The orphaned elephant calf, Fenya, who captured the hearts of locals in Hoedspruit, South Africa, and social media users worldwide with her brave battle to survive – after falling victim to snaring – has tragically passed away, leaving the team who valiantly tried to save her absolutely gutted.
South Africa’s first elephant orphanage, HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development), announced in a statement:
“It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Fenya, an orphaned elephant calf that was found and rescued on 17 February 2021. The young calf fought so hard and so did our team, who worked tirelessly over the past few weeks to try to save her precious life.”
The young elephant was brought into HERD‘s care by a resident of Mahlathini Private Game Reserve, located close to Phalaborwa, who rescued her.
Adine Roode, founder of HERD, together with wildlife veterinarian Dr Peter Rogers and the dedicated team of elephant carers at HERD fought day in and day out to gain her trust, and provide her with treatment and care.
Blood tests were taken which showed very low albumin levels and a low red blood cell count which accompanied her severe dehydration and emaciation… from being alone with the snare around her neck for an estimated one to two months.
The wounds were extremely deep and wide, with bad degradation by maggots that were eating the rotting flesh, both inside and outside the wounds, the worst being around her trachea, leaving a gaping wound, 15cm wide, said HERD.
A blood transfusion was given from one of the older female cows from the Jabulani herd, to assist with her albumin levels. This made a positive impact for short periods of time, but her condition continued to weaken in the days that followed, despite numerous drips and supplements given by the veterinarian team.
“On Thursday, 11 March 2021, Fenya sadly succumbed to the horrific wounds caused by a poacher’s snare and the effects of numerous weeks of dehydration and starvation that ensued her entrapment, as it seems she had either been separated or abandoned by her herd,” said HERD in the statement.
“Elephants are highly emotional animals, with stress and trauma having extremely adverse effects on their physical wellbeing being too.”