Unlikely Friends

Unlikely Friends

In 2008, a 6-month old elephant named Themba was orphaned when its mother fell off a cliff. Rescued by local rangers, baby Themba was taken to the Shamwari Rehabilitation Centre, where the little elephant was placed in an enclosure with a full-grown sheep named Albert.

Although not immediate friends, their mutual curiosity led them to become close allies and co-explorers of their new shared space.  Eventually inseparable, the two unlikely animal friends shared long walks together, snacked on acacia pods, and took "dust baths" together. Though no longer with us, the legacy of Albert and Themba's unlikely friendship continues to inspire animal lovers around the world.