It is very common for most people to have pets in their homes, such as a dog or a cat. No one would have expected that a woman from Zimbabwe and founder of wildlife sanctuary Wild is Life, has been living with a rescued baby elephant named Moyo. Roxy rescued Moyo back in 2014 and brought the baby elephant to her home. Roxy and Moyo have been living with each other since.
Moyo almost drowned trying to cross a flooded river when she was just a few days old. Abandoned by her herd, the baby elephant was found just in time – a pack of hyenas was approaching her. Rangers took Moyo to Wild Is Life sanctuary, whose founder Roxy Danckwerts became the orphan’s new mom.
Now 14 months old, Moyo follows Danckwerts everywhere.
She knows my voice, my smell and somehow knows where I am at all times,” said Danckwerts. “How, I have no idea!” It’s getting trickier with time because Moyo keeps getting bigger and her raids around the house are more difficult to handle.
“She is one of those animals with whom I have formed an extraordinary bond of friendship, trust, and love,” said Danckwerts. ” Letting go will be hard. However, I am so determined and so sure of this road that I have chosen. I want the best for the elephant children, and that best is the freedom to roam and to make their own choices.”
Since Moyo became afraid of the water because of the river incident when she was still a baby, Roxy carefully made her overcome her fear by encouraging Moyo to play with her in the water. After 15 months of hard work, Moyo was able to overcome her fear and started to enjoy water activities.