In a remarkable rescue mission within the Maputo Special Reserve in Mozambique, a three-month-old baby elephant was discovered wandering alone. But, thanks to the collaborative efforts of various individuals and organizations, the vulnerable calf’s condition has been successfully stabilized. Currently, it is awaiting the necessary permits to be transferred to a specialized care facility in South Africa. Once there, under expert supervision, the elephant will receive the required care and attention before being reintroduced to its natural habitat, marking a promising step towards its eventual release back into the wild.
The initial discovery of the baby elephant was made by members of the Muucuza Community in the Maputo Special Reserve, who promptly alerted the local rangers. It is important to acknowledge and express gratitude to these community members, as their intervention played a crucial role in saving the elephant’s life. Responding swiftly to the situation, a team led by Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), Saving the Survivors, Dyck Advisory Group, and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) was deployed.
Upon examination, the calf was found to be extremely weak and malnourished, having been alone for approximately three days. Veterinarian Dr. João Almeida from Saving the Survivors described the situation as touch-and-go for several hours. Specialized fresh milk had to be flown in from South Africa, and intravenous fluids were administered immediately. However, with gradual progress, the baby elephant has regained strength, and hopes for its survival are now high. It is currently receiving an ample supply of fluids and bottle feedings every two hours. Encouragingly, it has started passing feces and maintaining a regular sleeping pattern, indicating positive signs of recovery.
A PPF technical advisor working in the Maputo Special Reserve highlighted that elephants rarely abandon their young, suggesting that the baby may have been sick for some time. This emphasizes the importance of collaborative efforts in protecting the wildlife within the reserve to preserve its biodiversity. Moreover, the development of the Maputo Special Reserve as a prominent tourist destination in Mozambique holds the potential to enhance livelihood opportunities for the local community.
The successful rescue operation was made possible through the support provided to ANAC by organizations such as Dyck Advisory Group, Blue Sky Society, Elephants Alive, Elephant Coast Company, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Saving the Survivors, and Peace Parks Foundation. Their collective efforts exemplify the dedication and commitment to safeguarding wildlife and preserving the natural heritage of this region.
As we await the essential permits for the baby elephant’s transfer to the specialized care center in South Africa, it is crucial that the authorities expedite the issuance of the necessary paperwork. The survival and well-being of this rescued elephant now rest in their hands. Drs. Carlos Lopes Pereira (ANAC) and Michelle Henley (Elephants Alive) are currently engaging with the Department of Environmental Affairs in South Africa to secure the required import permits. With continued support and collaboration, we remain hopeful for a positive outcome in the journey towards rehabilitating and releasing this baby elephant back into its natural habitat.
