A three-month-old baby elephant, discovered wandering alone in the Maputo Special Reserve in Mozambique, has been successfully rescued. The young elephant has been stabilized and is awaiting the required permits for its transfer to a specialized care facility in South Africa, with the ultimate goal of releasing it back into the wild. This heartwarming rescue operation was made possible through the collaboration of various individuals and organizations mentioned at the end of this article. However, the fragile elephant’s fate now lies in the hands of authorities responsible for issuing the necessary paperwork. Dr. Carlos Lopes Pereira (ANAC) and Dr. Michelle Henley (Elephants Alive) are actively coordinating with the Department of Environmental Affairs in South Africa to secure the import permits.
The prompt response to the situation was initiated by members of the Muvucuza Community in Maputo Special Reserve, who spotted the lone baby elephant and promptly alerted park rangers. These community members deserve special recognition and gratitude for their crucial intervention, as it likely saved the baby elephant from certain peril.
Following the alert, a rapid-response team was mobilized, led by several organizations including Mozambique’s National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC), Saving the Survivors, Dyck Advisory Group, and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF). Their collaborative efforts played a pivotal role in the rescue mission.
The calf was discovered in an extremely weakened and hungry state, having been alone for approximately three days. According to veterinarian Dr. João Almeida from Saving the Survivors, the situation remained touch-and-go for several hours. To address its immediate needs, specialized fresh milk had to be airlifted in from South Africa, and intravenous fluids were administered. Fortunately, the baby elephant has gradually regained its strength, raising hopes for its survival.
Currently, the young elephant is receiving ample fluids and bottle feedings every two hours. Encouragingly, she has started passing feces and maintains a regular sleep pattern—positive indicators of her recovery and well-being.
A technical advisor from Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) stationed in Maputo Special Reserve has highlighted the rarity of elephants abandoning their young and raised the possibility that the baby elephant may have been unwell for an extended period. He stressed the significance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding the reserve’s wildlife to preserve its rich biodiversity.
Maputo Special Reserve is rapidly emerging as one of Mozambique’s premier tourist destinations. This growth in tourism has the potential to substantially enhance the livelihood opportunities of the local community, emphasizing the critical role of wildlife conservation in the region.