Today is a sad day. This morning on the game drive radio, Pieter was told that Wonky had been found dead on a property to the north of Djuma.
As many of you know, Wonky has been one of our regular characters here at Djuma and on WildEarth for a long long time. In fact nobody can say when he first moved onto this land, but it is was a long time ago. He lived a life of relative solitude. A bull elephant with a deformed tusk, and more challenging for him, a deformed back leg, which must have made it hard to keep up and defend himself from other bulls.
It would appear that he was killed by another bull elephant. Just after the morning drive, Pieter and Lieschen asked for and got permission to visit Wonky.
From what Pieter has said to me, it sounds like it was a good thing that they visited him. I think there was some closure for both Pieter and Lieschen. I will let them talk more about their feelings later.
Pieter did say that it appears that Wonky dies at least a day and a half ago, maybe as much as three days. He said that Wonky had a few large gashes on his back, which are consistent with tusk injuries, which most likley would have been inflicted by another bull. He also said that there was signs of several elephant having visited the old man over the past short while. I am sure his friends having been coming around to pay their respects … it is in their nature.
No promises, but WE are trying to get special permission to take you to see Wonky as well. If WE are not able to secure this permission, Pieter and Lieschen will show you the photographs of him and say some words.
If anybody makes a tribute to Wonky please let us know so that WE can post it and share it with everyone.
Also, if you have a Facebook profile, you can become a fan of Wonky here …
Goodbye old man.
So sorry to hear of Wonky’s passing, Rest In Peace my friends. Do you know how old Wonkywas when he passed?
It is 2016 and Wonky is still touching lives. I am in bed this morning ill. Just so happened to see a show with Elephants so I had to watch. Wonky, Wellington, and the gang brought joy to my heart and smiles on my face. I'm distraught Wonk died at the end of the show. If I feel this way I can only imagine how you all feel having experience the beauty in real life.
Rest In Peace Wonky Tusks <3
Only just found out about Wonky’s passing and what a sad day – so sorry to hear about the old chap. We were lucky to meet him in December; as another poster has said I’m sure he is enjoying a mud bath and thick luscious grass somewhere lovely.
I am deeply sorry for Djuma’s loss of Wonky… thank you for sharing the news with us. Wonky has touched a lot of people.. Go and Rest peacefully, Wonky.
BCP
My heart is heavy today as I have just found out about Wonkey’s passing. It is with tears in my eyes as I write this to let you know how very sorry I am. He will truly be missed by me as I would get so excited whenever I seen him on my screen from my neck of the world. Thank WE for bringing Wonkey into our lives. God had blessed us by bringing him into our lives and now he is back with him.
I am over whelmed with sadness. I am so sorry for every one at W E. I will miss watching the pond in hopes to see him visit. When we attach a name, we grive the loss of a friend.I will miss his anticks withe watering spout. Oh My I have to go.
Oh this is so sad. Wonky touched so many lives. I pray that he is now romping happily, grazing on fresh grass and rolling in mud puddles to his hearts content. Pieter and Lieschen and Rexon, my deepest condolences on such a great loss.
My husband and I met Wonky in person several years ago when we visited Djuma. It was so impressive that he thrived despite his physical problems. Just shows how a herd of elephants takes care of their own as they are growing up. You would not see any other type of animal as an adult with physical problems from birth.
I was just telling my husband a couple of weeks ago about seeing Wonky during one of the drives I was watching and he was so excited to hear Wonky was still doing well. We will miss him.
Thank you Wonky for letting us get to know you. As one of God’s creatures, you have brought much joy to those that shared your experiences. You are a wonder…
It feels I’ve lost a dear friend, sorry for you all there!
Am so sad about it.
omg my favorite Wonky, I am just in tears here at work. I will so miss that beautiful ellie. He has touched my heart so many times and will forever be a part of me! What a terrible loss for the ellie world. ok I cant even type anymore this is a tragic loss.
Rest in peace, Wonky. Pieter and Lieschen and Rexon, we are so sorry for your loss.
I am sooo sad. I will miss this gentle giant very much. I am glad I have taken many photos of him, so I can always look back and remember his visits to the water hole and beyond. Good-bye Wonky from Birddust.