Seven Weeks of caring for Albino Baby Elephant, Khanyisa at HERD.

It has been seven weeks since little Khanyisa, an albino elephant calf was found all alone, dehydrated and severely injured from being caught in a cruel snare. The snare wrapped itself around the little elephant so tightly, cutting and wedging itself into the back of her ears, neck and around her cheeks, and deep into her mouth.

She arrived at HERD on 8 January 2020, seven weeks ago, and we were uncertain if she would survive. Not only had she been without the nutrition of her mother’s milk for an unknown amount of days, severe dehydration, terrible injuries that could easily lead to infection as well as immense emotional trauma.

The little elephant had terrible swelling around her head, and her eyes could still barely open that evening. By the morning, after a good night’s sleep, we caught the first glimpse of her unbelievable beautiful and unique blue eye, as the swelling had slightly reduced.

As she took her first steps out into the lush green gardens of the orphanage, she looked so peaceful and almost angelic, with the morning sunshine emphasising all the colours of her surroundings and her unique self. Adine decided to name her Sunshine, and Dr. Rogers gave her the closest Shona translation, which was Khanyisa, meaning light.

Khanyisa wasted no time in venturing across to where her soon to be family; the Jabulani Herd were curiously waiting. They had welcomed her vocally through the night, and now they welcomed her in person. The dividing fence is essential to ensure a gradual integration process for each baby elephant’s emotional and physical needs. In this case, Khanyisa’s wounds must be well healed before we start the introduction.

For the Full Blog update go to:
https://herd.org.za/seven-weeks-of-caring-for-albino-baby-elephant-khanyisa/