By Jade
Adine’s Reflection – 12 May 2026 There are moments in conservation that test not only what we know, but who we are. Since early 2025, my journey with Fishan has been one of deep learning, collaboration, and emotional resilience. Caring for an elephant with a chronic injury is not straightforward. There is no single solution, … Continued
By Jade
Elephants are often described as resilient. They endure droughts, travel vast distances, and adapt to changing landscapes. But resilience does not mean immunity. Like all complex, social animals, elephants experience stress. When stress becomes prolonged or unmanaged, it affects their health, behaviour, and long‑term well‑being. What stress looks like in elephants Stress in elephants does … Continued
By Jade
An Update from Adine Roode, HERD Founder. Lundi has been nothing short of a trooper. On the 29th of March, a moment in the mud changed everything. Sebakwe pushed her hard, not out of malice, but in a forceful attempt to take over the space where she was stuck. Elephants are powerful animals, and sometimes … Continued
By Jade
At HERD, we’ve always believed that caring for wildlife and caring for people go hand in hand. To celebrate World Veterinary Day in April 2026, HERD led a community outreach in the greater Hoedspruit area, along with students from Vetbooks to bring essential veterinary care to over 70 dogs, and make a meaningful difference where it was needed most. World Veterinary Day highlights the life‑saving role veterinarians play in stopping … Continued
By Jade
The First Calf Born into the Jabulani Herd On 19 August 2006, something remarkable happened at the homestead. Tokwe, the matriarch of the Jabulani herd, gave birth to the first calf ever born within the rescued herd. They named her Limpopo, after the great river that flows between South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. In African languages, … Continued
By Jade
On Sunday, 29 March 2026, on a hot late-summer day, the elephants headed out for their usual afternoon visit to the waterhole, a daily ritual that offers relief from the heat and time for social interaction. Lundi, never one for swimming, did what she usually does. After drinking, she chose the mud instead, coating herself … Continued
By Jade
As March 2026 concludes, the HERD Team would like to take a moment to reflect with gratitude and extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible donors, supporters, and followers. Your generosity and unwavering support make everything we do possible, from caring for the Jabulani Herd and protecting their environment to uplifting the communities around us. … Continued
By Jade
February is the month of love, and at HERD, love comes in many forms, not just between humans, but across the herd as well. From lifelong friendships to nurturing bonds between mothers, daughters, bulls and allomothers, the elephants in our care show us every day how connection, trust and companionship shape their lives. This Valentine’s … Continued
By Jade
The heavy rains and flooding that swept across Limpopo in January 2026 have left a deep mark on communities, landscapes, and wildlife across the province. For HERD, the floods were not just a temporary disruption, but a serious test of our resilience. As the floodwaters recede, our focus has shifted from emergency response to long-term … Continued
By Jade
Thank you for standing with us through every chapter of Fishan’s journey. Your compassion makes it possible for us to provide him with the specialised care he needs, especially during times like these when nature adds unexpected challenges. Weather Delays and Planning Ahead We had scheduled a second X‑ray session for Fishan this past Monday, … Continued
