Elephant Tales

When bronze elephant sculptures gives back to our herd

  • 28 February 2026

We are incredibly proud to share a collaboration that beautifully bridges the worlds of fine art and wildlife conservation, one that directly supports the orphaned elephants in our care at HERD.

Internationally renowned sculptor François Vandenberghe, together with Cafmeyer Gallery and the Izindlovu Fund, has created two exceptional limited‑edition bronze elephant sculptures. Each piece tells a deeply personal story from the Jabulani Herd, and with every sculpture sold, vital funds are donated to help care for orphaned and injured elephant calves at HERD.

This collaboration is more than an artistic achievement. It is a heartfelt commitment to conservation, compassion, and the belief that creativity can help protect Africa’s most vulnerable elephants.

The Artist Behind the Vision

François Vandenberghe is celebrated worldwide for his strikingly lifelike bronze elephant sculptures. His work goes beyond form and movement—capturing the soul of each elephant, the wisdom in their eyes, the gentleness of their touch, and the deep bonds that define their families.

For many years, François has been a passionate advocate for the protection of wild elephants. His values align seamlessly with HERD’s mission, making this partnership both natural and deeply meaningful.

Two Sculptures, Two Elephant Stories

This limited‑edition series features two extraordinary sculptures, each inspired by real elephants from the Jabulani Herd—individuals whose lives reflect resilience, family, and hope.

Tokwe & Kumbura

This sculpture honours two remarkable female elephants who embody the nurturing heart of the Jabulani Herd.

Tokwe, the herd’s matriarch, led the original group rescued from Zimbabwe in 2002. Calm, patient, and profoundly accepting, she is the cornerstone of the family. A mother of two, Tokwe has instinctively welcomed countless orphaned calves into her care, offering them the safety and love every young elephant needs.

Kumbura, once an orphan herself, has grown into the herd’s youngest allomother. With a natural tenderness towards calves, she plays a vital role in caring for the younger elephants. Her journey, from orphan to caregiver, offers powerful proof that healing and belonging are possible.

Together, Tokwe and Kumbura represent acceptance, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds that allow orphaned elephants to thrive again.

Sebakwe & Khanyisa

This sculpture captures an unexpectedly gentle bond between a dominant bull and a very special young calf.

Sebakwe, the calm and confident bull of the Jabulani Herd, commands respect while showing extraordinary gentleness towards the youngest members of the family. His protective presence and steady nature make him an invaluable figure within the herd.

Khanyisa, the much‑loved albino elephant calf, became known around the world after her rescue in January 2020. Severely injured by a poaching snare around her neck and mouth, she has shown incredible courage and resilience on her journey to recovery. Sebakwe was one of the first adult males she encountered during her integration, and their bond symbolises elephants’ remarkable capacity for acceptance and healing.

This sculpture is a tribute to compassion, difference, and the power of family.

About the Sculptures

  • Limited edition: Only 51 sculptures of each design
  • Price: €8,500 per sculpture
  • Direct impact: €1,000 from every sculpture sold is donated to HERD

The sculptures are sold exclusively through Cafmeyer Gallery in Belgium. Each piece is individually numbered, making it a meaningful conservation contribution as well as a highly collectible work of art.

Worldwide shipping is available, and in many countries, artworks benefit from favourable import taxes.

The Impact of Your Support

Every sculpture sold directly helps care for orphaned elephants at HERD by supporting:

  • 24/7 veterinary care for injured and orphaned calves
  • Specialised milk formula, nutrition, and supplements
  • Integration programmes that help orphans bond with the Jabulani Herd
  • A safe sanctuary where elephants can heal emotionally and physically
  • Long‑term rehabilitation to ensure each elephant’s wellbeing

Your support helps elephants like Khanyisa, Timisa, Klaserie, and future calves who will need rescue, care, and love.

Buy one of these unique sculptures here.

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We Need Your Help to Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Care for OUR HERD

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