Khanyisa and the herd constantly cover themselves with mud and sand which serves as a natural sunscreen for the elephants. This has proven to be successful for Khanyisa’s fairer skin too. Further to that, the larger elephants also provide Khanyisa with sunshade during the day too.

There are many challenges to consider with the practicality of eyewear for an elephant. We have had serious discussions with various parties, but there are too many factors that does not make it feasible. Factors include, the dexterity of her trunk and her ability to remove any eyewear, the amount of sand, dust and mud that they continuously disperse on their heads and bodies, lengthy eyelashes, and a fast growing head/body. We made the decision to let her continue naturally. There is an older albino elephant on the reserve that is still doing extremely well with her eyesight.

The orphans will continue to be provided with milk until approximately 4 years of age. Calves in the wild are totally dependent on their mother’s milk for sometimes two, sometimes two years, depending on the calf. Although from 2 – 4 years they eat a lot more solid food, they will generally continue to suckle until the age of 3 – 4 years or perhaps even longer. It is our duty to ensure that we are able to provide the calves with the milk formula they need to survive.

Khanyisa’s milk intake is approximately 20 litres per day. The frequency of the bottles will change as she gets older. Currently she gets 2 litres every three hours.

Currently, Khanyisa spends 12 hours of the day with the herd out in the wild. Upon their return from the wild, Khanyisa is brought back to the orphanage that neighbours the Jabulani herd stables. It is during this time that the carers are able to continue to provide milk bottle feedings to the calf. Access to the calf if she was in the company of the elephants in the stables, would put the carer in potentially dangerous situations between the elephants during the night.

It is essential that Khanyisa gets good rest, especially with her condition as an albino, where we do not always know her full needs compared to normal calves. Having her in the nursery allows her to rest well, rather than being disturbed for milk if with the herd, who would then no doubt disturb her further through the night.

Being in human company during these crucial formative years of their development also allows for constant review of their dung consistency and frequency of urination. This assists with urgent treatment for any irregularities or changes in their condition. Calves are prone to rapid changes in their conditions, and time is always of the essence. Therefore, 24-hour human care is vital at this stage.

We don’t offer volunteer programmes at HERD Orphanage or the HERD Homestead, due to the complex and highly emotional natures of elephants. The elephants (especially calves) bond very closely and deeply with carers and can be emotionally affected when a person leaves. We decided it to be in the best of interest of the elephants, to ensure that only their dedicated carers provide them with their care where necessary, having had many years of experience and long-lasting relationships.

The elephants are on contraception – therefore they cows are unable to produce milk. The motion of the calves suckling from their teats is purely for emotional and tactile comfort to the calves.

The Long-term objective will be to release the elephants back into the wild, once the herd numbers have grown, as they will naturally divide into two herds. However, sourcing and securing the correct wilderness reserve with no tourism trade is key to a successful integration, as they are too familiar with and comfortable with humans. This poses potential threat from poachers as well as possible misinterpreted situations where tourists are concerned, due to their familiarity with humans. Another threat we have in the political landscape are land claims – and we have to ensure the land is safe from claims. Our ultimate goal, where possible is to rehabilitate and rewild rescued elephants brought into our care  – but it is essential that the alternative solution is not only preferable to their current circumstances, but that their safety is also taken into consideration. We work alongside many well-respected elephant advisors who are experts in reintegration processes and working with us towards our long-term goals.

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The carers also help to keep the herd from wandering off too far as they are rescued animals and largely habituated to humans. This can cause human-elephant conflict should they stray into human developments or clash with human movements.

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