It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Phoenix, the wonderful young elephant rescued by DSWF when she was just weeks old. She was the catalyst for the new Elephant Orphanage Project, supported by DSWF in Zambia, and will be very much missed.

On May 26 Phoenix came back to the orphanage as usual, for her early morning feed with the other babies at the beginning of their daily routine. But this time she lay down in her favourite spot next to the boma and could not be persuaded to get up. Despite the determined efforts of the local vet, Dr Chiwala, wildlife vet Dr Ian Parsons and all of the orphanage team, on the morning of May 28 Phoenix simply closed her eyes and quietly slipped away.

She died of Babesiosis - a tick borne disease of the blood. Also known as biliary, or red water, this disease was in its chronic stages, which suggests that Phoenix had been suffering from this ailment for a long time. According to Dr Parsons, Babesiosis is unprecedented in elephants and the case has been put forward to the Veterinary Forum for further discussion.

"It has been an enormous team effort to get Phoenix this far, but at least we may draw some solace from the fact that she died a free elephant in natural surroundings. Phoenix has started something very special, it is now up to all of us to ensure that her life was not in vain and that the Elephant Orphanage Project continues to grow into a successful and long lasting legacy. Phoenix will be missed for a very long time by many people." Sport Beattie, DSWF's Zambia Representive and Project Manager.

The Foundation would like to thank Drs Ian and Nolene Parsons of Matobo Veterinary Services and Dr Chiwala and Ken from the Ithezi Thezi government veterinary services for all their help and advice during this tragic time. Thanks also to Zambia Wildlife Authority staff for their continued support and commitment to the Project.

"Having known Phoenix since she was tiny and having been so encouraged by her first positive steps back in to the wild - she was even starting to interact with wild elephants - we are all devastated by this tragic news. We are now more determined than ever that this critically important orphan release project continues in her name. Our heartfelt condolences to everyone involved especially Phoenix's head keeper, Sydney, who never left her side and our wonderful volunteer Belinda, all the other camp staff and Sport - she will be desperately missed by everyone." David Shepherd OBE

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