© Lisa Limer / Offset

Gazing into the curious eyes of a baby elephant, photographer Lisa Limer captures a bottle feeding at the elephant orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya. As the African Elephants face the threat of capture, abuse, starvation, and death, The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust is a haven for the noble creatures. Through their renowned Orphan’s Project, they have rescued more than 150 infant elephants and rhinoceroses from dire situations brought on my poaching and habitat devastation.

In an uphill battle against the illegal ivory trade and deforestation, the orphanage nurtures and protects the animals until they can be safely returned to the wild to live out their lives, reproduce, and replenish their herds. Elephants are extremely sensitive creatures, known for their ability to form unforgettable emotional bonds and to grieve over the loss of loved ones. Here, Limer captures the depth of the tenderness shared between elephant and man, an unlikely friendship forged between species in the face of adversity.

To help the Kenyan elephants, please visit the Orphan’s Project.

This photo and many others from Limer’s portfolio are available through Offset, a new curated collection of high-end commercial and editorial photography and illustration from award-winning artists around the world. Offset is an exclusive category channel partner on Feature Shoot.