One of the projects supported by Colchester Zoo’s charity Action for the Wild rescues, rehabilitates and releases orphaned elephants back into the wild. The Elephant Orphanage Project (EOP) which operates in South Kafue in Zambia first received funding from the charity last year

News has come through of a new orphaned calf being rescued in Zambia. The orphan, named Kavalamanja, was rescued a few weeks after a female elephant was found killed by poachers with her tusks removed. Kavalamanja was found very emaciated and bearing infected wounds on his body, his face was quite sunken in and his spine protruding. When rescued, he was instantly responsive towards staff trying to eat and drink whatever they could offer. The team rehydrated him with electrolytes and then started him on a weak milk formula, which he took to immediately.

Kavalamanja was then mildly sedated for the journey back to the orphanage. Rachael Murton, EOP manager was present throughout the journey and Kavalamanja took comfort in sucking on her finger. Kavalamanja is still responding well to the team and it is hoped that after a period of quarantine he will be able to join the rest of the herd.

Colchester Zoo would like to thank everyone who has already donated to this worthwhile project. For more information or to donate to this project or other projects which Action for the Wild supports please visit www.actionforthewild.org.