There is a place in Kenya, created by the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, that takes in orphaned elephants, rhinos, and other animals in need. There they are cared for and rehabilitated until they can go and live in one of the nearby wildlife preserves.
I have symbolically adopted two elephants: Shukuru and Ndotto. Both were just tiny babies when they lost their mothers. Elephants are incredibly emotionally complex animals who form deep bonds with their herds. Orphans are at serious risk from the stress of being separated from their families. When they are brought in, their keepers stay beside them day and night, covering them with blankets to provide a sense of security. The other elephants are always there to greet newcomers and offer them comfort, and the older ones look after the younger ones.
Shukuru was my first elephant. She came to the orphanage when she was three days old. She grew to be a brave leader of her little herd, and eventually she graduated to Tsavo West National Park. She was featured in a National Geographic story about the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, and was photographed wearing a yellow rain slicker.
I wrote this song for Shukuru when she was still a baby elephant. Her name means "I am grateful."
I could listen to Lauren sing forever. Her writing is vivid and sensitive, sweetly and painfully human--never apologizing for sharp corners and rough edges. The beauty of her spirit shines through. Summer Russell
Singer-songwriter Henry Parker puts his own spin on the classic sounds of '60s and '70s British folk on this wilderness-inspired new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 9, 2021
