Lomunyak, whose name means “Lucky,” survived a lion attack, near-drowning in a raging river, and abandonment—all in a single night, thanks to the heroic actions of three men who refused to let him die.

Lomunyak’s story is one of raw survival and human compassion. At just 6–8 weeks old, the elephant calf was found injured and alone near the Ewaso Nyiro River in Northern Kenya. He had been attacked—likely by a lion—and bore deep claw marks on his face. Separated from his mother and swept by the river’s current, Lomunyak cried out in desperation.

Three security staff from the Elephant Bedroom Camp heard his cries and leapt into the fast-flowing river at 2 a.m. to save him. Their bravery defied the dangers of crocodiles and the river’s force. Once rescued, Lomunyak was stabilized by a Kenya Wildlife Service vet and the Reteti Elephant Sanctuary team.

Though his mother was never found, Lomunyak was taken to Reteti, a community-run sanctuary dedicated to rehabilitating orphaned elephants. There, he bonded deeply with his caretakers, especially Naomi, and began his healing journey.