Elephant Wisdoms | Lessons from Khanyisa

A light in a dark time

On 7 January 2020 a four‑month‑old albino calf arrived at HERD with wounds so severe that many doubted she would survive. A snare had cut deep into her ears, cheek, neck and mouth, yet the little elephant walked off the transport crate with determination. We called her Khanyisa, meaning “Sunshine” in Shona, because even in pain, she glowed with spirit.

Only weeks later the world entered COVID-19 lockdown. While most of us stayed indoors, Khanyisa’s daily bandage changes, milk feeds and quiet walks continued under the watch of a small, committed team. Footage of her brave steps, her zebra‑striped blanket and her unlikely sheep companion, Lammie, travelled far beyond the orphanage gates. In a season of fear and distance, one small elephant reminded people everywhere that hope can grow in the hardest places.

Healing against the odds

Khanyisa weighed just 124 kg on arrival. Stem‑cell treatments, blood transfers, round‑the‑clock wound care and endless patience saw her ear and neck injuries close slowly, leaving only pale scars against her pink skin. She battled weight loss, low iron and occasional tummy upsets, yet by her first “rescue‑versary” she had doubled her weight and was exploring the veld for hours at a time.

Integration into the Jabulani herd was a turning‑point. Jabulani, the herd’s first orphan, accepted her first, then set the tone for the rest of the elephants. Surrounded by adoptive siblings, protective allomothers, and Lundi, her devoted adoptive mother, Khanyisa learned how to browse, mud‑bathe and read the rumbles and gestures of her new family. By October 2022 she no longer needed night‑time bottles; the orphanage gates opened, and she chose to spend her nights with the herd instead. In 2025, she was completely weaned off milk bottles, marking her full transition from orphan to thriving young member of the herd. Independent, confident and deeply loved.

Lessons from a little giant

Living so closely with Khanyisa taught us more than any textbook could cover. A few of the lessons that stand out:

• Courage can fit inside a calf that weighs less than a large refrigerator.
• Compassion is a team sport, whether it comes from vets, carers, sheep or elephants.
• Patience is measured in weeks of dressing changes and months of slow introductions.
• Resilience is not the absence of struggle but the decision to keep going.
• Community extends far beyond reserve fences; thousands of supporters around the world became part of her story.

These insights carried us through lockdown, lifted our followers, and continue to guide our work with every new orphan.

Capturing the wisdom

In 2021 we began gathering Khanyisa’s milestones, the reflections they sparked and the sketches of South African artist Maryke Vosloo and writer Tamlin Wightman into one place. Two years on, those sketches and stories have grown into Elephant Wisdoms, a hard‑cover book filled with memories drawn from Khanyisa’s path to healing.

Inside you will find:

• Illustrated snapshots of key moments, from her arrival day to her integration into the herd.
• Short reflections on courage, friendship, second chances and finding light when days feel dim.

If you have fostered Khanyisa, followed her videos or simply found comfort in her story, this book is for you. Your encouragement, donations and messages helped turn a frightened calf into a thriving young elephant; we hope these pages return some of that warmth to you.

Bring a little Sunshine home

Khanyisa’s scars have faded, but the light she sparked continues to shine. We invite you to bring a piece of her journey into your home, office or gift list. Open Elephant Wisdoms when you need a reminder that perseverance matters, that kindness heals and that even in uncertain times, hope can overcome fear.

Click here to order your copy!

Watch our Elephant Wisdoms launch video on our YouTube Channel: