Wildlife Conservation South Africa Project #54620

Raise Khanyisa Orphaned Elephant Snaring Survivor

by Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation & Development

Raise Khanyisa Orphaned Elephant Snaring Survivor

Project Report | Sep 18, 2026
Seven Years Later: The Elephant Who Touched Hearts

By Marlien Van Der Westhuizen | PR & Senior Fundraiser

Your support means the world to us, and we are delighted to share an update on Khanyisa.

This month marks seven years since Khanyisa came to bring sunshine into the lives of people around the world.

Khanyisa was rescued from a poacher's snare, beginning a remarkable journey that has inspired people around the world. Over the years, she has grown, healed, and thrived through the love and dedication of her elephant family, carers, and supporters like you.

In recent months we’ve been noticed that Khanyisa’s tusks have grown into quite an impressive pair, especially when compared to the small baby tusks she had until recently. She has really grown up so much in the last seven years from a tiny elephant into a beautiful young cow.

We’ve also celebrated the relaunch of a special behind-the-scenes documentary that follows her story. Diary of an Elephant Orphan was first released in 2024 and gained international success, winning 11 international film awards. And now the documentary is available for viewing online for a limited time.

The documentary follows Khanyisa's incredible journey after she was rescued as a tiny orphaned albino elephant calf, injured by a snare and fighting for survival.

From her rehabilitation and round-the-clock care to the groundbreaking process of introducing her to the Jabulani Herd, the film tells the true story of hope, resilience, and the importance of giving orphaned elephants the chance to grow up surrounded by other elephants.

If you haven't seen it yet, we'd love for you to watch Khanyisa's remarkable story. Stream the documentary here: Diary of an Elephant Orphan - A True Story

Seven years after her rescue, Khanyisa stands as a shining example of what compassionate care and community support can achieve. From her earliest days at the orphanage to confidently exploring the bushveld with her herd, she has grown into a strong, independent young elephant. Her story reminds us that even after great hardship, healing and hope are possible when surrounded by love, patience, and support. Khanyisa may be small in stature but the lessons she has taught us are immense.

Thank you for following Khanyisa's journey and for being part of her story over the past seven years. Your support has played a meaningful role in helping her reach this incredible milestone.

As always, we are deeply grateful for your generosity and commitment to Khanyisa and our conservation efforts. Your support makes a lasting difference, not only to her life but to the wellbeing of the entire herd.

From all of us at HERD, thank you for being such an important part of this journey.

Yours in Conservation,

The HERD Team

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May 22, 2026
Growing Up, Still Our Baby!

By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer

Khanyisa continues to delight us with her unique personality and her special place in the Jabulani herd. Though she is no longer a baby, she remains the youngest and most vulnerable member of the family and in many ways, still “our baby.”

She enjoys her naps in the bush, where the females gather protectively around her, shading her with their bodies and flapping their ears to keep her cool, just as they would with a young baby calf. This tender care shows how deeply the herd values her, and it reminds us of the vital role babies play in keeping elephant families united.

Khanyisa is growing quickly, her tusks and height often make me mistake her for Timisa at a distance. Standing side by side, Timisa is still taller and broader, but Khanyisa is catching up fast. Both young elephants still receive their morning treats of sweet potatoes, apples, and pellets, though Khanyisa’s love of food sometimes sparks sibling rivalry. With Herman’s special bond to her since day one, we must carefully manage feeding to prevent jealousy and competition, ensuring both youngsters grow into confident, cooperative herd members.

Despite her youth, Khanyisa shows courage and curiosity, often approaching bulls without hesitation. At nearly six years old, she has not yet come into oestrous, but her time will come. Until then, she remains the baby of the herd, playful, eager, and learning every day from her companions Timisa and Kumbura.

We are grateful that no new orphaned calves have arrived due to human wildlife conflict. Yet, we know that calves are the lifeblood of elephant herds. They bring joy, strengthen bonds, and give young females like Khanyisa the chance to learn “allomothering” — the essential skill of caring for babies before they have calves of their own. A new arrival would give the herd renewed purpose and ensure the continuation of their matriarchal traditions.

Until that day, Khanyisa will remain our cherished youngster, a symbol of resilience and hope. Thank you for walking this journey with her and with us. Your support ensures that Khanyisa and all the elephants of HERD continue to thrive in safety, love, and family.

With gratitude,

Adine & Everyone at the HERD Team

PS: If you’d like to revisit our earlier reflections on the vital role calves play in elephant families and the importance of herd social structures, you can explore these blogs:

If you are inspired to help Khanyisa again, please visit the project page Raise Khanyisa Orphaned Elephant Snaring Survivor to make a donation.

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Jan 23, 2026
Let's Celebrate Khanyisa!

By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer

Your support means the world to us, and we are excited to share an update on Khanyisa.

Back in 2020, the world first met this very special elephant and was astounded by her pink appearance. As the dark clouds of the pandemic surrounded us, Khanyisa's light brought joy to thousands!

As we look back at the past years, we stand in awe of the resilience and bravery this little elephant has shown.

2020

Rescued as a four-month-old calf, she arrived at HERD in 2020 with severe snare injuries that left deep wounds around her ears, cheeks, and mouth. Weighing just 124kg, she faced a long road to recovery, but her spirit shine through from the start.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MR4m_I-lBU

2021

It was not long before Khanyisa was known all over the world! With her cares always ready with a bottle of milk. We eagerly watched as our Sunshine filled up on all the energy her busy and growing body needs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4ZbnMoY9x0

2022

On her last morning at the orphanage, before moving to the homestead with the herd, there are no farewells, no tears, only the same joyful glug of milk bottles, grassy bites, sheepy comfort, and friendly carers.

https://herd.org.za/blog/khanyisas-first-night-at-the-homestead/

2023

Despite standing almost as high as her carers, Khanyisa was still a baby in 2023. With milk bottles waiting for her at the orphanage, Khanyisa races home from her day out with her herd. Khanyisa lifts her milk up, gobbles it down, and moves on to the next one. How she has grown!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p4eCMWo7aE

2024

Watch as Adine takes a stroll with the herd with an unexpected start to the morning as Khanyisa causes some chaos and backtracks to visit her old orphanage.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWxzTZQO6jQ

2025

Khanyisa has captured hearts with her courage, charm, and gentle spirit. Today we look back at the six moments that touched the world and remind us why she is our forever “sunshine.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9WKKJFBdnA&t=169s

We know the love you have for Khanyisa and appreciate your support and care.

Donate and make a tangible difference in the life of an elephant in our care.

Thank you for your continued support. Your commitment to Khanyisa makes all the difference.

If this trip down memory lane inspired you to donate, please visit the project page at: Raise Khanyisa Orphaned Elephant Snaring Survivor

Yours in Conservation

The HERD Team

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