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Somopane’s Story

Named after areas where Mopane trees grow, Somopane was born in around 1987 and is part of the original herd that was rescued from Zimbabwe, during the country’s land reforms.

He is by far the most intelligent elephant of the herd and is very confident, and comfortable in his skin – he never seems to feel the need to prove himself to others. He enjoys time alone, especially when out foraging, and is an excellent mediator, often preventing the younger males from getting into fights.

With his strength in peacemaking, he played an important and calming role in helping the entire herd to settle down when they first arrived in South Africa. Through the years, Somopane has always been a respectful, warm, and loving elephant. His smarts and a phenomenal sense of smell have made him the perfect tracker of the herd.

In terms of dominance, he is in the fourth position in the herd. He shares his stable area with Bubi and her son Zindoga. One of the taller elephants of the herd, Somopane has a slender body, less wrinkled skin, and a somewhat rounded forehead, with the thickest tusks of the herd, which are evenly levelled.

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Born

1987

Gender

male

Origin

Nov 2024

Relations

Unknown

By becoming a foster parent, you’re contributing to the care of your fostered elephant. You’re helping us to provide your fostered elephant with everything they need to be healthy and happy. This includes daily supplemental food like fresh bana grass and lucerne, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the elephant homestead. If your fostered elephant needs any medical support, your contribution will go towards providing them with medicine and veterinary care.

 

We offer different foster membership levels and foster payments can be made on a monthly or yearly basis.

 

You can foster an elephant yourself, or you can gift a foster membership to a loved one.

 

All foster parents receive:

 

  • ● A personalised printable certificate
  • ● An anatomy checklist for your fostered elephant
  • ● Access to a private Facebook group for your fostered elephant
  • ● Quarterly updates on your fostered elephant
  • ● A digital birthday card
 

The higher your foster membership level, the more special benefits you will receive. For example, Gold and Platinum foster parents receive unseen photos of their fostered elephant each quarter. For more details on benefits, please contact fosterings@herd.org.za.  

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One medication each year

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One medication each month, or

Multiple medications each month, or

One high-cost medication each year

Multiple high-cost medications each year, or

One high-cost medication each month, or

One veterinary visit each year

Multiple veterinary visits each year
  Note: You have the option to make a once-off donation or a recurring donation.

Somopane’s Gallery

Somopane Jan2021
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Simon
Somopane 21 jan 2021
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Blogs Featuring Somopane

Peaceful bull, Somopane and his incredible role in the herd | #FathersDay2021
Blog

Peaceful bull, Somopane and his incredible role in the herd | #FathersDay2021

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Zindoga

Male | Born: 2007
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Tokwe

Female | Born: 1988
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