Elephant Havens Introduces Rosie

Last month, local residents alerted the wildlife department to a young calf—about 14 months old—wandering alone near Sekanduko, a village in Botswana's panhandle roughly 12 hours from the Elephant Havens sanctuary by Land Cruiser. The rescue team set out and quickly located the baby. She was starving and still, so she was given an IV with fluids and electrolytes, and carefully lifted into the vehicle.

Once out of the panhandle, the team cut mopane, terminalia, and grasses for her and to everyone's relief, she ate well. The next surprise was that she was strong enough to remain standing the entire journey back to Elephant Havens!

In the light of day, it was discovered that all of the hair on Rosie was white, and behind her ears, under her trunk and around her eyes she was rose-colored.  Her irises were almost a khaki color, not the usual deep brown of an elephant, and they were framed by thick white eyelashes. No member of the team had ever encountered such an exceptional elephant -  little Rosie is partially albino or "leucistic".

Although Rosie was seriously malnourished, she was naturally calm and trusting. She has now been released with the herd and has been well accepted.

Rosie is a rare gift, and her story is one more reminder of the magical opportunities guest support makes possible at Elephant Havens. You can help support Rosie's health and care by fostering her here.