Rescue and Protect Orphaned Elephants in Botswana

Your support has contributed to helping our local project partner, Elephant Havens’ impactful projects in 2024 and continues to create a meaningful difference for elephants and communities in Botswana. I am delighted to share some latest news from our project partner.

First female elephant carer in Botswana

Keleabetswe “Kay” Lesetedi is one of the dedicated elephant handlers at Elephant Havens and she has become an integral member of the team. When she began, Kay was the only woman in this role in Botswana, paving the way for others and setting an inspiring example.

Kay possesses an exceptional ability to care for and connect with the baby elephants, making her a trusted and beloved member of their herd. Her skills extend beyond her work with the animals; she is also highly regarded for her interactions with guests, creating an environment of warmth and ease for everyone she meets.

In addition to her expertise in animal care and hospitality, Kay is also a talented singer, a skill which helps her interact with the elephants.

Elephant rescues, growth challenges

October 2024 marked an unprecedented month, with eight new orphaned elephant rescues. This rapid influx brought the total number of baby elephants in residence to 22. The sharp rise in rescues is attributed to severe drought conditions in Botswana, which have severely impacted wildlife, particularly elephants.

To accommodate this surge, our local partner, Elephant Havens, has expanded its resources, including constructing additional enclosures (bomas) and increasing staffing. These measures, along with the costs of rescue operations involving trucks, cranes, and veterinary care, have significantly strained the organization's financial reserves. The milk budget alone has risen by 50%.

The rescued elephants are embraced by the existing herd with remarkable care and acceptance. Older calves help newcomers integrate into the group, often accelerating their adjustment period. This rapid acclimation exemplifies the herd’s unique dynamics and the trust the elephants place in their new environment.

Sediba, one of these baby elephants, fell into a five-meter-deep handmade well and remained trapped for two days. The rescue required a crane truck to lift her out of the confined space, a testament to the ingenuity and commitment of the local team. Initially weak and uninterested in food, Sediba began recovering under the care of her handler, Mayo, and bonded with Matriarch Bokamoso and the rest of the herd. She is now thriving thanks to Elephant Haven’s incredible work.

With thanks to donations from supporters like you, we have recently been able to help Elephant Havens with the purchase of specialist weighing equipment to monitor the weight and growth of the baby orphans. We look forward to sharing more on this next time.

With your help, orphaned elephants are being provided with a second chance at life and through our local project partner, coexistence between wildlife and local communities is being fostered.

Links:

• Sendiba's rescue