Once on the brink of death after a brutal axe attack by ivory poachers, 17-month-old Suni is walking again — thanks to a specially designed orthopedic boot and the unwavering dedication of her caretakers.
Orphaned in Zambia after her mother was killed for her tusks, Suni was found dehydrated, severely injured, and dragging herself with just her front legs. A spinal wound had paralyzed one of her hind legs, leaving her chances of survival uncertain.
But her story didn’t end there.
Rescued by the Elephant Orphanage Project near Lusaka, Suni received emergency surgery and rehabilitation support from international specialists. As her swelling subsided, she slowly regained sensation — and hope. Today, she walks with the help of a custom-made brace crafted from aluminum, PVC, and leather.
🗣️ “The first time Suni walked on her own was indescribable,” shared Kelvin Chanda, headkeeper at the orphanage.
Despite needing round-the-clock care and feeding every three hours, Suni is now thriving — playing with other orphaned elephants and rediscovering the joy of simply being a calf.
But her survival is also a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of the ivory trade. Although a global ban on ivory was introduced in 1989, poaching is once again on the rise — fueled largely by demand in China and compounded by legal loopholes in the past.
Suni’s journey is a beacon of resilience, but also a rallying cry: Elephants need protection — not pity. They need action.
Let her steps inspire ours.