Welcome to the mini herd, Spotty!

Raising orphaned elephants is a team effort, and an important part of the team has 4 legs and woolly hearts.

Orphaned wild animals, separated from their biological families due to accidents or human intervention, often struggle to adapt to life in an orphanage. Enter the sheep – the surrogate family that steps in to fill the void. Sheep provide companionship, warmth, and a sense of belonging, vital elements for the emotional well-being of these young creatures.

In the animal kingdom, acceptance is a rare and precious commodity. However, sheep, known for their non-confrontational and comforting nature, readily accept orphaned wild animals into their space. This unconditional acceptance creates a unique bond, allowing the orphans to develop a sense of security and trust in their newfound family.

Following the passing of Nungu in October 2023 and the arrival of Phabeni in November 2023, it became evident that Lammie, our dedicated surrogate mom, required support in her caregiving duties. Lammie, who will be turning 10 years old this year, deserves a peaceful retirement. In light of this, a decision was made to introduce another sheep to HERD, not just to grant Lammie the rest she deserves but also to ensure that her nurturing legacy continues for the well-being of future orphaned elephants.

The story of Spotty began on a Tzaneen farm when Adine fetched him on December 10th, 2023. Interestingly, he was born in July, the same month as Phabeni. Managing two Cancerian personalities in the orphanage may be a handful, but the undeniable connection between them adds a unique dynamic to their shared journey.

Spotty swiftly adapted to life at the orphanage, and having Lammie as a companion worked wonders to ease his initial nerves. Phabeni, still acquainting himself with the human-sheep-elephant dynamic, took his time adjusting. Despite occasional clashes with Spotty, Phabeni’s spirited nature didn’t deter Spotty, who persistently sought connection. Over time, a beautiful friendship bloomed, with Phabeni, Spotty, and Lammie spending the majority of their days together.

Spotty has brought balance and harmony to the orphanage that transcends between ages and species. In addition to this heartwarming trio, Nandi and Spotty also forged a special bond. Although Lammie initially approached Nandi with caution, Spotty’s presence has helped ease the tension between them. Now, Nandi happily joins the trio on walks around the homestead, adding another layer to the interconnected relationships that make life at the orphanage truly special.

Since Spotty’s arrival, a remarkable improvement in Lammie’s well-being has been evident. It’s as if Spotty’s contagious energy has become a source of vitality for Lammie, giving her an extra spring in her step.

The heartwarming tale of the trio’s friendship not only stirs the emotions but also highlights the significance of the sheep’s presence in shaping the lives of the orphaned elephants.

Here are our top 5 facts about Spotty:

• He is a Pedi sheep, which is a breed native to South Africa. They are small, hornless sheep and have long tails that vary in shape. Colours range from dark brown to tan brown and white (like Lammie)
• Phabeni and Spotty initially connected over sekelbush that is brought to the homestead daily for snacking
• His favourite part of the day is seeing fresh sekelbush being brought to the homestead and his walks with the mini herd
• Like a cancer, he can hold a grudge, and has not forgiven Nadine, the vet student, after she gave him his vaccinations
• The pattern of his coat makes it look like he is wearing his own spotty blanket!