This story showcases the dedication of Roxy Danckwerts and her organization, Wild Is Life (WIL), in rehabilitating and caring for orphaned baby elephants.
Despite their difficult beginnings, elephants like Bumi, Moyo, and others have not only survived but thrived under Roxy’s loving care.
Saying goodbye as they embarked on a 700-mile journey to their new home was an emotional moment for Roxy, filled with final cuddles and tender pats, reflecting the deep bond she had formed with them.
This relocation marked a significant step towards Roxy’s dream of seeing these elephants return to the wild.
She accompanied them throughout their journey, ensuring their safe transfer from the nursery in Harare, Zimbabwe, to a reserve on the country’s western border.
This story not only highlights the resilience of these orphaned elephants but also underscores the commitment and passion of individuals like Roxy Danckwerts, who work tirelessly to protect and rehabilitate wildlife.
It demonstrates the profound impact that dedicated humans can have on the lives of animals in need.
The sanctuary where the elephants are being relocated offers a safe space for them to develop the skills needed for independent living and to eventually integrate into wild herds that roam the area.
The transportation of the seven elephants, weighing a combined ten tons, was a complex operation. The process began with tranquilizing the elephants to calm them.
Teams closely monitored their vital signs, such as breathing and heart rate, before securing them with straps to be hoisted onto a flatbed truck using a crane. Experts deemed this method the safest and most efficient.
Once on the truck, each elephant was transported to a “wake-up box,” where the effects of sedation were reversed, allowing them to stand.
They were then gently guided into cages within a 30-ton lorry for their 17-hour journey to the Panda Masuie Forest Reserve, supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).
Among the elephants was Bumi, a three-year-old male who was rescued at just one month old in 2019.
He had become trapped among rocks and suffered severe sunburn from the intense heat. Bumi’s recovery had been documented earlier, highlighting his remarkable resilience.
Upon arrival at the 85,000-acre reserve, Bumi is pictured enjoying a refreshing drink of water in his new home.
He is accompanied by Unity, who arrived at the nursery in 2017 after her mother stopped producing milk due to drought, and Sienna, who was rescued last year at 15 months old when found alone and suffering from malnutrition.
Moyo, a nine-year-old female, was the first elephant rescued by Wild Is Life (WIL). She was just days old and knee-high when discovered stranded in water during heavy rains in 2014, likely swept away while trying to cross a river.
The fate of the orphaned elephants’ mothers remains unknown. According to the IFAW, elephant calves can become orphaned due to poaching, separation from herds, predator attacks, or life-threatening accidents.
Each elephant at Miss Danckwerts’s nursery holds a special place in her heart, but her bond with Moyo is particularly unique.
Moyo came to see her as a mother and grew up comforting other orphans who arrived at the nursery after her, using her trunk to help them heal from their traumatic experiences.
At 56, Miss Danckwerts hopes that the strong connections formed among her former charges will help them adjust to their new home and adapt to life away from her and her dedicated team.
As Bumi and two other elephants stand together, marking the end of their 22-hour journey across Zimbabwe to their new home near Victoria Falls, Miss Danckwerts bids a heartfelt farewell to Moyo, reflecting, “This is a truly poignant moment. I’m thrilled they are returning to a true life in the wild, but I’ll miss them all. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. They’ve come full circle. I’m proud, happy, and filled with a sense of sadness.”
Since founding her nursery in Zimbabwe, Miss Danckwerts has been a lifeline for numerous baby elephants.
This marks the third group of elephants transported to the release facility by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Wild Is Life (WIL). Her commitment will continue as more orphaned elephants arrive at her nursery.
Undoubtedly, many more touching moments lie ahead, creating lasting memories for both Miss Danckwerts and the elephants she has cared for.
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