April in May: an elephant, a buffalo, and a second chance at life

Her journey began in tragedy a few weeks earlier. Her mother is believed to have died after having been hit by a car—a heartbreaking, all-too-common reality for elephants and other animals. In the confusion that followed the incident, the calf vanished. Rangers searched, but the thick forest concealed her—until, fourteen days later, they spotted her again.

However, she wasn’t by herself. She had cleverly found an unusual companion.

An unexpected friendship and risky rescue

To everyone’s surprise, the young elephant had formed an unlikely bond with a lone ‘dagga boy’—an older, solitary male buffalo. This buffalo had stayed with her, quietly protective, walking by her side, as she searched for food and safety. It was an extraordinary companionship.

But while leaves and grass sustained her temporarily, she was still far too young to survive without milk. She was fading fast, and we needed to help. Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) agreed to issue a permit for her rescue.

When we received the call in May that she had been seen again—now with her buffalo companion—our rescue team at Panda Masuie quickly mobilised, prepared for any instance. They were cautious, as lone buffalo bulls can be wily and extremely dangerous. They found her weak, wary, and in need of urgent care. Without any resistance, the buffalo allowed the team to immobilise and uplift her. Perhaps he knew she was in safe hands—we can never know.

After a veterinary checkup and sedation by the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, she was then brought to our bomas, where her new chapter began.

Finding her place

On her first night, Moyo—the magnificent matriarch of the young orphan herd—welcomed her with calm reassurance, touching her gently with her trunk and soothing her with deep rumbles. The baby quickly settled in the comfort of her new companions—other elephants, just like her.

We decided to name her April, at the request of our friends from IFAW. April was a fearless powerhouse and leader on our IFAW Communications team. She was generous with her knowledge and time, was deeply intelligent, and had a great sense of humour. She loved her family, her friends, and her pets and was in constant motion, often getting over 16,000 steps a day! April was a big lover of nature and animals. She gave back to her community through varied volunteer work, supporting causes she believed in. We lost April in January, and we are still grieving this huge loss personally and professionally.

Despite the elephant calf’s smooth arrival, not everyone was happy to have her there. Murphy, Moyo’s beloved younger companion, wasn’t as thrilled; he certainly felt jealous of Moyo’s attention towards the new arrival. However, after a few days, he became used to his new little sister and tolerated her with standoffish patience. He was still allowed to put his trunk into Moyo’s food trough, which is a great privilege indeed!

Two pairs of young female elephants, Coco and Unity, and Sienna and Sally, all rallied around, helping out with babysitting duties. Coco and Unity are showing remarkable empathy towards other elephants. They were always particularly kind to Bumi and Limpopo, whom we sadly lost some weeks ago to anthrax.

April was a breath of fresh air for the elephants and carers alike. A win was much needed within the community, and April was the one to bring some light to a dark time at Panda Masuie.

Growing and gaining strength

At first, April wouldn’t take the special milk formula prepared to sustain and nourish her. It was too unfamiliar, despite her hunger and emaciation. But Paradzayi, our most senior and experienced elephant carer, sat with her patiently, quietly earning her trust and introducing her to the smell and feel of the milk bottles. After much persistence, she finally drank an entire bottle. The team celebrated.

Now, just a few weeks on, she’s one of the first to race to Para when it’s time for a bottle!

Moyo is doing a sterling job, as always. She has a natural affinity for caring and embracing these new, bewildered little calves. She is fiercely protective, her eagle eye constantly scanning the herd for any shenanigans. She is the embodiment of everything that we stand for—love, courage, and care.

April’s strength is returning. Her eyes are brighter. And thanks to a buffalo, a group of dedicated rangers, our team of carers, and the love of her new elephant family, she has a second chance at life.