April in May

An Elephant, a Buffalo, and a Second Chance at Life...

Two weeks. That’s how long a tiny, eight-month-old elephant calf wandered through Fuller Forest, (another Forestry Commission Estate just near our protected area of Panda Masuie), all alone…

Her journey began in tragedy a few weeks earlier. Her mother is believed to have died after having been hit by a car. This is a heartbreaking and all-too-common reality for elephants and other animals near protected areas. In the confusion that followed the incident, the calf vanished. Rangers searched, but the thick forest kept its secrets - until, fourteen days later, they spotted her again.

However, she wasn’t by herself. She had cleverly found an unusual companion.

To everyone’s surprise, she had formed an unlikely bond with a lone “dagga boy”- an old male buffalo known for his solitary nature. Somehow, this buffalo stayed with her, quietly protective, walking by her side, as she searched for food and safety. It was an extraordinary companionship. But while leaves and grass sustained her, she was still far too young to survive without milk. She was fading fast and we needed to assist. ZimParks agreed to issue a permit for her rescue.

When we received the call that she had been seen again - now with her buffalo companion, our rescue team at Panda Masuie quickly mobilised, prepared for any instance. They were cautious, as lone buffalo bulls can be wily and extremely dangerous. They found her weak, wary, and in need of urgent care. Without any resistance, the buffalo allowed the team to immobilise her and uplift her. Perhaps he knew she was in safe hands, we can never know.

After a veterinary check up and sedation by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, she was then brought to our Boma’s, where her new chapter began.

On her first night, Moyo - the magnificent matriarch of the young orphan herd - welcomed her with calm reassurance, touching her gently with her trunk and soothing her with deep rumbles. The baby quickly settled in the comfort of her new companions - other elephants just like her. We decided to name her April, at the request of our friends from IFAW.

Moyo and baby April - now Moyo’s little shadow.

Despite the smooth arrival, not everyone was happy to have her there. Murphy, Moyo’s beloved younger companion, wasn’t as thrilled - certainly feeling jealous of Moyo’s attention towards the new arrival. However, after a few days he became used to his little sister and tolerated her with stand-offish patience. He was still allowed to put his trunk into Moyo’s food trough, which is a great privilege indeed!

The young ladies, Coco and Unity, Sienna and Sally, all rallied around, helping out with baby sitting duties. Coco and Unity are showing remarkable empathy towards other elephants. They were always particularly kind to Bumi and Limpopo, whom we sadly lost some weeks ago, to anthrax.

Coco, Unity and the girls rallied around their new family member.

April was a breath of fresh air for the elephants and Carers alike. A much needed win was needed within the community and April was the one to bring some light into a dark time at Panda Masuie.

At first, April wouldn’t take the special milk formula prepared to sustain and nourish her. It was unfamiliar despite her hunger and emaciation. But Paradzayi, our most senior and experienced elephant Carer, sat with her patiently, quietly earning her trust and introducing her to the smell and feel of the milk bottles. After much persistence she finally drank an entire bottle. The team celebrated.

Now, just a few weeks on - she’s one of the first to race to Para when it’s time for a bottle! Take a look at the video show she’s yards ahead of everyone else!

Moyo is doing a sterling job, as always. She has a natural affinity for the care and embrace of these new and bewildered little calves. She is fiercely protective of the little ones, her eagle eye constantly scanning the herd for any shenanigans! She is the embodiment of everything that we stand for… Love, Courage and Care.

April’s strength is returning. Her eyes are brighter. And thanks to a buffalo, a group of dedicated Rangers, our team of Carers, and the love of her new elephant family, she has a second chance at life.

Thank you for supporting the Wild is Life journey- where every life, no matter how small or lost, matters to us.