Sometimes, the most heartwarming friendships happen where you least expect them – not between people, but between completely different animals.
In Kenya, at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (DSWT), a rescued baby elephant named Jotto found comfort and love in the most unlikely friend – an ostrich called Pea.
A tiny elephant alone in the world
Back in 2016, rangers discovered a baby elephant near Tsavo National Park. He was only about a month old and had somehow become separated from his herd, probably after his mother died in a fall.
Because he was too small to survive alone, the DSWT team brought him to the Elephant Nursery in Nairobi – a place that gives orphaned elephants a second chance at life.
Keepers there feed each baby every few hours, provide shade during the heat, and even sleep beside them at night so they never feel lonely.
But even with all that care, Jotto was still sad. He refused to eat, rarely played, and spent most of his time standing quietly in a corner.
Then, something unexpected changed everything.
When Pea walked in
At that time, the nursery was also home to two rescued ostriches – Pea and Peep.
When Peep grew strong enough, he returned to the wild, but Pea stayed. She had already bonded with the elephants and felt at home among them.
One sunny day, Pea wandered near Jotto’s pen. The baby elephant stretched out his trunk to touch her. Instead of running away, she calmly stood beside him. That small moment became the start of a beautiful friendship.
How friendship helped Jotto heal
From that day on, Pea rarely left Jotto’s side. She stood near him while he ate, rested close to him when he slept, and allowed him to gently wrap his trunk around her feathers.
The keepers often joked that Pea believed she was part of the elephant herd and Jotto clearly didn’t mind.
Because of Pea, Jotto began to change. He ate more, played again, and showed the playful curiosity that baby elephants are known for.
Soon, photos of the pair spread online, touching hearts all over the world. People couldn’t believe how natural and pure their friendship looked.
Growing up and moving forward
A few months later, Jotto grew strong enough to move to a larger area with other young elephants. Pea stayed behind at the nursery, continuing to comfort new orphans.
Her calm and gentle presence made frightened elephants feel safe, and the caretakers noticed how her quiet energy seemed to heal them too.
Life today
Today, Jotto lives in Tsavo, learning how to be a wild elephant again. One day, he’ll join a herd and live freely in the savanna.
Meanwhile, Pea still lives at the DSWT nursery in Nairobi. She has become a gentle guardian for every newcomer – a symbol of the kindness that lives inside all creatures.
👉 Want to see more amazing stories where animals surprise us?
Check out Islands Where Animals Rule.