An update on Khanyisa’s condition

Every day in the life of an elephant calf is important as they are still fragile and little creatures, like any baby (even when they do weigh almost 200kgs)!

Unfortunately, our little Khanyisa has taken another downturn in her well-being, but not as severely as the 5th April, when we reported her diarrhea to you.

While Khanyisa had a good day yesterday morning, the diarrhea returned around 4pm in the afternoon.

We have since been keeping her on milk, but adding rehydrate in-between feedings, in order to keep her rehydrated. Both yesterday and today are extremely hot days in the bush, so both the heat and the diarrhea have an effect on her hydration levels. She doesn’t have a fever, which is a big positive.

We are still waiting for results of her dung from the lab. As soon as we have results we can treat a possible infection or whatever the cause of her diarrhea may be, but until then we are managing the situation.

Another possibility for the diarrhea could be that she is cutting (teething) and her molars are starting to grow out. This is speculation for now, as sticking your hand into the mouth of an elephant, even a baby, to look for swollen gums does not end well. Adine has had a crushed finger from trying this before, with Limpopo in the Jabulani herd.

Khanyisa has lost 600g, which is to be expected with the diarrhea.

Adine tried to keep the little Ellie’s spirits up today and took her to the stables but for a shorter period. She wasn’t usual vibrant self, as none of us are when we’re sick, but she still played and participated and no doubt enjoyed the company as the little social being she is.

The team are doing everything they can to keep her fed and hydrated and to look after her physical and mental well-being while we wait for the dung cultures to be processed.

More than ever we rely on the whole team on the ground and Doc Rogers to get this little ray of sunshine through this current hurdle. Thank you every one of you for your support and love 💕 Let’s hang in there and remain positive! ☀️

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