When Phabeni was just four months old, he was spotted wandering alone near the Kruger National Park in South Africa, with his mother and herd nowhere in sight.

Credit: HERD

Our partner, HERD, raced to his rescue. They found the little calf covered head-to-toe in wounds and showing signs of severe starvation and dehydration. Judging from his condition, it is likely Phabeni had been alone for at least several days.

To put it in perspective, elephant calves are much like human children, totally reliant on their mothers throughout their infancy and juvenile years. They will usually stay with their mothers until they are around 16 years old.

Alone and helpless without mothers, suckling elephant calves will usually die within DAYS of being displaced or orphaned.

Credit: HERD

Phabeni is lucky to be alive – but he needs YOUR help to ensure his survival.

Our partner is a dedicated elephant orphanage that provides around-the-clock care and specialized nutrition to elephant calves orphaned through poaching or snaring. The team currently cares for 17 rescued elephants.

Credit: HERD

Phabeni, the newest rescue, arrived emaciated, dehydrated, injured, and traumatized.

But with YOUR support today, the little calf can pull through.

The most urgent need for Phabeni right now is a special milk formula. It closely mimics his mother’s milk and is CRITICAL to his survival.

Credit: HERD

Orphaned elephant calves are at their most vulnerable during the first few weeks following their rescue and are highly dependent on the correct nourishment, care, and companionship.

Expert elephant carers monitor Phabeni around the clock, but what he really needs now is enough special milk formula to help him grow. With your support today, we CAN give Phabeni this chance.

Phabeni will need milk for the next four to five years and will need help throughout this time. Elephant calves are extremely sensitive, and a gradual milk-weaning process must be followed. Rushing the weaning process could be fatal.

Credit: HERD

It is critical that we provide Phabeni with a special milk formula that replicates the vital nutrients he would have received from his mother.

Please help Phabeni now!

If we can raise $7,000 (£5,540), we can provide enough special milk formula for orphaned elephant calf Phabeni for the next THREE months. Your donation will also cover crucial medication and veterinary care to help the baby elephant recover from his wounds.

Credit: HERD

Extensive studies have shown that elephants feel emotions including grief, joy, love, and compassion. Can you imagine the heartbreak of poor orphaned calf Phabeni, who tragically became separated from his mother and was forced to endure the dangers of the wild alone? 

As social beings used to the tight fabric of a family, elephants need other elephants for their well-being and survival. Once fully healed, HERD’s orphans are gradually introduced to the Jabulani Herd – a unique and close-knit family of 17 rescued and orphaned elephants from Zimbabwe and South Africa, who are always accepting of new calves.

Phabeni has constant companionship and comfort in the form of Lammie, his surrogate sheep mother… Credit: HERD

Please, extend your compassion to the orphaned elephant calf Phabeni. Your support is critical in providing him with the care he needs to survive and be reintegrated into a new, loving herd.

Help us make a lasting impact on little Phabeni’s life by donating generously to Animal Survival International today!