Khanyisa, the adorable albino elephant, will soon celebrate her 5th birthday; a monumental milestone for the ellie orphan and all those who have followed her journey! In true princess fashion, she’ll be celebrating her birthday in style with a special T-shirt design competition that’ll support the herd.
South Africa (03 September 2024) — Elephant lovers across the world have celebrated many a-milestone for not-so-little-anymore Khanyisa, the beloved albino elephant.
From her initial rescue from a life-threatening poaching snare in 2020 (which was a massive good news story in and of itself) to moments of growth like her 600kg weigh-in, recognition of all the hearts she’s stolen over the years, a storybook in her honour and even a film premiere, Khanyisa’s early life has been filled with so much love and support, it rivals Disney films.
Now Khanyisa is almost five years old and will celebrate her birthday later this month in style.
The Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD) team, who are both her family and the reason Khanyisa’s story is a happy one, are preparing to celebrate her day in a unique way that’s a testament to the love for her from all over the country.
They are inviting everyone to get arty for the elephant and create unique T-shirt designs for her birthday!
Anyone looking for an excuse to let their creativity flow can create a work of art inspired by the ellie and send it to the HERD team. Their top-choice creation will then be added to the HERD shop; a space that channels funds to make their work for their elephant orphans like Khanyisa possible.
The choice of medium is up to the creator and all design entries need to be emailed to marketing@herd.org.za by 26 September—Khanyisa’s birthday!
Also on the cards for Khanyisa’s birthday plans is the exciting news that another book in the ellie’s honour is set to be released—Khanyisa Braveheart children’s book.
“She is our Meisiekind, our survivor, and this new HERD children’s book captures her tale through beautiful illustrations by Aldin Tigere, the son of our very own Elephant Manager, Tigere Matipedza, who is based in Zimbabwe,” share HERD.
All profits will head to the care of HERD elephants, and you can order your copy here.
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