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Khanyisa’s story began under challenging circumstances. Found trapped in a poacher’s snare, she was rescued and brought to the HERD orphanage. She arrived frail and traumatised, but with dedicated care and support, she began to recover. Khanyisa’s healing was helped by Tokwe, who took on the role of an allomother, and Lundi, who became her adoptive mother. Their nurturing and care made Khanyisa feel secure and loved, which was crucial for her recovery. As she grew stronger, Khanyisa started to bond with the other elephants, learning how to be an elephant. Her playful and curious nature began to shine through, and today she is a healthy, happy young elephant with the sweetest personality.
Adine shares a video update here as she spends time with the albino elephant in the bush:
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 to help her drink successfully. Our 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.
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 homestead with the herd for the night. She will remain dependent on milk formula from our carers until she is weaned at approximately five 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.
Khanyisa continues to be a ray of light to us and many of her loyal supporters around the world!
