Some stories hit you right in the heart, and Mosha’s journey is one of them. Once a young elephant injured by a landmine, she’s now living proof of what love, care, and innovation can do.
Mosha became the first elephant in the world to receive a functional prosthetic leg. What started as a desperate situation turned into a lifelong path of healing, strength, and inspiration.
A Life Changed at Just 7 Months Old
When Mosha was just a baby, a landmine explosion cost her a leg. She was barely seven months old and weighed only around 1,300 pounds — way underweight for an elephant her age. The injury left her scared, fragile, and unsure of what life held next.
A Team That Refused to Give Up
Thankfully, a compassionate orthopedic surgeon saw potential where others might have seen only pain. He stepped in, not only to build Mosha a prosthetic leg but to give her a reason to walk tall again.
Since then, Mosha has gone through more than ten custom-designed prosthetics, each one adjusted to fit her growing body. With each version, she’s learned to walk more confidently and live more freely.
Living With Care and Compassion
Now weighing over 4,400 pounds, Mosha lives at a special animal hospital where she receives ongoing care. Her journey hasn’t been easy, and at times she leans against support rails when her leg is being adjusted or replaced – small signs of what she’s endured.
But her spirit? Unbreakable.
She’s Not Alone
Mosha shares her home with Motola, another elephant who lost a leg to a landmine. Motola became the second elephant ever to receive a prosthetic. The two have a quiet bond, both looked after by the same team that gave them back their mobility – and their dignity.
A Symbol of Strength
Every time Mosha receives a new leg, there’s a sparkle in her eyes. You can tell she knows she’s loved. Her life may have started with trauma, but it’s grown into something beautiful – a symbol of healing against the odds.
Thanks to the people who never gave up on her, Mosha is not just surviving – she’s truly thriving.