From Strangers to Custodians: Reclaimed Earth

We welcomed a group from Reclaimed Earth for a Custodians Trip in August 2024, where they could volunteer their time and effort at HERD and our surroundings. Reclaimed Earth is a 501c3 non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of endangered wildlife, worldwide. They focus on education, species and habitat protection, repopulation, and medical care needs for critically endangered species in the wild.

Their week with us was filled with adventure, learning and camaraderie, bringing together a diverse group of individuals passionate about wildlife and conservation. Their positive energy was evident when they touched down at Hoedspruit Airport on 2 August 2024. Three different flights brought this eager group together, and after a quick lunch at the airport, the journey through Kapama to their accommodation at HERD began.

The trip started with a bang—or rather, a roar—as the group was treated to an incredible lion sighting just ten minutes into their journey. It was a fitting introduction to what would be an unforgettable experience. Upon arrival, the group was warmly welcomed by the HERD team and swiftly checked in. This year’s group was a fascinating mix, with backgrounds ranging from law to wildlife and fishery officers, to psychologists. This diversity added a rich layer of storytelling and teamwork, making the trip educational and thoroughly entertaining.

Day 1: Welcomes and Introductions

That evening, the group gathered around a crackling fire, the perfect setting for introductions. Each member shared a bit about their background, where they had been and what brought them to this special place. It was the beginning of a bond that would only grow stronger as the days went by.

Day 2: Hands-on Conservation

The second day began early, as the group headed to the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC). HESC strives to support conservation within a sustainable ecosystem by focusing on the survival of endangered species. The morning was spent preparing food for the resident cheetahs, wild dogs and rhinos—a task that was as fulfilling as it was hands-on. The group then moved on to cleaning the enclosures, an activity that, despite being hard work, was met with great enthusiasm. By lunchtime, the air was buzzing with excitement as everyone shared their morning experiences over a spread of cold meats, croissants, cheeses and more.

The afternoon was reserved for a tour of HESC, where the group learned more about the centre’s conservation efforts. They returned to their accommodation by 16h00, and after freshening up, headed out to The Thirsty Giraffe in Hoedspruit for a well-deserved dinner.

Day 3: Giving Back to HERD

Sunday morning started a bit later, with the group joining our workers in the homestead at 08h00 to clean and scrub the stables. The timing couldn’t have been better, as 315 bales of lucerne needed to be offloaded and packed—tasks that the extra hands made much lighter. Afterwards, the group embarked on a HERD Tour led by Anri, one of our HERD Students, who also gave them an insightful tour of our Aquaponics system.

Following a hearty lunch, the group turned their attention to tree conservation. Armed with wire, they wrapped the trunks of some of the larger keystone tree species to protect them from the elephants, who tend to strip the bark, potentially killing the trees. The day’s work ended with a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes, vegetables and chicken—a perfect way to wind down after a day of hard but satisfying work.

Day 4: A Day with the Elephants

Monday marked another early start as the group participated in the much-anticipated Elephant Moments experience. After days of preparation, from cleaning stables to helping with food, this 90-minute visit with the elephants was the ultimate reward. It gave the custodians a deeper appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes to care for the rescued herd.

After their time with the elephants, the group was introduced to Clive van Rooyen, the head of Kapama security and anti-poaching unit. His talk on the challenges and strategies of anti-poaching efforts was enlightening and thought-provoking, sparking numerous questions from the group. The afternoon was spent learning how to make elephant dung paper—a fun and educational activity that also gave the group insight into the creative projects that our women’s empowerment group, the JabuLadies are involved in.

The day ended on a high note with a game drive led by Greg, HERD’s Operational Manager. The group was treated to a revisit of the lion kill from their second day—a sighting that included two female lions and a male, feasting on a giraffe.

Day 5: Community and Creativity

Tuesday brought a new adventure as the group headed to Xilaveko Day Care nearby, for a day of painting and community service. The task was to transform a dull grey building into a vibrant, colourful canvas—a mission the group took on with enthusiasm. Special thanks go to Buco for sponsoring the paint and brushes, making this project possible. The day concluded with a wine tasting in Hoedspruit, where the guests enjoyed a relaxing evening of wine and pizza.

Day 6: Shopping and Luxury

The final full day of the trip started with a leisurely morning of shopping in town before the group checked into Jabulani lodge. The last two days of their journey were spent in comfort, with massages and dedicated service—a fitting end to an action-packed week.

The Reclaimed Earth 2024 Custodians Trip was more than just a visit; it was an experience that turned strangers into friends, bonded by their shared passion for conservation. As the HERD team bid farewell to the group, there was a sense of anticipation for next year’s trip. Until then, safe travels to all, and we look forward to the adventures that await us in 2025.

Have you ever wondered what goes into caring for elephant orphans?

If you are interested in volunteering at HERD, take a look here for more information, or contact us at info@herd.org.za.

We invite you to participate in critical operations on the ground and become a HERD Custodian by volunteering your time to make a difference for elephants. Our HERD Custodians Programme runs over seven nights and eight days and gives insight into the elephants and the surrounding environment. We welcome you to play a role in ensuring the survival of the elephants and their natural surroundings. Although volunteers cannot interact directly with the elephants, they will participate in daily tasks around the homestead and in the bush to support the herd. These include cleaning the homestead, combating erosion, cutting branches, cleaning water troughs, and repairing roads.