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Phoenix - February 2001 - 28
May 2008
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
For more on this tragic story please click
here...
If you are interested in helping DSWF
to save Zambia's wildlife and help release Phoenix in to the wild,
please follow the links below to make a donation or you can phone
the Foundation Office on 01483 272323.
Every little contribution helps wildlife
and remember 100% of your donation will go in full to the project - thank you!
You can also help by becoming a member
of DSWF. Click here for more information
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