Meet our newest little angel

We’re so happy to introduce our new little rescue—Angel. She’s one of our newest orphaned residents, a sweet and endearing baby elephant who was rescued on August 30, 2025, in Ngarange, in the Okavango Delta Panhandle.

This little ellie was only 18 months old when she suffered the loss of her mother. We suspect that Angel’s mother may have fallen victim to the harsh drought conditions that have affected the Ngarange area, forcing elephants to travel long distances in search of food and water.

Angel was first spotted by local residents a week before her rescue, and our team kept a close eye on her for three days. We were monitoring her condition and awaiting clearance from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) to intervene. If a young elephant isn’t in deep distress as far as their health goes (not starving or injured), the DWNP prefers to wait for signs of a potential adoption by another nearby wild herd before giving us the green light to rescue her.

Despite her challenging start, Angel has settled in wonderfully with our herd and is quickly finding her place among the other babies. Her moniker came about because she’s been such an angel to everyone—handlers and her new ellie brothers and sisters. She’s as sweet as can be.

But this little one also has a big personality and a big love for milk and treats! If that bottle is ever empty, she’ll let us know with her own special combination of rumbling and trumpeting that can be heard across the entire orphanage. Perhaps we should trademark that unique sound.

As for solid food? Well, she’s developed quite a fondness for her pellets at the feeding area. We need to keep a steady supply of them going into that little mouth or else she’ll wrap her tiny trunk around the hand that’s stopped feeding her to let them know they need to keep that conveyor belt of treats going. As you’ve probably figured out by now, this munchkin is steadily gaining weight and strength.

Angel’s story highlights the devastating impact of drought on wildlife up in the Panhandle of the Okavango Delta, and we’re grateful to provide her with a safe haven at Elephant Havens. We’re excited to watch her grow and flourish, and we hope you’ll join us in supporting her journey.

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