Written by Sue Howells, PR/Media Manager – Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
The orphaned baby elephant, no more than three or four weeks old, was found wandering on his own in the Kruger National Park, close to Phalaborwa, on the 8th of December 2017. The little guy was brought straight to Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre.
Scared, hungry and hurt
The precious pachyderm was obviously very scared, hungry and dehydrated when he arrived. His first stop was Dr Peter Rogers, a leading wildlife vet, who was ready and waiting to check his general health and inspect the little elephant for any injuries.
We were delighted to see that he’d been drinking water but also concerned as he weighed only 78kg (the average weight of a newborn elephant is around 90kgs, and this elephant was older than that).
Dr Rogers discovered that his back left foot must have been injured somehow as he would not apply pressure to it; he also had an infected belly button (fortunately easy to fix). He was initially placed on drips for rehydration and nourishment.
Our five experienced elephant carers were ready and waiting to make sure he got the best care possible. This involves round-the-clock attention, including sleeping beside the traumatised orphans.
Butterfly wings
The HESC team decided to name this brave little elephant “Mopane”, after a common South African tree; its leaves are bitter, much like his situation had been, but they’re shaped like butterfly wings, signifying the wings and confidence that we were going to give him back.
Once Mopane had settled in at HESC and was hydrated and fed, Dr Johan Marais (CEO of Saving the Survivors) and Dr Rogers took x-rays of his leg and foot. Although they could find no damage to the bone, they suspected he had a soft tissue injury, which raised no big concerns. (It was later noted that his bones weren’t mineralising as well as they should.) His foot soon recovered naturally, which we were thrilled about.
HESC is proud to have a team of five experienced elephant carers who take shifts to give round-the-clock care for orphaned little elephants like Mopane. They’ve nurtured special bonds with him over the last few months, which is really special to see. Our centre curators also assist with his feedings and well-being.
Progress
A month later he’d gained over 6kg, but March 2018 saw him take a dangerous turn for the worse. He developed diarrhoea and started to lose the weight so painstakingly gained. In addition he became dehydrated, the boiling-hot summer temperature not helping matters.
Not willing to give up, the HESC team worked day and night to ensure little Mopane would pull through. After many late nights, drips to keep him hydrated, and round-the-clock care, the little fighter made it.
Seven months later, everyone at HESC was delighted at Mopane’s weight measurement of 180kg in July 2018. His leg has also improved and he seems to be happy to walk on all four feet. Our not-so-little elephant orphan has grown into a healthy and strong elephant calf.
An unusual friendship
During this time, Mopane has struck up an unusual but beautiful friendship with Lammie, a very special white-and-brown Thaba Manzi Pedi sheep at HESC. Lammie has been a mother figure to many orphaned animals, including rhinos Gertjie and Matimba, elephant Shawu, and now Mopane.
Lammie joined HESC in August 2014 as a three-week-old lamb who started her “career” as surrogate mom with rhino orphan Gertjie. Having companion animals with the wild orphans helps to provide support without too much human interaction.
Pedi sheep are small sheep indigenous to South Africa; they make wonderful companions to other animals as they’re extremely devoted and caring due to their loving and accepting natures. Lammie is never very far away from Mopane, always keeping an eye on him.
Mopane’s marvellous life
A day in the life of Mopane includes waking up beside one of his carers who will always sleep with him through the night. The carer does a thorough inspection on him to make sure he looks in good health. Mopane then guzzles the first of four bottles of special milk formula.
After his good breakfast, they set out for a morning walk around the perimeters of the centre, often bursting into sweet little jogs along the way. His carer also takes these opportunities to teach him some primary care lessons to enhance his natural instincts through playful activities.
During the walk, Mopane often stops for a little nap under a tree before they head back. Then it’s time for his second bottle and perhaps a bit of a mud bath, which is important for the protection of their skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
As Mopane gets older, he goes on longer and more frequent bush walks to get him accustomed to being in the wild for a length of time, which is more natural for him. So, they’ll head out again after the afternoon bottle and are back before the sun goes down.
Capturing hearts at HESC
This little elephant has really captured the hearts of our staff at HESC. He’s a determined and strong-minded little elephant who has an extremely soft and gentle side to him too.
It’s been very rewarding to see his progress and we look forward to his further development into a healthy young elephant bull.
Check out Mopane and his friends in action on the HESC YouTube channel: Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY93--JpcQ_dCfO6p9dAQ1w).
About Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre
The Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre is a wildlife facility focusing on conservation and the sustainability of rare, vulnerable and threatened species. The centre has a holistic approach, including breeding programmes, education of surrounding communities, tourism, rehabilitation of wild animals and anti-poaching. For more information, visit their website at www.hesc.co.za and follow them on Facebook.
