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Oct 29, 2025

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A 3-day-old orphaned elephant calf – so vulnerable his umbilicus has not yet been sealed – has been rescued after being found nearly unconscious in Zimbabwe.

The baby was found in the Save Valley conservancy area of Zimbabwe by local parks rangers, says Jos Danckwerts, who works at ZEN along with his mother and ZEN founder, Roxy Danckwerts.

“When we arrived [to rescue him], he was very hot and weak,” Jos Danckwerts told The Dodo. He retrieved Zuma on October 14. “His legs were a bit wobbly but he could still walk,” says Danckwerts. “He was quite vocal when we got him standing. His hydration was ok as the team who found him managed to get some fluids into him with a bottle, which was very fortunate.”

Zuwa being loaded for transport to ZEN along with assistance of Moses Nzou and Zim Parks rangers. (Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery)

“We know that we have a huge challenge on our hands, but will fight hard for this little man’s life,” she adds.

Zimbabwe is currently experiencing a drought, explains Jos, “though it is too early to tell the extremity of it. However, it is almost every year now that the seasons are unusual, so it’s more correct to say we are seeing and feeling the severe effects of climate change here.”

Zuwa with ZEN elephant keeper Paradzai Mutize. (Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery)

ZEN currently has five other elephants in its care. The elephants, says Jos, were very aware of Zuwa’s arrival. “We believe they were calling to him using infrasound in the night,” he adds, “as Zuwa was evidently agitated and looking and sensing in that direction.”

Zuwa being cared for by Aware Trust and overlooked by the other orphan, Moyo. (Zimbabwe Elephant Nursery)

All the elephants, he adds, eventually faced the intensive care room, where Zuwa is being tended to round-the-clock by the ZEN team.

The immediate goal is to encourage the baby to drink the nursery milk formula, so he receives energy and nutrients vital for his survival. One of Zuwa’s caretakers is Benson Mudede. When asked what he thinks is the biggest challenge in caring for these vulnerable orphans – beyond their feeding – Mudede replied: “[These elephants] are like my children. I fear I do not know enough how to save them, and that makes my heart very sore.”