More than 30,000 elephants are killed per year for their ivory. The number would probably be higher, if it weren’t for the diligent work of conservation organizations in Africa that are dedicated to protecting and preserving the endangered and threatened species.

Just last week, a newborn elephant who had followed a herd of cows became separated from his family and had to be airlifted from a remote region in Northern Kenya during a striking rescue mission. The team behind the operation — from the Kenya-based David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — has saved and rehabilitated countless orphaned elephants who would have otherwise perished in the wild.