In the harsh and unforgiving landscape of Zimbabwe’s dry and barren savannah, two baby elephants Kadiki and Bumi face a grim future after tragic events left them orphaned. Kadiki survived a lion attack at just one day old, while Bumi suffered severe sunburn after being trapped between rocks in the scorching heat. Yet despite all the difficulties, their remarkable recovery journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of these resilient creatures.
Orphaned calves:
Rescue and care:
Roxy Danckwerts, founder of the charity Wild Is Life and the Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery (ZEN), became the foster carer these orphaned elephants were in dire need of. Supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), the nursery located near Harare has become a refuge for Kadiki and Bumi.
Recovery and conversion:
Both calves received medical treatment, with Kadiki having to have part of her tail removed and her trunk taken care of. Bumi, described as “almost unrecognizable” in his original state, has developed a playful and mischievous personality, enjoying activities such as playing with tires.
The mother’s fate is unknown:
The fate of the mother elephant is unclear, as often happens to orphaned elephants. Calves can be left alone or injured for many reasons, including drought, poaching, falling into ditches, being separated from the herd or being attacked by predators.
Collaborative conservation efforts:
Through the groundbreaking partnership between Wild Is Life-ZEN and IFAW, these rescued elephants, along with others, have the opportunity for a new future in the wild. The large forest reserve near Victoria Falls, Panda-Masuie, provides a safe haven for rewilding, protected from poaching or hunting.
The importance of cooperation:
Roxy Danckwerts emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts for long-term conservation. With more than 20 elephants rescued in the past five years, she emphasizes the importance of working with organizations like IFAW to create a lasting legacy of protection for these majestic creatures.
A glimpse into the future:
Nursery staff report positive progress and remain hopeful that Moyo, the first orphan elephant rescued by Roxy Danckwerts, will take on the role of mother to Kadiki and Bumi. The two baby elephants may have to stay in the nursery for up to two years before being transferred to Panda-Masuie to prepare to join the wild elephant herd.
Kadiki and Bumi’s journey from orphaned victims to happy, healthy baby elephants is a testament to the resilience of nature and the power of human kindness. Through collaborative efforts and dedicated care, these elephants have been given a chance at a new life, symbolizing hope for the future of wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe and beyond.