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
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 Khanyisa’s storyteller in “Diary of an Elephant Orphan.” “Diary of an Elephant Orphan” follows the journey of baby … Continued
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
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
By ffc_admin
1 July We are devastated to have to share this news with you today. Little Phabeni has passed away in our care, following a seven-month battle of ups and downs with his health. We have shared the story of this devastating loss below, with a video put together with care and love, and great respect … Continued
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
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
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
By ffc_admin
Today we say farewell to a cherished team member, elephant carer, friend, and father, Kenneth Shambira. Born in Zimbabwe, Kenneth was part of our family, helping to look after the elephants at HERD since 2009. When he started in our team, he had no experience with elephants. Our team took him under their wing as … Continued
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
