In a touching act of community and conservation, residents of Chikumbi village came together to save a severely malnourished orphaned elephant calf.

The calf, named Ndewa, was discovered wandering alone, clearly struggling without her mother’s milk for an extended time.

Recognizing the danger, the villagers contacted Community Outreach Ranger Christine, who guided them on safely restraining Ndewa and preventing her from disappearing into the forest.

Chikumbi village is situated along the Zambezi River, opposite Zimbabwe and near Mozambique, an essential corridor for elephant migration. Ndewa likely got separated from her herd during one of these crossings.

The Rufunsa Game Management Area, where the village is located, faces significant challenges, such as poaching and human-wildlife conflicts. Ndewa is the 17th orphaned elephant rescued from this treacherous area.

When the rescue team arrived, they found Ndewa standing and browsing. The villagers had thoughtfully dug a small hole for her to drink and cool off. Despite this, her severe emaciation indicated she was in critical condition.

The team transported her using the IFAW rescue trailer, spending the night at DNPW HQ to stabilize her with essential electrolytes for energy and rehydration.

Due to her extended period without milk, reintroducing it had to be done gradually. At around two years old, Ndewa was adept at browsing, and the natural fruits she had foraged provided her initial energy.

At dawn, the team embarked on the 8-hour journey to the Nursery. During the trip, Ndewa finally rested, taking a 30-minute nap—the first since her rescue.

The initial capture and restraint had been immensely stressful for the bewildered calf, but she began to relax with consistent nourishment and a soft bed of hay in the trailer.

Upon arriving at the Nursery, Ndewa appeared timid and exhausted, hesitating to leave the trailer. The team patiently waited, and after an hour, she was encouraged by the sight and sounds of other orphaned elephants and finally stepped out to join them.

Throughout her first night, Ndewa found comfort in frequent sleep. She accepted fluids from a bucket, though she was not yet comfortable with hand-feeding.

Given her severe emaciation, it’s crucial to introduce nutrients cautiously. Encouragingly, Ndewa has a healthy appetite for browse and Masao fruits, offering hope for her recovery, although her survival remains uncertain.

Named Okondewa, or Ndewa for short, which means “beloved” in the local Chinyanja language, her name embodies the compassion she will need to overcome her traumatic experiences and physical challenges.

Ndewa’s journey will require immense love and dedication, specialized nutrition, constant monitoring, and attentive care.

We will keep you updated on Ndewa’s progress, and your support is vital to ensure she receives the necessary attention for a second chance at life. Please consider donating today to help save Ndewa and provide her with the life she deserves.