Comment
Press Release – 14 September 2025
It is with profound sadness that HERD confirms a tragic incident that took place on Saturday, 13 September 2025.
While the elephants were out in the bush on the reserve, Limpopo pushed down a tree shortly after 3pm. Carers Stavros, Godknows, and Joshua went to fetch additional staff to help clear the road. Israel, one of our senior carers, was seated nearby under a tree. Moments later, Limpopo unexpectedly turned her attention towards Israel and fatally gored him. Despite immediate efforts from his colleagues, nothing could be done.
We are deeply shocked by this incident. Limpopo’s behaviour was entirely unexpected and unprovoked. At HERD, we have created a home and sanctuary for elephants in need of refuge or a traumatic past and to give orphans a second chance. Limpopo is Tokwe’s firstborn and the first within the herd who has never experienced a traumatic past.
Israel was one of the original carers who arrived with the elephants from Zimbabwe in March 2002. He was a man of faith, known for his daily prayers in the vegetable garden and his unwavering dedication to HERD. Trusted, dependable, and deeply respected, Israel was always ready to assist beyond his duties. He often walked with Sebakwe, another elder of the herd, in quiet companionship at the close of each day, symbolic of the wisdom and calm he brought to our community.
Elephant Manager, Tigere Matipedza, expressed:
“We don’t know what went through Limpopo’s mind and why she did it. Just this morning, everything in the bush was calm, with no signs of agitation among the elephants.”
HERD Advisor Brett Mitchell, from the Elephant Reintegration Trust, has been called in to provide guidance. He will remain on site in the coming days as we carefully assess the situation. No decisions will be taken hastily, as the implications of this event affect both carers and elephants profoundly.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Israel’s family, his wife and eight children, during this devastating time. Israel was cherished by us all at HERD, and his absence will be deeply felt.
On behalf of the HERD team and management, we extend our heartfelt condolences and support to his loved ones.
Media Contact
HERD MEDIA and PR Team
Email: media@herd.org.za
Phone: +27 63 035 0507
Website: https://herd.org.za/
My sincere prayers to the family of Israel. May God give them the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss. May Israel’s soul Rest In Peace 🙏
My sincere condolences to the family of Israel and to everyone who knew him at HERD .
Sending love and courage your way . Hope light can be shed on this tragic event and you may find an explanation for Limpopo’s behaviour . Blessings .
Lieve .
I’m so profoundly sorry for what you’re going through. Please know you are being supported and held during this tragic time by so many from afar. Sending love, prayers and strength to Israel’s family and the entire HERD family. Rest in peace dear, loving Israel.
Much love to Adine and the HERD family
condolences to Israel family
This is such a tragic incident. Heartfelt condolences to his family and all those at HERD. Please let me know if there is something we can do to support his family during this time
Thank you for wishing to support Israel’s family in this difficult time. Please visit the following link for donations and use “Israel” as a reference: https://herd.org.za/donate/
My heart is breaking for both Israel and Limpopo. I believe being a Carer for these large animals comes with some danger, and even though you can feel comfortable and safe around them we still need to be careful because any animal can be unpredictable. at times. I personally feel Limpopo was either spooked or startled and I believe in my heart she was just protecting herself in her mind. We all Animals lovers have to be reminded that these are animals and as much as we love and want to believe they’re very similar to humans they’re still animals. Again, so sorry for your loss HERD team. Sending lots of love and prayers your way. ❤️🙏🏻🐘❤️
Again, I am very sorry for Israel and his family.
I am very worried about Limpopo, I trust Herd will make the wisest decision, but nothing should happen to Limpopo. I know my opinion is meaningless as you are the ones with the most knowledge, but I strongly feel we can’t expect animals to always act in ways that are predictable. Obviously the staff will have to rethink how casually they are amongst the elephants, but I hope there are no big changes and it becomes clear to the staff what happened and they will find a way to trust Limpopo in the future.
Best wishes to you all., may time help heal the trauma of this moment and may you all be well.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Gibbs