A Cute, Orphaned, Albino Baby Elephant Has Beaten The Odds And Found What She Has Always Wanted

The baby elephant, whom the volunteers have named Khanyisa, is an extremely special calf as her skin pigmentation isn't actually grey like every other elephant, but pink in color.

Maryjane

• Published in Animal Stories
• November 21, 2021

The world of animals is the toughest region to be in, especially for an infant. However, that is the very reason it has the most intriguing tales.

These creatures, some of which are orphans, are very defenseless against a brutal nature and face rejection of their own kind. But then again, they make the best stories by showing everybody how to never surrender! 

Khanyisa, which means sunlight in the Tsonga tongue, is a charming, albino, baby elephant destined to encounter many things. In the end, life did reimburse her with so much solace and love and this is her inspiring story! 

From the start, life has been anything but easy for the baby elephant, all due to the simple fact that she was born with a different skin hue. Even before the story begins, the fate of an albino animal in the wild is usually sealed.

Yet, life got way worse and exceedingly awful for this innocent calf. She lost her mom as a result of poaching when she was just 4-months old.

Also, she was so close to losing herself as well, but Khanyisa understood that you don't need to be bigger in order to be stronger, and she proved her stance. The calf was trapped in the poachers' snare for days without having anything to eat or even drinking water.

Furthermore, her injuries were really bad, and her life was in danger, but, fortunately, a ranger group spotted her out in time. They freed her and took her to a sanctuary in Mpumalanga, which is not far from Johannesburg in South Africa. 

Meet Khanyisa...

The baby elephant, whom the volunteers have named Khanyisa, is an extremely special calf as her skin pigmentation isn't actually grey like every other elephant, but pink in color. Luckily, the albino baby elephant was found just in time by some volunteers at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Center, which is an orphanage for elephants.

Khanyisa's new family

Soon after, Khanyisa was moved to the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development, which is a notable orphanage for elephants on the continent of Africa. They have countless volunteers determined and devoted to helping these majestic animals.

Here, Khanyisa ultimately found the affection and solace she was looking for, but most of all, she also found a family! Most of the elephants here have additionally experienced a similar tough life as Khanyisa, so they quickly welcomed her into their group.

Lammie, who is a senior female elephant, moved forward and took the confused elephant calf under her defensive wing. She took care of her almost as if she was her own little child. 

"Yaay, I'm home"

Adine Roode, the founder of the safe-haven, told REUTERS that part of the reason they take in the orphans is because they know how it feels. She further added that Lammie assumed a big role in the calf’s well-being as she helped Khanyisa remain calm.

In an endearing video, the shelter shared the way in which the group welcomed Khanyisa. She simply gets the warmest welcome, and the footage shows how protective these magnificent animals are! 

Take a look:

Notwithstanding all she had to go through, Khanyisa showed that she was such a valiant soul by being an astoundingly strong and brave baby elephant. Her sweet, delicate, and insightful nature radiates through her toughness, despite all that she endured. 

What’s your take on this baby elephant with a tough skin? Share your comments with us below!

Maryjane