A three-month-old baby elephant, found alone and weak in Mozambique’s Maputo Special Reserve, has been successfully rescued thanks to a concerted effort by local communities and conservation groups.
The baby elephant, discovered by residents of the Muvucuza Community, was in critical condition after being isolated for about three days.
The Muvucuza Community quickly alerted park rangers when they saw the lone elephant, initiating a swift-response rescue operation.
A team of Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), Saving the Survivors, Dyck Advisory Group, and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) was mobilized to save the calf.
Their rapid action was crucial in stabilizing the animal and providing medical care.
Veterinarian Dr. João Almeida from Saving the Survivors described the initial condition of the calf as extremely weak and hungry.
Specialized fresh milk was airlifted from South Africa, and the baby elephant received intravenous fluids to help it recover.
Despite the precarious start, the calf has gradually regained strength, showing signs of a positive recovery.
She receives bottle feedings every two hours and has started passing feces and sleeping regularly—signs of improving health.
The successful rescue is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various organizations and individuals.
Dr. Carlos Lopes Pereira from ANAC and Dr. Michelle Henley from Elephants Alive are coordinating with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs to secure import permits for the baby elephant’s transfer to a specialized care facility in South Africa.
The goal is to release the elephant back into its natural habitat once it fully recovers.
While it’s uncommon for elephants to abandon their young, a technical advisor from the Peace Parks Foundation stationed in Maputo Special Reserve speculates that the baby elephant might have been unwell for a prolonged period, leading to its separation.
This incident highlights the importance of community involvement and collaborative conservation efforts to protect wildlife and ensure biodiversity.
Maputo Special Reserve is rapidly emerging as a premier tourist destination in Mozambique, bringing opportunities for local communities.
The successful rescue of the baby elephant serves as a reminder of the crucial role that wildlife conservation plays in promoting tourism and supporting the region’s development.
Read more Elephant News.