Many people are blessed with having a best friend, and honestly, it can be a truly magical lifelong experience. Having someone to enjoy all of life’s ups and downs with means the world to so many. Everyone needs a best friend—including members of the animal kingdom!
Raha, the baby rhinoceros, and her elephant best friend, Nyambeni, share an extremely rare and special bond that is unmatched. You see, both of these extraordinary animals live in the Nairobi Nursery and were rescued as babies by the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. They have grown to love each other like siblings.
Nyambeni is a 3-year-old African elephant who was saved from a muddy ditch as an infant. Her maternal instincts have kicked in around the nursery, and she is known as the mothering one—having taken sweet baby Raha under her wing.
In a recent video shared by the organization, we are treated to a rare view of two distinct species now intertwined in the most unique way. Raha can is snoozing directly under her pseudo-mama, Nyambeni. This is top-tier trust—when one animal feels secure enough to rest at another’s feet.
The elephant even takes the gentlest step backward so as not to disturb Raha—or step on her, for that matter. She then gives Raha a once-over with her trunk to assess her safety and comfort in their current grassy patch.
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Unfortunately, the little rhino was viciously attacked as a newborn by predators, and it has taken her a long time to heal. The young elephants of the nursery know just how delicate she is, and they all look out for her—but none more than Nyambeni.
One viewer commented, “The gentle, careful way she steps back… Elephants are such spiritual beings, and these posts affirm that!”
Another noted the irony in the elephant being so gentle and said, “It’s a little hard to maneuver with a baby rhino under your feet/body, and I think it’s hard to get up from the couch with the dog stretched out, LOL!”
The overall energy in this video is love and compassion. Elephants, despite their size, have a tremendous desire to protect and care for others around them. Nyambeni has sensed that Raha needs her, and we are so lucky to get a glimpse of the special bestie bond they now share.