An albino elephant calf  was found trapped at a private reserve close to the border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. She was found by the rescue team at Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD), who have set her free from the snare of the traps and took her to the sanctuary.

Sue Howells, working with HERD, said: “She looked so innocent, fragile and pure, and yet so brave – a unique beauty who had been sadly mutilated by the hands of man.

Medical examination revealed that the calf sustained bad injuries as a result of the trap, including a Joker-like scar all over face and severe lacerations to the back of her ears and neck. She was apparently heavily trying to set herself free and did not pay much attention to the pain caused by the snares.

Furthermore, the snare had tangled around her face, cutting into her cheeks and mouth. As a result, the calf was left with injuries so bad that insects began to eat the decaying flesh, opening up gaping holes in her mouth. She was all alone when found, desperately trying to set herself free.

The calf was named Khanyisa  by the rescuers as its translates as light/sunshine. Khanyisa is indeed a very beautiful female elephant with rare condition – she was born with a unique pink hue to her skin, as opposed to the grey color the animals usually sport.

“Her sweet, fragile and thoughtful personality shines through her toughness, despite everything that she has endured at such a young age.”- says Sue.

She’s now on the path to recovery at her new home. The sanctuary which gave home to Khanyisa  rehabilitates orphaned and/or displaced elephant calves, so she’s in good hands.

Her integration with the Jabulani Herd, a group of 15 elephants who live on the grounds of Kapama Reserve, close to the National Kruger Park went quite well and she’s accepted by them unconditionally.

Here’s a video about Khanyisa:

We’re so happy that this rare beauty is now in safe hands and lives her happy life with her friends. How can a man be so cruel towards living beings ?