Somopane’s Story

Named after areas where Mopane trees grow, Somopane was born in around 1987 and is part of the original herd that was rescued from Zimbabwe, during the country’s land reforms.

He is by far the most intelligent elephant of the herd and is very confident, and comfortable in his skin – he never seems to feel the need to prove himself to others. He enjoys time alone, especially when out foraging, and is an excellent mediator, often preventing the younger males from getting into fights.

With his strength in peacemaking, he played an important and calming role in helping the entire herd to settle down when they first arrived in South Africa. Through the years, Somopane has always been a respectful, warm, and loving elephant. His smarts and a phenomenal sense of smell have made him the perfect tracker of the herd.

In terms of dominance, he is in the fourth position in the herd. He shares his stable area with Bubi and her son Zindoga. One of the taller elephants of the herd, Somopane has a slender body, less wrinkled skin, and a somewhat rounded forehead, with the thickest tusks of the herd, which are evenly levelled.

Somopane – Once-off / Yearly

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Donation Total: $60.00 One Time

Somopane – Monthly

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Donation Total: $10.00 Monthly for 12 months

Born

1987

Gender

male

Origin

Zimbabwe

Relations

Unknown

By becoming a foster parent, you’re contributing to the care of your adopted elephant. You’re helping us to provide your adopted 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 adopted elephant needs any medical support, your contribution will go towards providing them with medicine and veterinary care.

 

We offer different adoption levels. You can choose to adopt by making a once-off donation or by making recurring monthly donations.

 

You can adopt an elephant yourself, or you can gift an adoption to a loved one.

 

All foster parents receive:

  • ● A personalised printable certificate
  • ● An anatomy guide for your adopted elephant
  • ● Access to a private Facebook group for foster parents
  • ● Quarterly updates on your adopted elephant
  • ● A digital birthday card

 

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

 

Your adoption is the equivalent of:

 

Marula Bronze Silver Gold Platinum

Food for one day of each month

Food for three to four days of each month, or

Food for one week of each month, or

Food for two weeks of each month, or

Food for most days of each month, or

One medication each year

Multiple medications each year, or

One medication each month, or

Multiple medications each month, or

One high-cost medication each year

Multiple high-cost medications each year, or

One high-cost medication each month, or

One veterinary visit each year

Multiple veterinary visits each year

View other Elephants

Tokwe

Female | Born: 1988

Limpopo

Female | Born: 2006

Lundi

Female | Born: 1989

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.