Not-so-little Khanyisa, South Africa’s famous rare albino elephant orphan, is growing up and seamlessly integrating with the herd.
Hoedspruit South Africa (01 March 2022) – Like a story straight out of a Disney movie, this little innocent baby elephant – completely rare in her colour – was found severely injured and alone. Her situation was incredibly dire, and her future was uncertain. But with a lot of care from humans and love from a herd of orphaned elephants, Khanyisa is growing from strength to strength.
Not-so-little Khanyisa, South Africa’s famous rare albino elephant orphan, was found at just four months old by the team at Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD), but that was in September 2020, and since then… the Ellie has shown us the true strength of character.
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 mainly 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!
And they just posted two Khanyisa updates.
“All kinds of elephant antics take place in this series of videos! Just when you think the herd are enjoying quiet time under the tree, with Khanyisa sleeping at the feet of Tokwe, the Matriarch, Sebakwe causes some trumpeting and outcries as he chases after Timisa, no doubt in an attempt to mount her.
We also get to witness this beautiful new swim, captured by Elephant Manager Tigere, which really shows Khanyisa’s unique colouring as an albino elephant! Especially compared to the other elephants in the herd.
This is, of course, a completely blended and unique herd and unlike wild herds where males leave to form their own bachelor herds. As rescued elephants, they have accepted one another as one herd but still carry out typical social dynamics.”
Watch the videos below:
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