What does 'Auntie' Stand For?

We were on one of our trips to Whipsnade Wild Animal Park in Bedfordshire, having the great day out that we usually have there, when five elephants walked past us – tail to trunk. There was a female in the lead with another in the middle and one at the rear. In between these females were two baby calves. We watched as they came to a stopping place where the keepers allowed them to forage amongst the trees and grass for food. The calves were constantly watched over and kept close to the family group by any one of the females. The adult females were vigilant in their watch but demonstrated gentle care and affection. We wondered why there were three females to two calves. One of the keepers explained that two of the females were the mothers of each calf but that the third was an ‘Auntie’.

He then went on to explain that elephant society is matriarchal (meaning a female is head of the family) and they live in herds of related females and immature males. Females give birth within the family group and other females - often called ‘aunties’ - (the correct term is allo-mother), help support the mother in the raising of her calf. These helpers play an important role in the first weeks by playing with and watching out for the new baby, allowing the mother time to rest and eat, which is important for lactation (milk production). Then as the calf grows the ‘aunties’ help him/her to learn how to use his/her trunk, forage for food and communicate.

‘Care in the community or family’ – keeping each child with its parent but supporting and helping, just being there, is what ‘auntie’ elephants do and that was exactly what we wanted to do with this organisation.

So the name ‘Auntie’ was born.

Then, we just couldn’t stop thinking how right it was…...

......as childcare practitioners in this country, we do pretty much the same job as ‘aunties’ in the elephant world.

……how we would love ‘Auntie’ as an organization to become like an elephant family, with everyone involved volunteering, expecting nothing back except the sense of belonging and community.

……the opportunity that we have of working with children using elephants to teach them about caring for each other, the world and their families; about working together; and about providing support…..

……that elephants are a powerful and positive symbol of Africa, to us.

……and that just as elephant ‘aunties’ care for and look after the young calves in their family, so we hope to step in and support parents in the care of their vulnerable children in South Africa.