Maria David
THE Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) have moved a two-month-old elephant calf to the care of Okutala Lodge after it was abandoned by its mother.
According to ministry spokesperson Romeo Muyunda, the elephant’s mother got stuck in a traditional water well at Omshila-gondjimba cattle post in the Sheya Shuushona Conservancy of the Omusati Region on Wednesday night and was only rescued on Friday by ministry staff members.
“The male calf was nursed and taken care of by the Ministry’s staff while the mother was stuck,” he said.
Muyunda noted that after being rescued, the mother took off and left the calf behind.
“On two occasions, our staff put the calf in the path of the mother but he was rejected both times.”
He said when they wanted to make a third attempt, the mother was nowhere to be found therefore the ministry moved the calf to the lodge for its safety and care.
