In a heartwarming tale of survival and compassion, a baby elephant named Moyo has defied the odds and found a new lease on life, thanks to the kindness of a woman and a team of dedicated rangers.
Moyo, which means ‘of the heart,’ was just a few days old when she became separated from her herd, leaving her alone, hungry, and scared. In a desperate attempt to escape a pack of hyenas, the vulnerable elephant jumped into a flooded river, seemingly sealing her fate. However, fate had other plans for Moyo.
Just in the nick of time, a group of rangers appeared, rescuing Moyo from the perilous waters. Her life took a dramatic turn when she was taken to the Wild Is Life sanctuary in Harare, Zimbabwe. Here, Roxy Danckwerts, the sanctuary’s founder, became Moyo’s adopting mom.
Two years have passed since that critical moment, and Moyo has flourished under Roxy’s care. Weighing around 150 pounds, the once-helpless elephant now follows Roxy everywhere. “She knows my voice, my smell, and somehow knows where I am at all times,” Roxy marvels. “How, I have no idea!”
The bond between Moyo and Roxy is nothing short of extraordinary. They have become inseparable, with Moyo bringing energy and joy to their shared space, even if it means turning the house upside down at times.
Roxy expressed the deep connection they share, saying, “She is one of those animals with whom I have formed an extraordinary bond of friendship, trust, and love.” Despite the inevitable challenges of letting go, Roxy remains determined to ensure the best for Moyo and other elephant children. “I want the best for the elephant children, and that best is freedom to roam and make their own choices,” she affirmed.
Moyo’s story serves as a testament to the transformative power of compassion and the unbreakable bonds that can form between humans and animals.
