Download Your Weekend Elephant Assignment!

By ffc_admin

As we celebrate elephants this World Elephant Month (yes, we’ve decided they should have the whole of August), we have a little something special for our followers, young and old. A fun activity for the family and all lovers of the elephants at HERD. Download your HERD Elephant Worksheets > Fill them in and share … Continued

The Elephant Filmmaker โ€” Meet Hermien

By ffc_admin

Khanyisa has a new storyteller that we need to introduce you to; documentary filmmaker Hermien Roelvert-van Gils. For the past 17 years, Hermien has produced, directed, filmed, and edited documentary content focusing on the environment. She is Khanyisaโ€™s storyteller in โ€œDiary of an Elephant Orphan.โ€ โ€œDiary of an Elephant Orphanโ€ follows the journey of baby … Continued

On The Loss of Phabeni | Adine’s Letter

By ffc_admin

8 July 2024 Several days have passed since Phabeni died. Even having been alongside him on his last night and into the morning, and having seen the end approaching, it does not feel real. In the moment, I need to do whatever it takes. I need to be there for Phabeni, for Stavros, for Liverson, … Continued

The Elephant Herd’s Response to the Loss of Phabeni

By ffc_admin

An Emotional Moment as the Herd Gather at the Orphanage Without Phabeni An unusual event took place as Tokwe, Lundi and some of the other elephants headed to the orphanage to find out where Phabeni was. Normally the herd walk in the opposite direction into the bush for their day of roaming. Matriarch Tokwe led … Continued

Catch Up With Elephant Bulls, Mambo and Zindoga

By ffc_admin

Join Owen and Adine for an update on two teenage bulls in the herd, Mambo and Zindoga. Born two years apart, the bulls are coming to an age where they will form a closer bond and learn from the dominant bulls in the herd. As they mature, they are developing key skills and behaviours to … Continued

An Update on Khanyisa & Her Journey as an Elephant Orphan

By ffc_admin

Khanyisa’s story began under challenging circumstances. Found trapped in a poacher’s snare, she was rescued and brought to the HERD orphanage. She arrived frail and traumatised, but with dedicated care and support, she began to recover. Khanyisa’s healing was helped by Tokwe, who took on the role of an allomother, and Lundi, who became her … Continued

Sebakwe, Somopane and Fishan; The Father Figures of the Herd

By ffc_admin

Father’s Day is a special occasion to honour and appreciate the paternal figures in our lives. This celebration isn’t limited to humans; in the animal kingdom, particularly among elephants, we see extraordinary examples of fatherly roles that deserve recognition. Today, we shine a spotlight on three remarkable bull elephants: Sebakwe, Somopane and Fishan, whose roles … Continued

A Sustainable Elephant Herd Needs a Sustainable Home

By ffc_admin

5 June 2024 This World Environment Day, we are excited to share with you a look at the environment at HERD. HERD Elephant Orphanage and Homestead is set in a big 5 private nature reserve in Hoedspruit in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Our land is teeming with wild animals such as buffalo, rhino, … Continued