Lammie’s Story

A sense of belonging and companionship is known to greatly enhance the wellbeing of any living creature. Lammie, our resident Pedi sheep at HERD, has been a hero in providing this love and support to our baby elephant orphans, taking her role of devoted surrogate mother very seriously.

Lammie first became part of the family at HESC in 2014, where she was an “animal mom” to numerous orphaned rhinos and a few elephants too. Pedi lambs make excellent surrogate mothers, as they accept any animal as their own.

The Thaba-Manzi Pedi breed of sheep are known for their exceptional mothering skills, and often very protective of their young, having no fear against predators. They are very resilient animals and very rarely get sick. As you can see by Lammie’s body shape, they have a signature fat tail, where they store most of their fat. We love how Lammie has a cute bend and curve in hers!

This unique sheep quickly became a worldwide phenomenon as people fell in love with the incredible bond between her and her first adopted child, Gertjie, an orphaned rhino at HESC, staying by the little animal’s side continuously. While she began her role of motherhood as a resident companion to baby rhinos at the centre, she was soon introduced to her first young orphaned elephant – little Shawu. At first, she did not know what to make of the tiny animal and its curiously long nose, but proving her undeniable, natural motherly instincts, she quickly adopted Shawu as one of her own.

Lammie was an essential friend to Mopane at HESC and during the orphaned calf’s short time with us at HERD, from the moment the elephant arrived, providing an unconditional motherly touch and support for an animal in need.

Lammie continues to step up to her duties as surrogate mother to the elephant orphans at HERD. That she and the orphans are a different species makes no difference to them. Her endearing nature has been a great source of comfort for little Khanyisa since the orphan arrived at the orphanage, teaching us daily about true compassion.

She can be found walking, running, playing, eating and sleeping beside her new child, Khanyisa – a helicopter parent if ever there was one, but one that we greatly appreciate and owe so much to.

Adopt Lammie
Born

2014

Gender

female

Lammie the Legend

Your fostering helps us to provide for your foster animal’s needs! This includes our essential and sizable team of dedicated animal carers who care for, support and protect the herd day and night. During the day, the carers walk with the herd through the bush for 12 hours, enabling them to roam, forage, swim, sand bathe and play in the wilderness, while at night the homestead provides safe shelter with the carers’ accommodation alongside the elephants. Our team see to the cleaning of the homestead, land management, dam maintenance, and so much extra work behind the scenes.

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Donation Total: R500.00 One Time

View other Sheep

Nungu the Nurturer

Female | Born: 2013

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We rely on incredible people like you to keep us going. Every cent counts, and no contribution is too small. HERD relies on public funding to cover the operational costs to care for and support elephant orphans and the rescued herd, so we really appreciate your support.

Elephant Tales Blog

Want to hear the latest and greatest stories about what the elephants are up to? No two days are the same, and they always amaze us with their distinctive personalities and acceptance of one another. Follow us this way for all the latest stories of what’s happening at HERD.