Lusaka Elephant Nursery - Zambia
Orphaned elephants need a new herd and a new homeCelebrating Nanzhi’s first birthday
Celebrating Nanzhi’s first birthday
March 1, 2026
Any time an elephant calf turns one, it’s a cause for celebration. Their first year is a crucial time for them to survive. Young calves rely entirely on their mothers for milk, protection, and guidance from the herd. Without that support, survival is extremely difficult.
That is why Nanzhi’s first birthday, celebrated at the Lusaka Elephant Nursery in Zambia, represents such an important milestone in her journey.
Just months ago, her future looked very different.
Orphaned elephant calf Nanzhila at Game Rangers International’s Lusaka Elephant Nursery in Zambia. Photo: © GRI
A vulnerable beginning
When 'Nanzhi' was first found alone in the bush—the Nanzhila Plains of Zambia—she was far too young to survive on her own. Concerns grew as she quickly disappeared into the thick brush. IFAW’s partners at Game Rangers International (GRI) searched for her, day after day, and we feared the worst. Young Nanzhi was so small and in an area teeming with lions—time was running out.
Then, one week later, she miraculously walked into a nearby camp, visibly dehydrated and weak. Wildlife rangers responded quickly and, working with GRI, safely transported Nanzhi to the Lusaka Elephant Nursery. There, she joined other orphaned calves receiving specialized care.
Growing stronger every day
At the nursery, Nanzhi is surrounded by other orphaned calves who have experienced similar loss. Together, they form a new kind of herd—one that helps them learn the social behaviours essential for life as elephants.
Daily walks through the bush allow the calves to browse on natural vegetation, explore their surroundings, and build confidence in the landscape that will one day be their home again. Milk feeds, mud baths, and plenty of play are all part of their routine.
But behind these joyful moments is a carefully designed rehabilitation process. The goal is never to keep these elephants in human care permanently—it is to help them grow strong enough to return to the wild.
Bonding with her new family
The orphan herd at the nursery is made up of three boisterous males named Bupe, Kasungu, and Mataya. These rambunctious fellows love to roughhouse and play fight—but with Nanzhi they are perfect gentlemen. They accepted young Nanzhi into the herd with open trunks, caressing her gently with much curiosity.
Bupe has stepped up as the patriarch of the nursery, and he has shown a particularly keen interest in Nanzhi. He is gentle with her and makes sure that the other males do not push her around.
Bupe reaches out his trunk toward Nanzhila in a gentle goodnight gesture—an affectionate ritual that reflects the deep bonds formed between the rescued calves at GRI’s Kafue Release Facility. Photo: © GRI
Nanzhi is adjusting very well to life at the nursery. She trusts her keepers, is bonding with the other elephants, and is growing bigger and stronger each and every day.
Nanzhi is always last to go into her stable at night and just before she enters, something special happens. Bupe peeps through his stable and reaches out his trunk towards Nanzhi. She pauses and stands there quietly as Bupe gently touches her, reassures her, and says goodnight. It’s a simple gesture but shows their deep and loving bond.
The people behind her recovery
Nanzhi’s progress is made possible by the tireless dedication of her keepers.
From the earliest hours of the morning to the middle of the night, they are always nearby—preparing milk bottles, monitoring health, and offering reassurance when the calves need comfort. For orphaned elephants, this bond is vital. The emotional trauma of losing a mother and herd can be profound, and trust must be rebuilt slowly. By providing consistent care and companionship, the keepers help calves like Nanzhi regain the confidence they need to grow and thrive.
A future back in the wild
As Nanzhi continues to grow, she will eventually take the next step in her journey.
When she is older and stronger, she will move from the Lusaka Elephant Nursery to the Kafue Release Facility in Kafue National Park. There, she will begin the gradual process of integrating with other elephants and preparing for a life back in the wild. This “soft release” approach allows young elephants to build independence while still receiving support from their caregivers.
Over time, they rely less on humans and more on their fellow elephants—until the day they are ready to roam freely again.
A birthday worth celebrating
Today, Nanzhi is thriving.
Her playful personality, growing confidence, and strong bonds with her caregivers and fellow calves are all signs of a young elephant finding her way again. Her first birthday is not just a milestone—it is a reminder of what is possible when compassion, expertise, and partnership come together to give wildlife a second chance.
And with continued support, calves like Nanzhi will one day walk back into the wild where they belong.
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