ADOPT AN ELEPHANT

GRI's Wildlife Rescue Department provides sanctuary to 19 orphaned elephant calves, separated from their herds as a result of ivory poaching or human-elephant conflict. 

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We need your help to give these elephants a second chance!

Kasewe was rescued at only 9 months of age in September 2016, just four days after her mother had been shot for crop raiding in Mozambique. She was found by a teacher named Sabina, who saw the small orphan wandering alone by the Kasewe stream. Sabina managed to capture Kasewe with her brother and children and restrained her with a chitenge (traditional cloth often used as a skirt) until the rescue team arrived. She was safely transferred to the Elephant Nursery, where she sought the attention of the Keepers to provide her with comfort and reassurance. With nutritional support and the company of her surrogate siblings, Kasewe has settled in well with the rest of the orphan herd at the Nursery.

Chamilandu was only 1.5 years old when her mother was shot by poachers, leaving her a helpless orphan in South Luangwa National Park. With the help and care of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, GRI's Wildlife Rescue Department rescued Chamilandu in November 2007.  She was a strong, healthy and boisterous young elephant calf, but was traumatised by the loss of her mother and suffered terrible nightmares. Over time, Chamilandu has grown into an incredibly affectionate young elephant. She has strong matriarchal instincts and has mothered all the younger calves, ensuring they are welcomed into the herd. 

Nkala was discovered by farmers in June 2013, as he wandered alone and distressed among cattle. His herd had been driven away from agricultural land and never returned. After hearing about the Wildlife Rescue Department on GRI’s community radio show, the farmers notified the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and GRI deployed to the small community bordering Kafue National Park. At only 3 months old, Nkala was traumatised and in desperate need of milk. Over time, he has grown in strength and confidence, and was successfully translocated to the Release Facility in 2016, where he has become an integral member of the herd. 

In June 2018, 6 month old Lufutuko ("Tuko") was found wandering frightened and alone in Livingstone. With support from DNPW, GRI rescued the little orphan, and safely transferred her to the Elephant Nursery. Tuko's recovery was slow. Her digestive system struggled to adapt to the specialised milk formula, and she suffered from a blood parasite, but was too weak to cope with the treatment drugs. However,  with targeted veterinary treatment, and the care and attention of her Keepers she gradually gained strength and is now an extremely playful and confident young calf.