HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) TRUST was established in 2021 following a 24-year journey in caring for elephants that have been displaced or orphaned due to human-elephant conflict.

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Giving Orphaned Elephants a Fighting Chance

HERD Orphanage was built in 2019 in response to a growing number of young orphaned elephant calves that need a place of rehabilitation and more importantly, an existing herd that will accept them unconditionally. The Jabulani herd is now a family of 16 elephants, of which 11 are orphans and five that were born to the herd over 10 years ago. In 2004 the lodge, Jabulani, was built to sustain the herd, with proceeds from tourism assisting with the care and management of the rescued herd. In 2021 a decision was made to move the Jabulani herd and HERD Homestead operations, together with HERD Orphanage, under the umbrella of HERD Trust which is a registered PBO. This allows for public funding to ensure the well-being of all the elephants.

Meet The Herd
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Making a Difference

HERD Trust commits to being active within our local communities through education and development opportunities, to help empower the people living closest to us and to share the value of protecting elephants. HERD is also active through our online communities, bringing a global audience together to educate more people about the elephant species and vital conservation efforts.

Learn About Our Projects
Meet the Team

Our Incredible Team

Our “Human Herd” forms an essential part of every orphaned elephant’s unique journey to recovery. This highly experienced team of dedicated, loyal elephant carers provides each baby elephant with the absolute best round-the-clock support.

Meet The Team

Help Save Our Vulnerable Gentle Giants

We rely on incredible people like you to keep us going. Every cent counts, and no contribution is too small. HERD relies on public funding to cover the operational costs to care for and support elephant orphans and the rescued herd, so we really appreciate your support.

Elephant Tales Blog

Want to hear the latest and greatest stories about what the elephants are up to? No two days are the same, and they always amaze us with their distinctive personalities and acceptance of one another. Follow us this way for all the latest stories of what’s happening at HERD.