Khanyisa's condition takes a slight turn

Little Khanyisa is not doing so great at the moment.

On Friday, her stools (dung) started to become slightly looser than usual. By yesterday afternoon, it had turned to diarrhoea, which is one of the biggest potential threats to a baby elephant's wellbeing. She also started becoming a little less energetic than usual.

Adine contacted wildlife vet Dr. Rogers and sent through dung samples to him, but he advised us of the current challenge during the countrywide lockdown and to expect longer than the usual week to receive a report.
This information will help us identify if she has a type of bacteria, and allow us to accurately treat the bacteria with the correct antibiotic, as some antibiotics do not work with certain bacteria.

Doc and Adine discussed and decided on a plan of action for the next 24 hours, which included stopping the milk formula for that period. They are in continual communication.

Today her diarrhoea and lack of energy continue, and naturally, we are concerned, as everyone knows, just how quickly a baby elephant's condition to change. Fortunately, she still has a healthy appetite and is quite hungry.

Adine decided to contact Dr Vermaak, who works with us to test our water and surfaces for bacteria, to see if he can assist. He arrived to take faecal and saliva samples to check for any possible bacteria, and we will hopefully get a quicker report in the interim, which is vital to treat her accurately.

Adine took a few videos from this morning. Khanyisa was not too interested in venturing too far, understandably. She has been with Herman out in the open air and enjoying some sunshine.

It was great to see her instinctively eating the dark soil, which is a natural behaviour for elephants when they have diarrhoea.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers, and we will continue to keep you updated.

Видео Khanyisa's condition takes a slight turn канала HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa