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 fosterings
Some campaigns raise funds. Others raise voices. The 1000 Echoes for Elephants campaign was born from HERD’s commitment to listening more closely to elephants, to truly hear what they are telling us through their behaviour, social bonds, and responses to a changing world. From the very first Echo on 5 March 2026, supporters from around … 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 Lerissa
Bana grass, or elephant grass, remains a vital supplementary food source for the Jabulani elephant herd. It provides an excellent source of nutrition, including protein and fibre, and is fed to the herd in the stables at night. But recently, keeping this plantation alive and providing enough for the herd has been a full-time job. … 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
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
It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic loss of one of our most cherished team members, Robert Mashile, who passed away on Christmas Day, 2025. Robert was on his way to work from his family home in Oak Valley when the truck he was travelling in was struck in a collision. Three … Continued
By Jade
The Morning at the Homestead Each night, the rescued herd rests safely at the HERD homestead, a space carefully designed to meet their social and physical needs. The homestead is divided into four large quadrants to prevent conflict, especially among older bulls, and to ensure every elephant sleeps comfortably. Groupings are determined by social bonds, … Continued
By Jade
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
