Bonolo
Meaning of name: Calm
Current Age: 7 years and 6 months old
Date of Birth (Approximate): May 22, 2017
Gender: Female
Reason Orphaned: Suspected poaching
Rescue Date: October 22, 2019
Age at Rescue (Approximate): 2 years and 5 months old
Rescue Location: Sekondomboro/ Pan Handle, Okavango Delta
Foster Me!
Locals in the panhandle of the Okavango Delta reached out to us again when they spotted this possible orphan. With two handlers and Dr. Comfort, we immediately headed to the area near the Namibian border. It took us until the next afternoon to finally find the little one. We checked her out, but as darkness fell, we returned to our campsite for the night, with hope that she would find her family or herd.
The next morning, we returned to the same place to check on her. After following her tracks for half a day, we finally came across her again. She had found a mud wallow and was playing there, cooling herself off from the nearly 100°F heat.
As the area is prone to poaching, Dr. Comfort suspected her mother had been a victim. Little Bonolo was traumatized, heavily stressed physically, and quite skinny. Once we arrived home at Elephant Havens, though, she settled in very well with comfort and support from fellow orphan MmaMotse.
We were concerned that one tusk had been broken off very short—which could lead to pain and infection. Since she’s naturally very calm, she let us examine her easily. Dr. Comfort discovered she was born with only one tusk, which is not uncommon. This can be a family trait, with many members of the same herd having only one tusk. By six weeks with us, Bonolo was used to her handlers and allowed them to go into her enclosure to clean. Her favorite treats are oranges and game pellets—she loves them both. Orphan Tsholofelo is her good friend. They often stand next to each other and share their food. We are very happy that this calm, sweet girl is now doing well in our care.
FOSTER AN ELEPHANT FOR YOURSELF OR AS A GIFT FOR SOMEONE SPECIAL.
For just $100 annually, our foster parents receive by email:*
Foster certificate with the name, photo and details of your orphan
Updates on their care and progress
*Emailing these items saves us money on printing and postage, so we can ensure every dollar you donate goes directly to the elephants.
Donation form
Please call 972-620-2523 if you have any questions about fostering.