In a heart-melting video shared on TikTok, a baby elephant captured the online community’s hearts as it was too short to reach its mother’s milk.
The precious footage, posted by @yexianggu, shows a newborn Asian elephant being guided by a zookeeper towards a soft stool. With a little help, the baby elephant is lifted onto the platform, enabling it to reach its mother’s teat and begin nursing.
The adorable clip showcases the determination and care involved in ensuring the baby elephant gets the nourishment it needs. The video quickly gained popularity, amassing 6.7 million views and drawing attention to the touching bond between mother and calf.
The heartwarming moment was filmed at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo, a sanctuary committed to conservation efforts. Covering an expansive 2,000 acres, the zoo provides a safe haven for over 8,000 animals from 300 different species, including a significant population of elephants.
Although Asian elephants are smaller than their African counterparts, newborns still measure around three feet tall and weigh between 200 and 250 pounds on average.
During the initial months of their lives, baby elephants primarily rely on their mother’s milk, consuming two to three gallons per day.
As their trunks are initially too short, newborn elephants nurse using their mouths. Around the age of four to six months, their trunks begin to develop, and they start exploring with grasping grasses and leaves, expanding their diet to include vegetation.
Baby elephants continue nursing from their mothers for approximately four to six years, depending on individual development. However, other female members of the herd often play a role in caring for and supporting the young ones as they grow. Elephants, the largest land animals, reach full maturity around the age of 20 and can live well into their 70s.
Animal lovers were enchanted by the endearing baby elephant in the video, showering it with over 200,000 likes. Comments flooded in, expressing delight and awe at the touching moment captured on camera.
The overwhelming response included comments such as “Oh my goodness, that’s too cute” and “What a precious sight.” Users marveled at the baby’s adorableness, calling it “sweet” and “so adorable.” The feeding sounds also garnered attention, being described as “the cutest thing ever.”
The online community expressed gratitude for those dedicated to the well-being of elephants, recognizing the importance of protecting these magnificent creatures.
The viral video serves as a reminder of the beauty and vulnerability of wildlife, inspiring further efforts to safeguard and care for these extraordinary animals.