NANZHILA’S JOURNEY: A STORY OF SURVIVAL, STRENGTH, AND SECOND CHANCES

Blog by Wilson Chinda,

GRI - Media and Communications Officer  

The team carefully loads Nanzhila into the rescue vehicle, bound for the Kafue Release Facility

At just 10 months old, Nanzhila should have been safely by her mother’s side, learning the rhythms of the wild, surrounded by the warmth and protection of her herd. But instead, she was alone. Frightened. Wandering the vast Nanzhila Plains of southern Kafue National Park, with no mother in sight and no companions to guide or shield her.

Her small footprints marked the beginning of an extraordinary story of survival, one that would inspire everyone who took part in her rescue, as well as many more who would follow her journey back to the wild. 

Nanzhila was first spotted on a quiet Sunday evening in the Nanzhila Plains. The sight of a lone calf sparked immediate concern. Having received the troubling report, we mobilised from the nearby Kafue Release Facility (KRF) at first light, heading out by vehicle, with drone support in hopes of finding her again. After hours of searching through the open lands and dense thickets to no avail, we returned to camp disheartened but as determined as ever. 

Before her rescue, 'Nanzhila' was spotted alone in the Nanzhila Plains.

On Wednesday, the little elephant was seen once more in the same area.  The urgency and scale of the search increased as our conservation partners, African Parks, deployed a fixed-wing aircraft with one of our experienced Elephant Rescue Rangers positioned onboard as an aerial spotter. But Nanzhila seemed to slip back into the wild as quickly as she appeared, once again vanishing into the landscape that inspired her name. We feared time was running out for the poor calf, alone in an area with an active lion population.

Searching from the skies

Remarkably, nearly a week after she was first spotted, Nanzhila reappeared, walking right into the grounds of Nanzhila Plains Camp, visibly exhausted, dehydrated, and weak. Her small frame bore the weight of trauma, stress, and fear. But somehow, she had an instinct to seek help as she lingered close to the safari camp, as if sensing that she would be safer near humans. The camp reported her presence, and an incredible and immediate collaboration ensued to save her. 

Nanzhila presented herself at Nanzhila Plains Camp, exhausted and dehydrated.

African Parks flew in Dr Michelo, the Zambia Carnivore Programme Vet, by helicopter, as we mobilised on the ground, ready to support her. Working together, Nanzhila was darted for immobilisation, stabilised, and transferred by vehicle for immediate care at the Kafue Release Facility. Our Elephant Rescue Rangers, Mathews and Yotam, stayed by her side day and night, offering her the reassurance, necessary supplements, vital electrolytes, and comfort she so desperately needed to ease the trauma she suffered during the long days without her mother. 

Transporting Nanzhila to KRF, a few hours after rescue. Nanzhila takes comfort in Elephant Ranger, Yotam.

After 11 critical days of around-the-clock care, Nanzhila was strong enough to be transported to the Lusaka Elephant Nursery. Having developed trust in her new carers, she willingly walked into the transport crate, ready for her flight to safety. She remained calm throughout the journey, having had a very mild sedation, and took comfort in the familiar voices and touch of those who had been with her since her rescue. 

Nanzhila settled quickly into her new stable at the Nursery, displaying full trust in those who had been caring for her and slept soundly that evening, showing that she was relaxed and felt safe in her new environment. 

Nanzhila recovers from mild sedation in her stable

NANZHILA SETTLES IN AT THE LUSAKA ELEPHANT NURSERY

Nanzhila takes her first steps at the Nursery.

At the Lusaka Elephant Nursery, we have been providing little Nanzhila with the essential nutrition, comfort, and care she requires to recover from the trauma of being found alone and vulnerable on the plains. This involves providing a carefully curated formula to mimic her mother's milk and giving her exercise and access to the other orphans - but not too much, too soon, as she needs to conserve her precious energy for physical repair. Her emotional recovery is also critical, and this is where the role of the Elephant Rescue Rangers is so critical - they provide the loving touch and physical presence to reassure her that she will never be left alone again. 

Nanzhila accepting milk formula. Yotam offering Nanzhila comfort and reassurance.

With Zambia's chilly winter now upon us, we are making sure she stays warm through the night, wrapped snugly in her custom-fit blanket inside her stable. With dedicated 24-hour care, Nanzhila has made remarkable progress since her arrival. She is steadily gaining weight, growing in confidence, and has begun to socialise with the bachelor herd at the Nursery. 

Nanzhila wrapped up to keep warm during the chilly weather in Zambia

On her first day meeting the orphan herd, Bupe, who has stepped in as the leader of the Nursery Herd, exhibited a keen interest, staying close to Nanzhila, being gentle with her, and ensuring the others did not push or bully her.

Nursery Herd - Bupe, Nanzhila, Mataya (LtoR).

Nanzhila is showing more signs of strength and courage with each passing day. It will not be long before she is ready to join her surrogate siblings on their daily bush walks. Her incredible recovery marks the beginning of a 15-year journey and commitment towards giving her a second chance at life back to the wild, where she belongs. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible partners, the Department of National Parks & Wildlife, African Parks, Zambian Carnivore Programme, Nanzhila Plains Camp, and De Le Cuona for their unwavering support throughout Nanzhila’s rescue. A special thank you to ProCharter for ensuring her journey to Lusaka was safe and seamless. 

PC @Thomas Deschamps