Elephants are known as some of the most intelligent creatures in the wild, as they experience many of the same emotions that humans do. Elephants feel emotions like love and grief much in the same way humans do, so when a baby elephant named Dok Geaw was separated from his mother, he was completely devastated.

Dok Geaw was just one year and nine months old when he was separated from his mom and left to fend for himself. Thankfully, he was rescued and brought to the sanctuary Elephant Nature Park, which describes itself as an “elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand where you can volunteer and visit to help elephants, dogs, and cats.”

The sanctuary’s goals include providing sanctuary for endangered species, rain forest restoration, cultural preservation, visitor education, and politically independent actions.

Workers at the sanctuary knew they had to be careful with Dok Geaw, as an elephant being separated from his mother is a huge deal. Sanctuary employees explained that “during their early years the calf follows the mother everywhere learning invaluable survival lessons from her and the rest of her herd.” Without his mother, the baby elephant may not grow up properly.

Dok Geaw arrived at the sanctuary extremely depressed about his mother. The other elephants seemed to know what was happening, so they teamed up to do something that left sanctuary workers stunned.

The entire herd of elephants ran up to greet Dok Geaw, letting him know that he was now a part of their family!

The little baby was overjoyed to finally have a family again!

This serves as a reminder of how kind and loving elephants really are! Check out video of what went down below, and SHARE this story so your friends and family can see this as well!