Panda

Now living wild, though she continues to visit us regularly

About Panda

  • Current age

    14 years old

  • Gender

    Female

  • Rescued date

    20 July 2012

  • Rescue location

    Tsavo Ecosystem, Taita Ranches

  • Date of birth (estimate)

    2 August 2010

  • Reason orphaned

    Poaching

  • Age at rescue

    23 months old (approx)

  • Current location

    Living Wild

Adopt Panda for yourself, or as a gift

Panda's rescue

A lone elephant calf of approximately 2 years old had first been seen by the Community of Mgeno Ranch (abutting Tsavo National Park) on the l8th July 2012. The Trust’s Tsavo Mobile Veterinary Unit was alerted and our Voi Keepers immediately went to the site to try and rescue the calf. Darkness fell without them being able to locate the baby, and so they returned back to Voi empty handed. They did leave instructions with the Ranch staff to contact them immediately should they sight the calf again.

On the 20th July the calf reappeared, still alone and emaciated and quite obviously an orphan, extremely lucky to have not fallen prey to predators. She is most certainly a poaching victim as incidents of poaching within the adjacent ranches to Tsavo National Park have been very bad in recent months.

The Trust’s Voi Rescue Team along with KWS were alerted a second time. The calf, a female of about 2 years old, very thin and weak and almost in a state of collapse by the time the rescuers arrived was literally on her last legs by the time they arrived. Upon arrival at the Voi Stockades to was helped to her feet and she took rehydration and later milk. She was given the name Panda to identify the specific place from whence she was rescued, a raised region of the Ranch known by that name.

t was decided that Panda would remain at Voi and be raised there due to her age, and in light of the bonds she's already forged with the older Voi orphans who have have imparted much love and comfort towards her. For Panda the Voi area remains familiar, not too far from where she was living a wild life, and she is once again united by a loving elephant family, to Voi Orphans who understand what she has been through and who will look to heal her emotional scars. With each passing day she grows stronger.

Soon after her arrival at the Voi stockades, there was another Elephant Rescue called for, also from Tsavo, of a yearling calf subsequently named Bomani so on this day our Voi Keepers certainly had their hands full. Credit to them for doing a wonderful job, and to all those whose actions helped save these two precious lives.

On the 20th July the calf reappeared, still alone and emaciated and quite obviously an orphan, extremely lucky to have not fallen prey to predators. She is most certainly a poaching victim as incidents of poaching within the adjacent ranches to Tsavo National Park have been very bad in recent months.

Latest updates featuring Panda

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Keepers Diaries

View diary updates from across all our orphan units as written by the Keepers

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Mweya’s New Baby, Mwangaza

Our extended elephant family has grown yet again! Just 10 days after Mudanda debuted her new baby, Mweya strolled up to the Voi stockades with a tiny girl in tow.

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Panda's Latest Photos

Access the most recent photos featuring Panda

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What's included in your adoption?

By adopting, you play a vital role in the life of an orphaned elephant, rhino, or giraffe — helping us provide the round-the-clock, loving attention each one needs and deserves over many years, so they can ultimately reclaim their place in the wild.

Your adoption supports the 100+ orphans in our care at any given time, covering the cost of milk and food supplies, Keepers' salaries, veterinary treatment, and other essentials.

Personalised adoption certificate

Celebrate your adoption with a personalised certificate, ready for you or your lucky gift recipient to print and display!

Monthly updates

Each month, we send a detailed update about our Orphans’ Project direct to your email inbox, featuring photos, stories, and special highlights.

Exclusive content

From the latest Keepers’ Diaries to a downloadable image gallery and more, adopters have exclusive access to our content library.

Do you have any questions?

Please refer to our FAQs for more information on the Adoption Program. However, if there is any specific question that is not on the FAQs page, feel free to contact us and we will do our best to assist you.
FAQs

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