Many new parents will talk about the “newborn big stretch” and describe it as their favorite part of parenthood. In yet another similarity between animal babies and human babies, this need to stretch after a good nap appears to be universal, even for elephants!
In a recent TikTok video shared by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Baby Zigi gives us a tremendous, big boy stretch and melts our hearts at the same time!
@sheldricktrust Power nap complete… with a big stretch a recharged Zigi is ready to resume baby elephant activities: Games with Lenny and Sulwe, milk feeds from mum, Sonje, and general spoiling from nannies Enkesha and Kiasa. This care free existence is not the norm for infant elephants. The rescued orphans in our care are testament to the tough and tragic beginnings that many elephants endure, but with your support, we’re offering second chances to orphaned elephants and a protected wild environment in which they – and any babies they have – can thrive. Learn more: sheldrickwildlifetrust.org #sheldricktrust #elephants #babyelephant #powernap #catnap #animalrescue #wildlife #conservation #animals #kenya #sheldrickwildlifetrust
This little pachyderm is a 2-month-old African elephant that lives with his mom, Zongoloni, and their herd mates at the Umani Springs Reintegration Unit. Each day, we are treated to inspiring videos of rescued animals and Zigi is a recent addition that we can’t get enough of!
Every day, the elephants go out into the controlled wilderness environment as a herd. They roam free on long treks across the African terrain and do what elephants do. Zigi is so young that he requires lots of little “cat naps,” and while his mom and other members of the herd are foraging for food, he is able to just plop down and take a quick snooze whenever the mood strikes him.
The other day, one of the keepers captured a video of Zigi as he was waking up from one of his naps. The little guy puts both of his front legs out in front of him and lifts his head back to really give his neck a good stretch. Honestly, you can feel it through the screen, and just watching will make you want to stretch too!
Related: First Baby Elephant Born at German Zoo in 57 Years Is Capturing Hearts Everywhere
Zigi then gets up on all four legs and still looks a little dazed. After a moment, he seems to remember where he is and turns to greet his mom in the brush behind him. We then get a full view of the little one as he turns around, giving us the sweetest close-up shot you’ve ever seen!
Although Zigi is not an orphaned elephant, his mother was rescued when she was about a year old. Many viewers commented about all the work that the trust does to help these extra-large mammals including one that said, “It’s amazing to see the transformation and care these elephants receive. Their journey from hardship to happiness is a true testament to the power of conservation and compassion.” We think this sums up our sentiments perfectly!