Setombe’s Story

One of the oldest of the elephants, Setombe, has a quiet and sensitive nature. Born in approximately 1985, she is part of the original herd that was rescued from Zimbabwe.

While there is little information about her formative years, it is believed that she may have had some bad experiences in her youth, as she battles to trust, and is often wary and skittish. Setombe could very well have been the Matriarch of the herd, due to her age and body size, but she is a very nervous elephant and is neither a good decision-maker nor a leader.

She is a quiet but also curious elephant and likes to be in-between the herd, especially in the close company of Sebakwe and her daughter, Klaserie, because it makes her feel more protected.

The birth of Klaserie in 2007 was a significant event, as it showed that she had settled down in her new environment. The birth also had a calming effect on her.

She is the biggest (widest and tallest) female of the Jabulani herd, with the largest ears. Her tusks are even and average in size. Setombe’s head is more angular and her skin is more wrinkly than the other elephants.

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Born

1985

Gender

female

Origin

Nov 2024

Relations

Klaserie: daughter

By becoming a foster parent, you’re contributing to the care of your fostered elephant. You’re helping us to provide your fostered elephant with everything they need to be healthy and happy. This includes daily supplemental food like fresh bana grass and lucerne, as well as cleaning and maintenance of the elephant homestead. If your fostered elephant needs any medical support, your contribution will go towards providing them with medicine and veterinary care.

 

We offer different foster membership levels and foster payments can be made on a monthly or yearly basis.

 

You can foster an elephant yourself, or you can gift a foster membership to a loved one.

 

All foster parents receive:

 

  • ● A personalised printable certificate
  • ● An anatomy checklist for your fostered elephant
  • ● Access to a private Facebook group for your fostered elephant
  • ● Quarterly updates on your fostered elephant
  • ● A digital birthday card
 

The higher your foster membership level, the more special benefits you will receive. For example, Gold and Platinum foster parents receive unseen photos of their fostered elephant each quarter. For more details on benefits, please contact fosterings@herd.org.za.  

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View other Elephants

Tokwe

Female | Born: 1988

Pisa

Female | Born: 2009

Jabulani

Male | Born: 1997

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