies doing here

🇨🇦 poachers make me sick. They should be heavily punished!

They are so beautiful creature..thanks so much for the video

Love this sooo much!

Cheers to those guys taking care of those elephants 🐘 ❤️

Thank you so much for these videos. Such a wonderful respite from all the sadder things in life these days...

It is amazing watching these guys racing an orphanage baby elephants , and the elephant their seems to love them back, very sweet to watch the beautiful animals and humans are doing well togethers .

nice video, hope the elephants grow up healthy❤️

They slept together wow that so beautifull

God Bless the Keepers of the orphan elephants!

Thank you 😊

Elephants can paint with their trunks, flowers, etc. They also see themselves in mirrors! Global warming will be so tough on them & we humans did this to them bc we didnt love earth to not pollute!🙏