Cutie Kavimba

On the northern edge of Botswana, in the Chobi Enclave and just 1km from the Namibian border, this little elephant was spotted roaming around Kavimba Village with no traces of any elephant family in sight. The good people from Elephants Without Borders contacted us, and we began the eight-hour trek north to pick her up.

The area was very dry, and it’s likely her mother died from lack of water. Sadly, that is becoming more common as the drought continues to come each year.

Debra and Scott were at the orphanage when Kavimba arrived. The first night, this little one was completely wild, as most of the babies are when they first arrive. By the time Debra awoke the next morning, though, Kavimba had transformed—taking a bottle, eating out of AK’s hands, and sucking his fingers. She must have realized pretty quickly that she had been relocated to a pretty cool spa with a great restaurant.

Her favorite thing at this new “spa” is mud baths. Oh, how she loves them, and she is quite adept at covering herself from trunk to tail. What a joy it is to watch the transformation from scared baby elephant to a baby who feels safe and protected and loved—all in less than eight hours. Kavimba is positively thrilled to be with us, and we are equally happy to care for her.

You can help support Kavimba’s health and care by fostering her.