A Rare Baby Elephant Trapped in Agony
In 2020, the wilds of South Africa became the backdrop for an emotional rescue story involving a rare albino elephant calf. The young female, later named Khanyisa, was discovered alone and severely injured after being trapped in a cruel snare for four days. Found on a private reserve near the border of Kruger National Park, her condition shocked even seasoned rescuers.
Khanyisa stood out immediately—not just because of her pale, pinkish skin, but because of her quiet strength in the face of immense suffering. Her rare pigmentation made her an especially vulnerable target, and when discovered, she was barely clinging to life.Severe Injuries from a Brutal Snare
The poacher’s snare had wrapped tightly around her small body, leaving her with gruesome wounds. Her face was so badly injured that deep cuts ran from cheek to cheek, giving her a scar eerily reminiscent of a “Joker”-like grin. The wire had also slashed behind her ears and across her neck, exposing her to infection and immense pain.Maggots had begun to infest the decaying tissue around her mouth, creating open, festering holes. It was a heart-wrenching sight—made worse by the knowledge that she had endured this all alone.A Daring Rescue by HERD
Thankfully, Khanyisa’s story took a hopeful turn when she was rescued by the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD), South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage. The HERD team acted quickly, transporting her to safety and beginning the long, delicate process of treatment and healing.Sue Howells of HERD described her first impressions of the young elephant: “She looked so innocent, fragile and pure, and yet so brave – a unique beauty who had been sadly mutilated by the hands of man. We knew we had to help her and give her a safe place where she would never endure such trauma again.”Khanyisa Begins Her Journey to Healing
Though tiny and traumatized, Khanyisa showed an astonishing will to survive. HERD staff were amazed by her resilience and gentle spirit. Despite the horror she had endured, she remained calm, kind, and curious.
“She is incredibly resilient and has what seems to be an uncrushable spirit,” Howells added. “Her sweet, fragile and thoughtful personality shines through her toughness.”As her wounds healed and her strength returned, Khanyisa quickly adapted to her new life at HERD. She began to trust her caregivers and formed bonds with the people and animals around her.Embraced by a New Family
Over time, Khanyisa was introduced to the Jabulani Herd, a group of 15 elephants that live on the grounds of the Kapama Reserve, near Kruger National Park. Much to her rescuers’ joy, the herd welcomed her without hesitation.The orphanage, originally created to care for displaced or orphaned calves, was the perfect environment for Khanyisa’s rehabilitation. Since her arrival, she’s not only healed physically, but has also grown into a thriving, joyful young elephant.A Symbol of Hope and Light
Khanyisa’s name, which means “light” or “sunshine” in the local language, perfectly suits the young elephant who has become a symbol of hope. Her journey from a brutal snare to a loving herd has inspired people across the globe.
Thanks to the brave team at HERD and all those who cared enough to act, Khanyisa now lives a safe and happy life—surrounded by love and protected from harm. Her strength and survival serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of protecting our wildlife.
In 2020, the wilds of South Africa became the backdrop for an emotional rescue story involving a rare albino elephant calf. The young female, later named Khanyisa, was discovered alone and severely injured after being trapped in a cruel snare for four days. Found on a private reserve near the border of Kruger National Park, her condition shocked even seasoned rescuers.
Khanyisa stood out immediately—not just because of her pale, pinkish skin, but because of her quiet strength in the face of immense suffering. Her rare pigmentation made her an especially vulnerable target, and when discovered, she was barely clinging to life.Severe Injuries from a Brutal SnareThe poacher’s snare had wrapped tightly around her small body, leaving her with gruesome wounds. Her face was so badly injured that deep cuts ran from cheek to cheek, giving her a scar eerily reminiscent of a “Joker”-like grin. The wire had also slashed behind her ears and across her neck, exposing her to infection and immense pain.Maggots had begun to infest the decaying tissue around her mouth, creating open, festering holes. It was a heart-wrenching sight—made worse by the knowledge that she had endured this all alone.A Daring Rescue by HERD
Thankfully, Khanyisa’s story took a hopeful turn when she was rescued by the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD), South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage. The HERD team acted quickly, transporting her to safety and beginning the long, delicate process of treatment and healing.Sue Howells of HERD described her first impressions of the young elephant: “She looked so innocent, fragile and pure, and yet so brave – a unique beauty who had been sadly mutilated by the hands of man. We knew we had to help her and give her a safe place where she would never endure such trauma again.”Khanyisa Begins Her Journey to Healing
Though tiny and traumatized, Khanyisa showed an astonishing will to survive. HERD staff were amazed by her resilience and gentle spirit. Despite the horror she had endured, she remained calm, kind, and curious.
“She is incredibly resilient and has what seems to be an uncrushable spirit,” Howells added. “Her sweet, fragile and thoughtful personality shines through her toughness.”As her wounds healed and her strength returned, Khanyisa quickly adapted to her new life at HERD. She began to trust her caregivers and formed bonds with the people and animals around her.Embraced by a New FamilyOver time, Khanyisa was introduced to the Jabulani Herd, a group of 15 elephants that live on the grounds of the Kapama Reserve, near Kruger National Park. Much to her rescuers’ joy, the herd welcomed her without hesitation.The orphanage, originally created to care for displaced or orphaned calves, was the perfect environment for Khanyisa’s rehabilitation. Since her arrival, she’s not only healed physically, but has also grown into a thriving, joyful young elephant.A Symbol of Hope and Light
Khanyisa’s name, which means “light” or “sunshine” in the local language, perfectly suits the young elephant who has become a symbol of hope. Her journey from a brutal snare to a loving herd has inspired people across the globe.
Thanks to the brave team at HERD and all those who cared enough to act, Khanyisa now lives a safe and happy life—surrounded by love and protected from harm. Her strength and survival serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of protecting our wildlife.