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How to Raise Baby Elephants

As large endangered mammals, many baby elephants grow up in zoos, wildlife sanctuaries and refuges. Whether the mother has abandoned the baby or the mother has been killed, various professionals work with baby elephants to create a safe and healthy environment. Some organizations release the individuals once they can care for themselves while others retain them into adulthood. Because raising baby elephants is expensive and time-consuming, you cannot do it alone, but a team or organization can successfully raise elephants.

Things You'll Need

Large bottle
Skim milk
Coconut oil
Oatmeal
Vegetation
Large rough blanket
Water

Instructions

- 1
  Use a large bottle to feed the elephant a mixture of skim milk and coconut oil. At first, feed every three hours, but reduce the feedings to three times a day as the elephant eats more vegetation. The elephant needs milk for three years and coconut oil for five.
- 2
  Feed the elephant cooked oatmeal at 5 months old and continue until it is eating vegetation regularly.
- 3
  Interact with the elephant at all times. At least one person must accompany the baby and touch it often to mimic the attention it would receive from its herd. Infants need constant touch, conversation and affection.
- 4
  Play with the elephant. Elephants enjoy roaming and playing rough games, such as pushing and tackling.
- 5
  Bathe the elephant with mud to protect it from heat and parasites.
- 6
  Supply plenty of water for drinking, playing and bathing.
- 7
  Teach with arm motions and rebuke with sharp words. Later, use touch to remind the elephant that you still love it.
- 8
  Cover the elephant with a large scratchy blanket at night to mimic the mother. Some babies also wish to be covered while feeding.
- 9
  Sleep next to the elephant until it is 2 years old. You should not spend two consecutive nights with the elephant, instead introducing the elephant to various people.
- 10
  Expose the elephant to other elephants, so it can hone its instincts and learn to communicate. Elephants use a system of body language and some sounds that humans cannot hear.
- 11
  Release the elephant, if desired. Wild herds often accept well-behaved orphans.

Animals & Science