Rescued elephant calf in Zimbabwe gets a second chance

Together with ZimParks and the Forestry Commission, our team from Wild is Life, supported by IFAW, began the search. For several days, there were only faint tracks fading into the dry earth—signs of a desperate journey through the forest.

At last, hope arrived. The calf was spotted again near Chambonda Tented Camp, and within hours a coordinated team of Wild is Life rescuers, ZimParks rangers, and a veterinarian from the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust was on its way.

Under intense 38°C heat, the team moved carefully through the bush. A precise dart delivered the immobilizing medicine, and within moments the exhausted young elephant slipped safely into sleep. ZimParks rangers kept watch for predators while the team worked quickly to lift him onto a Land Cruiser for the journey to Panda Masuie.

It’s no small task to move even a young elephant. For 40 minutes, the vehicle crawled across rough ground, with keepers monitoring his breathing and cooling his body throughout the drive. By late afternoon, the little calf arrived safely at the Panda Masuie bomas, where rescued elephants find care, companionship, and a chance to heal.

A warm welcome

Before the herd could see him, they somehow knew. From across the bomas came low rumbles and trumpets of excitement—a chorus of welcome that filled the air.

When the anaesthetic wore off, the calf woke slowly, unsteady and unsure. As the gates opened, the other elephants rushed forward, trunks reaching out to comfort him. They touched and rumbled softly, surrounding him with reassurance.

That night, Norah, Annabelle, Summer, and Maggie refused to leave his side. They checked on him again and again as he stood quietly through the night, still too uncertain to lie down or take a bottle.

By morning, the herd led him gently out to browse and dust bathe. He followed their lead silently, his small steps matching theirs. And then—under the patient care of Paradzai Mutize, one of Wild is Life’s most experienced keepers—the little calf finally took his first full bottle of milk. It was a quiet but powerful moment of trust.

A future with Room to Roam

The keepers and staff of Panda Masuie have called the new calf “Winston”. His story is one of loss, rescue, and resilience—but also of what’s possible when people come together to protect wildlife. Every successful rescue reminds us why IFAW’s Room to Roam vision is so vital: to connect safe, healthy landscapes where elephants and other wildlife can move freely, find the resources they need, and live without conflict.

Thanks to the care and collaboration of many—Wild is Life, ZimParks, the Forestry Commission, the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, and local partners—the calf now has a second chance. One day, when he’s strong and ready, he’ll roam once more under the African sky, part of a connected landscape that offers safety, freedom, and hope.