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Khanyisa’s Story

Khanyisa is a rare albino elephant calf that was found trapped in a snare with severe injuries, in January 2020. Her wounds indicated that she had been trying desperately to free herself for a few days. She had severe lacerations across her neck and cheeks and the top of her right ear was cut. She was alone, with no sign of her herd anywhere.

From the beginning, Khanyisa settled in quickly at HERD, with Lammie, our loyal resident companion sheep. Feeding her was more complicated than usual due to her mouth injuries, but the team managed to find the correct angles for feeding her successfully.

Our elephant care team, together with wildlife veterinarian Dr. Peter Rogers, worked tirelessly for three months to ensure the calf’s wounds were treated and healed successfully.

At the end of April, once her wounds had fully healed, the gradual integration with the herd began, starting with Jabulani, then Lundi and eventually the entire herd. Lundi was chosen as Khanyisa’s adoptive mother and took on the role beautifully.

Khanyisa has gone from strength to strength since her rescue. Her wounds have healed and her bonds with the herd have deepened naturally. She spends sunrise to sunset out in the wild of the reserve with the elephants, and returns to the orphanage for the night. She will remain dependent on milk formula from our carers until she is weaned at approximately four to six years of age.

This special elephant gets her name from her unique appearance as an albino, as Khanyisa means “Light” or “Sunshine” in the local Shona language. As an albino, Khanyisa is more visible in the bush, especially when she has no sand or mud on her body – and is thus susceptible to attacks by predators. Her skin and eyes are also means more sensitive to light. Fortunately, she is in the care of her new herd and our team, helping her to overcome the obstacle facing her.

Khanyisa continues to be a ray of light to us and many of her loyal supporters around the world!

Adopt Khanyisa
Born

2019

Gender

female

Origin

South Africa

Relations

Orphaned

Khanyisa’s Gallery

Photo 2021-10-14, 19 19 31
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Photo 2021-09-20, 06 09 25
Khanyisa and Lundi under belly 21 Jan 2021 (low res)
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Photo 2021-09-20, 06 10 03

Khanyisa

Your fostering helps us to provide for Khanyisa’s needs! This includes our essential and sizable team of dedicated elephant carers and orphanage carers who provide round-the-clock care to ensure that the little ones are never left alone. Your fostering fee also contributes to the expense of her milk formulation, which is exceptionally delicate and requires extra nutritional supplements as she grows.

You can help us to provide vital shelter, support and sustenance by fostering an elephant for yourself or as a gift for a loved one, giving them the joy of supporting an elephant and the world of elephant conservation.

 

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Blogs Featuring Khanyisa

A Day in the Life of Baby Elephant Orphan, Khanyisa
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A Day in the Life of Baby Elephant Orphan, Khanyisa
A Walk in the Wild with Khanyisa & the Elephant Herd
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A Walk in the Wild with Khanyisa & the Elephant Herd
Albino Baby Elephant, Khanyisa & Her Journey in Blankets
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Albino Baby Elephant, Khanyisa & Her Journey in Blankets

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We rely on incredible people like you to keep us going. Every cent counts, and no contribution is too small. HERD relies on public funding to cover the operational costs to care for and support elephant orphans and the rescued herd, so we really appreciate your support.

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