By ffc_admin
Hoedspruit, Limpopo – 22 September 2025 The Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development Trust (HERD) continues to mourn the tragic loss of our beloved carer, Israel Shambira, who lost his life on 13 September 2025 following an unexpected incident involving Limpopo, a 19-year-old female elephant under our care. In the days following the incident, our dedicated … Continued
By ffc_admin
Press Release – 14 September 2025 It is with profound sadness that HERD confirms a tragic incident that took place on Saturday, 13 September 2025. While the elephants were out in the bush on the reserve, Limpopo pushed down a tree shortly after 3pm. Carers Stavros, Godknows, and Joshua went to fetch additional staff to … Continued
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On the 29th of August, we honour one of the herd’s most unforgettable characters, Mambo. Born in 2009 to Lundi, he was the fourth calf to join the Jabulani family. His name, meaning “King” or “Chief” in Shona, fits him perfectly. Over sixteen years, Mambo has grown into a spirited bull known for equal parts … Continued
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On Saturday, 16 August 2025, the Big Red Barn in Pretoria came alive as HERD and AdventureTails hosted the third annual Trails for Trunks in honour of World Elephant Day. The atmosphere was buzzing with even more excitement than ever before, as families, friends and supporters of all ages gathered to take part in this … Continued
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This month we celebrate a very special milestone: 16 years since Kumbura was rescued and welcomed into the Jabulani herd. Gentle, graceful and deeply empathetic, Kumbura’s story is one of resilience, healing and the irreplaceable bonds of family. A Fragile Start In August 2009, a young Kumbura was seen wandering alone along the Limpopo River … Continued
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On 19 August 2006, the Jabulani herd welcomed a very special arrival: the first calf ever born within the rescued herd, Limpopo. Nineteen years later, we celebrate not only her birthday but also the journey she has made, growing into a confident, protective and compassionate young elephant who carries the legacy of her family with … Continued
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In 2020, the world watched closely as we fought to save Khanyisa, a tiny albino elephant calf caught in a snare in South Africa. Her survival story touched hearts everywhere and has now been beautifully captured in Diary of an Elephant Orphan, a documentary by Hermien Roelvert-van Gils. On World Elephant Day, 12 August 2025, … Continued
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Every year on August 12, World Elephant Day, brings people together across the globe to celebrate these extraordinary animals, raise awareness of the challenges they face and inspire action to protect them. It is a day to reflect on the vital role elephants play in ecosystems, the bonds they share with one another and the … Continued
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A light in a dark time On 7 January 2020 a four‑month‑old albino calf arrived at HERD with wounds so severe that many doubted she would survive. A snare had cut deep into her ears, cheek, neck and mouth, yet the little elephant walked off the transport crate with determination. We called her Khanyisa, meaning “Sunshine” in … Continued
By ffc_admin
A year ago, we experienced one of the heaviest losses in our HERD family. Little Phabeni, a brave and beloved rescue elephant calf, passed away after a long and delicate battle with his health. He was just shy of his first birthday. For seven months, we fought beside him through every up and down, celebrating … Continued
