A young elephant named Amanzi, who had a difficult start to life, has found comfort in an unexpected friend—a sheep named Lammie—at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre in South Africa.
After being orphaned and rescued, Amanzi quickly bonded with Lammie, affectionately known as “Mother-sheep.”
The two are now inseparable, often seen walking side-by-side and even gently resting their heads on each other in tender moments. This close companionship has been a source of warmth for Amanzi after his challenges.
Amanzi’s journey to the sanctuary began in February when he was found stuck in a drain near a dam at the Phalaborwa Copper mine in Limpopo.
Mine workers rescued him, waiting in hopes his herd would return, but as dehydration and exhaustion set in, they had to take him to a local animal rescue center.
Non-profit group Elephants Alive stepped in to provide care for Amanzi, but unfortunately, attempts to reintroduce him to a herd were unsuccessful. Other elephants rejected and bullied him, leaving him in poor health and struggling to gain weight.
Seeking a stable environment, Elephants Alive transferred him to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, where he could fully recover.
Since arriving at the sanctuary, Amanzi has found a safe place to heal and an unexpected, nurturing bond with Lammie the sheep.
The unique friendship between the two animals comforts Amanzi, helping him recover from his early hardships.
