It's January but if the thought of post-Christmas debts and lack of chocolate/alcohol/general fun is making you bleak, fear not.

These adorable snaps of baby elephants being cared for at an elephant orphanage in Kenya is bound to put a smile on even the most hardened of winter blue faces.

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya's capital Nairobi provide round-the-clock care to a host of youngsters, most of whom are orphaned because of the poaching of their mothers for ivory.

Due to this, many experience posttraumatic stress syndrome and can be fearful of humans - but with the careful attention of the sanctuary's staff, they are gradually rehabilitated until they are able to be introduced to the wild once again.

Pictured above is Kitahaka, who was discovered on 20 November aged just seven days old. He is being cared for by keeper Julius Shiveghas (also pictured), who goes above and beyond the duty when it comes to mothering.

He feeds the infant milk, carefully rubs sunscreen into his head to protect him from the harsh African sun and keeps him covered in a warm blanket when it is cooler.

All elephants hand-reared at the sanctuary receive similar treatment, meaning the Trust has now saved dozens of infant African elephant calves who would otherwise stand little chance of survival.

Enjoy the heart-warming photos and bring a little warmth to your winter detox, above and below.

Picture credit: Rex Features

Inside the elephant orphanage