Joy
Translation: Bouitumelo (in Setswana)
Current Age: 5 months old
Date of Birth (Approximate): August 30, 2024
Gender: Female
Reason Orphaned: Unknown
Rescue Date: October 30, 2024
Age at Rescue (Approximate): 2 months old
Rescue Location: A3 Highway between Maun and Zimbabwe
Foster Me!
The last of eight rescues in October 2024, this little one, just two months old or so, was found on the main paved highway that leads out of Maun to Zimbabwe. Traffic was stopped, as passers by were taking pictures. She was clearly without her mother and her herd and seeking safety. A Land Cruiser happened upon the scene, and to this tiny one’s good fortune, it was part of the Botswana Department of Wildlife fleet. Curious as to the commotion, they stopped and found this little elephant.
They literally picked her up and put her in the back of the twin cab. Bee was promptly called to request he meet them at headquarters in Maun. We loaded up and were there when they arrived. Within 45 minutes she was home—the first tiny baby to be admitted to the new intensive care nursery. The contractor had literally completed the nursery that week.
Our vet, Dr. Botes, started an IV, and we got her hydrated and warm in the new nursery quarters. She was soon stabilized, and KT took over the task of acclimating her to the bottle and dealing with her little sunburned ears. (When elephants are that young, they are actually partially pink, with some pink in the ears and little pink toenails.)
Joy arrived before she had started teething. The process can be a difficult time, but she weathered that well. She was not certain about the water hole or the mud wallow, but elephants need the mud and the sand bath that follows. With KT’s help, she became tolerant of the process, and she quickly began running to her wallow. She would even try to do her own sand bath with her tiny little trunk.
She initially weighed in at 220 pounds and became curious about solid foods as soon as she got her teeth. It wasn’t long before she formally joined the herd, and Boka took over as her elephant Mother. From day one, Joy has had tremendous energy, and she loves her handlers. She is absolutely irrepressible and truly brings joy to all who encounter her.
Foster an elephant for yourself or as a gift for someone special.
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Please call 972-620-2523 if you have any questions about fostering.