MmaMotse
Meaning of name: Haven
Current Age: 7 years and 3 months old
Date of Birth (Approximate): October 23, 2017
Gender: Female
Reason Orphaned: Suspected poaching
Rescue Date: December 23, 2018
Age at Rescue (Approximate): 1 year and 2 months old
Rescue Location: Sekondomboro, Okavango Delta Panhandle
Foster Me!
Just two days after receiving our official permit to rescue and care for orphaned elephants, we got a call about a small starving elephant wandering in a community near the panhandle of the Okavango Delta. Luckily, one of the local Sekondomboro people had heard of Elephant Havens and reached out to us.
This skinny young elephant with sunken cheeks and prominent backbone and ribs was roaming the community seeking food, water and safety. Immediately we set out with a Wildlife Department officer. Seeing how fragile she was, the officer quickly declared her an orphan. Her mother had likely been a victim of poaching, as this area close to the border of Namibia is prone to it.
We were able to capture and transport her back to Elephant Havens the next day. Her first days with us were exciting, to be sure! She broke out of her corral the first night and chased everyone, including our vet, Dr. Comfort.
But after two days of oranges, love, food and more food, she became the sweetest, most gentle little girl you could ever meet. Within a week, she had made friends with some of our Handlers. She saw them as her mothers and could tell they would love and care for her. She allowed them to walk with her and clean her enclosure—she even lifted her legs for us to treat some wounds on them.
As our first rescue, it seemed fitting to name her MmaMotse, which means Haven. We are so lucky to have her. She is now so easygoing and kind and loves everyone who gets close to her. MmaMotse is also a complete ham who loves all the attention that people give her.
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.