Meet Rosie, the pink baby elephant

Found as a tiny calf found wandering alone in Botswana, now a confident young elephant learning how to be part of a herd, Rosie has already been on an extraordinary journey.

Pelorus Foundation is proud to announce that we are now supporting Rosie's ongoing care at Elephant Havens with a $25,000 commitment, helping to provide the specialist nutrition, veterinary support, enrichment and round the clock care she needs as she grows. Behind the scenes is also a specialist team of elephant handlers, providing 24/7 care, two people looking after one elephant orphan like Rosie around the clock, alongside vets, and specialist teams that help ensure the elephants' protection and provide the best ability to help a baby elephant thrive and survive.

Rosie is not only remarkable because of everything she has overcome. She is also a rare leucistic elephant, with distinctive pale colouring, white eyelashes and soft pink pigmentation that make her unlike any calf our project partner has encountered before.

But her story began in much more uncertain circumstances.

Found alone in the bush.

Rosie was first spotted by villagers near Sekanduko in Botswana's Okavango Panhandle, wandering alone and far too young to survive without her herd.

By the time our partner's team reached Rosie, the sun was beginning to set. She was severely underweight so veterinary support began immediately. Most calves in such a vulnerable condition would struggle with the 12 hour journey back to the sanctuary, but she surprised everyone.

Throughout the drive she remained standing, nibbling on leaves. It was then when her carers noticed her quiet determination and curiosity that would come to define her recovery.

A very special little elephant.

It was only the following morning that the team fully realised just how unusual their newest arrival was. Behind Rosie's ears were patches of soft pink skin, the underside of her trunk and the rims around her eyes had the same rosy colouring, while her eyelashes and hair were unusually pale.

But above all it was her personality that quickly captured the hearts of her carers.

Despite everything she had been through, Rosie began showing signs of trust almost immediately. She reached out to her handlers with her trunk, explored her surroundings and accepted her first bottle of milk.

That first feed represented much more than nutrition, it was a sign that Rosie was beginning to feel safe.

From first bottle to first friendships.

Rosie’s first weeks at Elephant Havens were focused on rebuilding her strength and trust. With regular feeding, veterinary care and the reassurance of experienced handlers, she gradually grew more confident, exploring her surroundings, playing in mud and water, and learning that she was safe.

A major milestone came when she met Misha, a three year old orphan at Elephant Havens. Their tentative trunk touches marked the beginning of Rosie’s introduction to elephant social life.

Soon afterwards, Rosie joined the herd, which is a remarkable step for a calf once found wandering alone.

Raising an orphaned elephant requires long-term, specialist care.

Pelorus Foundation’s $25,000 support for Rosie will help provide:

  • $10,000 for specialist milk formula and supplements

  • $5,000 for fresh browse, hay and feed

  • $3,500 for veterinary care and health monitoring

  • $2,500 for enrichment and behavioural stimulation

  • $2,500 for essential equipment and daily supplies

  • $1,500 for emergency and contingency care

Together, this support will help give Rosie the nutrition, medical care and everyday attention she needs to grow into a healthy, confident young elephant.

Elephant Havens’ ultimate goal is to help rescued elephants develop the skills and independence needed to return to the wild.

Being part of the herd is central to that journey. Through other elephants, Rosie is learning how to communicate, forage, play and navigate life as part of an elephant family.

Today, her days are filled with fresh vegetation, mud baths, exploration and the company of her new herd, a remarkable transformation from the fragile calf first found alone near Sekanduko.

Rosie still has a long journey ahead, but every milestone brings her closer to greater independence.

Pelorus Foundation is proud to support this next chapter alongside Elephant Havens, helping Rosie grow towards the future we all hope for her:

A strong, healthy elephant, living the life she was always meant to live.

Please Support Us Today

With thanks to a special supporter we are helping to ensure Rosie's essential needs are being met. However, we still need to bridge a funding gap to help pay for two elephant handlers for 12 months. Can you help us to make a better future for Rosie? Find out how through the button below.

To find out more and how your donation will make a positive impact, please email support@pelorusfoundation.com.

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