When you step around a pile of elephant dung in the bush, it is easy to dismiss it as waste. In reality, it is one of the most valuable sources of information we have about an elephant’s life. From diet and digestion to stress and health, dung tells a detailed story without ever disturbing the … Continued
At HERD, wound care forms part of daily life. From small scrapes picked up in the bush to more serious injuries requiring veterinary attention, treating wounds is an important part of caring for elephants living in a natural environment. And treating elephant wounds is rarely simple. Wounds are often large, deep, and located on parts … Continued
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
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
Born on one of the hottest days of summer, Pisa entered the world with determination and strength, qualities that continue to define her sixteen years later. On 13 November 2009, while out in the bush, Tokwe, the matriarch of the Jabulani herd, went into labour with no warning. Within an hour, a small but mighty … 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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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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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
