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Every year on 3 March, people across the globe come together to celebrate World Wildlife Day—a day dedicated to raising awareness about the incredible diversity of life on our planet and the urgent need to protect it. Wildlife plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystems, from the smallest pollinators to the largest land mammals, yet many species face increasing threats due to habitat loss, climate change, poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
World Wildlife Day is not just about appreciating nature—it’s about taking action. It’s a chance to reflect on our role as caretakers of the planet and to support efforts that protect and conserve wildlife. Whether through habitat restoration, anti-poaching initiatives or ensuring the survival of orphaned and injured animals, every effort counts. This day is a reminder that protecting wildlife is not just an option—it’s a responsibility.
What Does World Wildlife Day Mean for Us?
At HERD, every day is about wildlife conservation. Our mission started with the orphaned elephants in our care, but it extends far beyond them. Elephants are a keystone species, shaping their environment in ways that benefit countless other species. By protecting them, we are also protecting the ecosystems they call home.
Caring for elephants is more than just providing a safe space for them to live. It means ensuring they have the right nutrition, medical support and a stable, enriched environment that allows them to thrive. It also means looking after the other wildlife that shares their home, from the impala that graze the land to the birds that nest in the trees. Conservation is about balance, and at HERD, we work every day to maintain that balance.
But this work requires resources—food, medical supplies and tools that help us keep their environment clean and safe. This World Wildlife Day, we’re inviting you to be part of this effort by supporting our Wishlist.
How You Can Help – Our Wishlist
Our Wishlist is a simple yet powerful way to contribute directly to the care of the elephants and the wildlife around them. By purchasing essential items from the list, you are ensuring that we have the resources needed to continue this vital work. Each item plays a role in providing for the herd’s health, safety and wellbeing.
Here are some of the essential items currently needed:
🍂 Lucerne – A highly nutritious green feed that provides an essential food source for the elephants and other wildlife, especially in dry seasons when natural vegetation is limited. In the summer months, each elephant has one bale a day, adding up to 500 bales a month. We double the amount in the dry season, adding up to almost 1000 bales a month.
🌱 Bana Grass – Every five years, our Bana grass plantation needs replanting to ensure a steady supply of this essential supplementary food for the elephants. Spanning over 5 hectares, it provides nutrition overnight when they are at the homestead and helps compensate for the natural loss of vegetation in the dry season.
🍠 Sweet Potatoes – Now that Khanyisa has been weaned, sweet potatoes and apples provide an important source of energy and nutrients to support her continued growth and development.
🥾 Carer Uniforms – Sturdy and protective clothing that helps our team care for the elephants and our environment safely and comfortably in all conditions.
💉 Medical Supplies – A range of essential treatments, from wound care to preventative health measures, ensuring that we can respond quickly to any medical needs of the herd.
🧹 Basics like Rakes – Simple but essential tools that help us maintain a clean and safe space for the elephants, their carers and the surrounding environment.
Be a Part of Their Journey
World Wildlife Day reminds us that caring for wildlife is a collective effort. Whether it’s through direct conservation work, education or simply making mindful choices in our daily lives, we all have the power to make a difference.
By supporting our Wishlist, you are directly contributing to the care of the rescued elephant herd and the protection of their home. Every item purchased is a step towards ensuring they have the best possible chance at a healthy and happy future.
🔗 Visit our Wishlist today and help us protect the wildlife that makes our world so extraordinary.
Visit our YouTube Channel to watch our video: World Wildlife Day: Help Fulfil Our Elephant Wishlist 🐘
