In 2020, Khanyisa, an albino elephant orphan was caught in a snare in South Africa. The inspiring story of this rare elephant was captured in a documentary called Diary of an Orphan Elephant by Hermien Roelvert-van Gils. For the first time, South Africans can see this award-winning masterpiece from 12 August – World Elephant Day!
The film was first released in 2024 and has obtained international success, winning 11 international film awards. The story focuses on HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) Trust – South Africa’s only dedicated elephant orphanage – and its struggle to save Khanyisa, a three-month-old, orphaned albino elephant calf brought to them after being caught in a wire snare.
The film goes on to explore another element – will Khanyisa, very young and totally reliant on milk from human carers, be accepted by the Jabulani elephant herd? And will they allow the carers to continue feeding her?
To watch the film, click here.
