Wildlife poaching is a serious problem throughout Africa, including Zambia. Not only does this mean many animals, including elephants, are being killed, but their young are often left to fend for themselves.
Chodoba, meaning ‘lost then found’, is one such elephant. He was first sighted just under two years ago, wandering alone in South Luangwa National Park. After that, Chodoba disappeared and wasn’t seen again for three months, when the South Luangwa Conservation Society (SLCS) spotted and rescued him.
When he finally arrived at the Elephant Orphanage Project in Zambia, a charitable enterprise supported by the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, he was weak and extremely emaciated. Now he’s well-fed, much happier and has shown himself to be a natural leader. A confident and protective three-year-old, he has an insatiable appetite and loves going on walks and wallowing in the mud.
‘Chodoba and the other elephants have been orphaned as a result of ivory poaching, and finding security at the orphanage is an important part of their rehabilitation back into the wild,’ says wildlife artist and conservationist David Shepherd. British Airways supports the David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation by flying out milk and old blankets to the orphanage.
If you would like to adopt an orphaned elephant, visit davidshepherd.org.
British Airways flies to Lusaka from London Heathrow. Book a flight on ba.com now.
See an astonishing wildlife spectacle on a unique safari in Zambia.
