In 2016, a remarkable rescue unfolded in Zimbabwe, bringing together the destinies of an orphaned baby elephant named Moyo and a compassionate woman, Roxy Dankwerts.
Moyo’s life took a dangerous turn when she got separated from her elephant herd during a river crossing, facing the brink of death.
Roxy Dankwerts emerged as her savior, ushering her into a sanctuary named “Wild is Life” that Roxy founded and operates.
Upon her arrival at the sanctuary, Moyo, a petite elephant, weighed a mere 56 kilos, significantly less than her fellow calf companions, who clocked in at around 90 kilos.
Roxy, her dedicated caregiver, embarked on a journey to win Moyo’s trust and affection, which demanded unwavering commitment during this challenging period. Over time, Roxy’s perseverance paid off, and their bond deepened.
At 14 months, Moyo gained fame when she was featured in an article by ‘The Dodo,’ which described her as utterly adorable. Despite growing stronger and older, Moyo retained her endearing childlike disposition.
She found a special place in her heart for Roxy, who was often seen shadowing her every move. An endearing photograph from the article captured Moyo sitting beside Roxy and her litter of pups.
As she matured, Moyo overcame her fear of swimming, a skill innate to African elephants. Her traumatic early experiences had initially caused her to forget these instincts and abilities.
However, she blossomed into a confident elephant, becoming an ambassador for the nursery and astounding everyone with her newfound confidence.
Moyo, introduced to the world by the BBC as one of the “Miracle Orphans,” shares an unbreakable bond with her caregiver, Roxy.
Roxy expressed the difficulty of parting ways with Moyo due to their profound connection. Moyo also stepped into a unique role as an activist, with her presence appealing to world leaders.
Her encounter with President Xi of China left an indelible mark, prompting the country to ban the legal trade of ivory in 2017. However, the illegal trade still poses a grave threat to these majestic creatures.
Moyo’s story stands as a beacon of hope in a world where the ivory trade continues to decimate elephant populations.
We can only dream of a future where these magnificent creatures are treated with the care and attention they deserve. Elephants, as an integral part of our planet, hold immeasurable value.
If you need a heartwarming dose of love, be sure to watch the adorable video of Moyo.
