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
By Jade
In recent weeks, extreme rainfall and flooding across Limpopo Province have resulted in severe destruction of roads, bridges, and drainage systems, as well as to sanitation and power infrastructure. Thankfully, the rain has temporarily ceased, but access to many areas, including the HERD orphanage, remains severely restricted, heightening risks to both human and animal safety. … Continued
By Jade
Hoedspruit, South Africa – 14 January 2026 HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) is currently responding to extreme rainfall and flooding impacting Hoedspruit and surrounding conservation areas, with increasing concern around damage to the land, reserve infrastructure, and sensitive ecosystems. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an Orange Level 9 warning, classifying the … Continued
By Jade
At HERD, we are passionate about nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders. Each year, we have the privilege of welcoming students from institutions like the NewBridge Graduate Institute to gain hands-on experience in elephant care, wildlife conservation, and community engagement. These students bring energy, curiosity, and fresh perspectives, and in return, they leave having … Continued
By Jade
Today marks six years since Khanyisa was rescued from a poacher’s snare, beginning a journey that has inspired so many around the world. From her fragile early days as a rare albino calf to the joyful, curious juvenile she is today, Khanyisa has grown, healed and flourished with the love of her elephant herd, her … Continued
