Once the sun is up, the orphans from the orphanage will join the herd and the elephants will all head out into the bush surrounding the homestead, to spend up to 12 hours foraging together, roaming, swimming, bonding, playing, mud and sand bathing, or resting out in our Big 5 reserve.
The herd’s carers accompany them to protect them and keep the herd together, for their own safety as animals who are familiar with humans and need to be protected from the potential of human-elephant conflict, should they run into safari lodges and operations in the reserve. The rescued herd help to keep the youngest and most vulnerable in the herd safe, in the case of coming into contact with predators such as lion, or encountering wild elephant herds or foreign scents and threats. They also help to protect their carers, chasing off predators and warning our team to nearby dangers in this wilderness territory. Theirs is an amazing and mutually beneficial relationship that is built on time-earned trust, respect, and familiarity.
The carers will guide the elephants to certain foraging areas in the reserve, as feeding areas are rotated to prevent overgrazing and help the bush vegetation to grow sustainably to feed all the wildlife who call the reserve home. In the feeding areas, the elephants roam in their own direction, enjoying the range of food nature provides, including leaves, grass, bark, fruit, bulbs, roots, and the like. It’s fascinating to watch their social dynamics play out while they forage, as certain elephants choose to spend more time with the individuals they are closest to and receive comfort from. The young ones have a chance to play and learn from the elders, while the older cows help protect and teach the younger elephants the ways of the wild.