Rescue and Protect Orphaned Elephants in Botswana

I am delighted to share our 2025 Impact Report with you, highlighting the incredible difference your generosity has made over the past year.

Thanks to your support, Pelorus Foundation has continued to protect orphaned elephants in Botswana by working alongside our trusted local conservation partner, Elephant Havens. Together, we are helping vulnerable calves recover from trauma, receive specialist round-the-clock care, and take their first steps towards a future back in the wild.

In our attached 2025 Impact Report, you’ll find updates on this work on page six, showcasing the rescue, rehabilitation and community education efforts your support is making possible at the edge of the Okavango Delta.

Over the past year, donations to Pelorus Foundation have helped our local project partner care for orphaned elephants who have lost their mothers due to drought, conflict or habitat loss. Since its founding, the sanctuary has now rescued 39 orphaned elephants, each arriving vulnerable and alone, and each given a second chance through feeding, companionship, veterinary care and patient rehabilitation.

This work is also growing to meet the scale of need. Recent updates from the sanctuary show how new bomas, heated ICU units, handler housing, guest areas and a full-time on-site veterinary presence are strengthening daily care.

As Bee Poloko, Elephant Havens Co-Founder, explains:

“Our team is the heart of this place and your support means they no longer have to camp in tents to do this work.”

Alongside daily rescue and care, our project partner has reached an important milestone: the Department of Wildlife and National Parks has approved the first release plan, with a group of 10 elephants expected to begin their journey back to the wild in 2027. Once released into the Selinda Reserve, they will continue to be tracked and monitored for years, ensuring their transition is as safe and supported as possible.

The sanctuary also continues to play an important role in locally-led community education and coexistence. From working with local communities to report orphaned calves, to supporting practical health and protection initiatives, this partnership is helping reduce human-elephant conflict while strengthening the relationship between people and wildlife.

I hope you enjoy reading our full Impact Report and seeing the tangible difference your support of Pelorus Foundation is making. Together with our local project partner, we are helping orphaned elephants recover, grow, and prepare for a future where they can once again live as part of a wild herd.

Thank you once again for your continued support of Pelorus Foundation.