Mwanga Lodge Baby Elephant Dies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE ZIMBABWE NATIONAL SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS
(ZNSPCA)
156 Enterprise Road, Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel:
znspca.org.zw
31 January 2012
Harare, Zimbabwe, 31st January 2012
It is with much sadness that we report the death of the orphaned male
elephant calf rescued on the 8th January 2012.
The young calf was found abandoned and wondering along the Makuti /
Karoi Road. Through the collective efforts of various wildlife
organisations,
the young elephant calf was transported to Harare and placed under the
care of Gordon and Debbie Putterill at Mwanga Lodge.
The arrival of the young calf had raised much public attention with
several appeals being generated for his upkeep.
In collaboration with Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Services,
the ZNSPCA despatched a senior regional inspector and veterinarian to
conduct
an initial assessment of the calf. The initial reports stated that the
elephant was in a fair condition and concerns were noted with regards
to his
immediate dietary requirements. The ZNSPCA team were duly advised that
the elephant was receiving private veterinary treatment and that
several caregivers would remain with the young calf on a 24hr basis.
The owners of Mwanga Lodge had further stated that they had
considerable
experience in the raising of young elephant. Given such assurances it
was decided that visitations from the ZNSPCA would be conducted on a
weekly basis.
On Monday 30th January the ZNSPCA received several communications
concerning the continued deterioration of the young calfs health.
The ZNSPCA contacted several international elephant rehabilitation
organisations with whom they are affiliated. A decision was reached
that
blood samples and a detailed veterinary report was required so as to
ascertain the exact status of the young calfs health.
Today upon arrival, the ZNSPCA team were advised that the young calf
had just died. We have also been advised that a post mortem will be
conducted by The Veterinary Services Wildlife Department.
Young elephants generally have a high mortality rate and subsequently
require specialised dietary requirements and a protracted period of
rehabilitation.
Since the establishment of the ZNSPCA Inspectorate, the work of the
Inspectors has been commended locally and internationally, including
an
award from the NSPCA (South Africa) the Service to Animals Special
Award “in appreciation and admiration of outstanding work under
extremely
difficult conditions” and the Humane Society International Award for
Extraordinary Commitment and Achievement.