Khanyisa is an albino elephant that was caught in a poaching snare, she was rescued and moved to South Africa’s first elephant orphanage, now her story helps educate and raise awareness.
Hoedspruit, South Africa (30 January 2020) – Albino elephants are incredibly rare, so when one is spotted, people get excited. Sadly, one beautiful albino elephant calf was caught in a poaching snare. The calf was thankfully rescued and taken to the HERD Elephant Orphanage to recover.
The HERD Elephant Orphanage is the first of its kind in South Africa. It is vital to have wildlife orphanages as poaching is rife in South Africa and often calves are left to fend for themselves after their mothers have been poached.
The orphanage was established near an adoptive herd. The Jabulani herd at the Kapama Private Game Reserve is mostly made up of orphaned elephants. The herd has been welcoming to any orphaned elephants that have needed a family structure. Elephants rely heavily on their family structure, so having an adoptive herd is excellent!
“The unusual family structure of the Jabulani Herd, the majority of which are orphans themselves, presents a unique solution for orphaned baby elephants in Southern Africa that vitally need to find a second herd to ensure their emotional wellbeing and survival.”
The orphanage is now home to a beautiful little albino calf named Khanyisa. Khanyisa was found trapped in a hunting snare and was severely injured. She had attempted to pull herself free, but the snare only tightened around her.
Khanyisa arrived at the sanctuary at the beginning of January, and it was estimated that she is around 4-months-old. They have worked hard to help her, and she is thriving in their care.
“This little girl is so unbelievably brave. The odds of her survival have been stacked against her from birth; she was born as an albino, she then endured excruciating pain trapped in the jaws of a manmade snare, and left to fight for her fragile life for an unknown amount of days. We can only try to comprehend the amount of pain she felt, how scared she felt, was her herd with her when it happened, was she alone? And how hot and thirsty she must have been. How could she possibly survive?
It is clear to us now; it is her spirit; she is a fighter. Her spirit is strong.”
Take a look at how she is settling in below. We cannot wait to watch her grow and join the Jabulani herd when she is ready.
You can help by fostering an orphan, find out more via their website here.
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