Watch Naledi: A Baby Elephant's Tale

Naledi: A Baby Elephant's Tale is a documentary film from 2016 about the story of a newborn elephant named Naledi. The movie follows Naledi from her birth in the wilds of Botswana, to her heartwarming rescue, and ultimately to her release back into the wild. The film begins with footage of a pregnant elephant in the bush. The local wildlife experts, including Doug Groves, are monitoring her and are thrilled when they witness her give birth to a calf. The baby elephant is named Naledi, which means "star" in the local language. However, the joy of the moment quickly turns to sadness as the team discovers that Naledi's mother has died. This leaves the six-day-old baby elephant alone and vulnerable, unable to fend for herself and without the guidance of a mother elephant.

The wildlife experts knew that Naledi would not survive on her own, so they made the decision to intervene and take her to the Botswana Elephant Orphanage in Maun. This facility is run by Doug and Sandi Groves, who have dedicated themselves to helping orphaned elephants like Naledi.

The film then follows Naledi's journey at the orphanage as she is nursed back to health. At first, Naledi is too weak to stand on her own, but with the help of the staff at the orphanage, she slowly gains strength and begins to thrive. It is touching to see how the staff come to love Naledi and treat her as if she is one of their own.

Through the use of stunning footage, the film reveals the incredible bond that is formed between Naledi and her human caregivers. It is heartwarming to see the interactions between the staff and Naledi, which includes feeding her, comforting her, and even giving her toddler-like elephant massages. The bond between Naledi and the staff is so close that it's hard to tell who is more attached to whom.

As Naledi grows and gains strength, Doug and Sandi Groves start to prepare her for life in the wild. They teach her the skills she needs to survive, including how to forage for food, how to interact with other elephants, and how to communicate with them. The film shows how the elephants at the orphanage act as surrogate mothers for Naledi and guide her through the early stages of life.

Eventually, the time comes for Naledi to be released back into the wild. This is a bittersweet moment for the staff at the orphanage, who have grown to love Naledi deeply. They know that it's the right thing for her to be released back into her natural habitat, but it's hard to say goodbye to a beloved animal.

The final scenes of the movie show Naledi taking her first steps back into the wild. It's a beautiful moment that celebrates her strength and perseverance. It shows how much of a fighter she is and how lucky she was to have been rescued by caring people who went the extra mile to ensure her survival.

Overall, Naledi: A Baby Elephant's Tale is a remarkable film that will touch the heart of anyone who loves animals. It's a celebration of the bond between humans and animals and of the resilience of nature. The film uses stunning imagery and a compelling narrative to tell the story of Naledi and her remarkable journey from a helpless baby to a thriving young elephant. It's a must-watch for anyone who wants to be inspired and moved by the power of the animal kingdom.