By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we share this heartfelt update from our cherished HERD, letting you into the tender journey our elephants are walking this season.
In the wake of Limpopo’s passing, the Jabulani herd has shown remarkable resilience. Tokwe, the matriarch, remains central to the herd’s structure and continues to lead with calm authority. Despite the emotional disruption caused by the attempted relocation and the loss of Limpopo, the herd has stabilised, and no abnormal behaviour has been recorded.
To better understand the emotional impact, we’ve begun analysing dung samples to assess stress levels within the herd. We acknowledge that mourning is a natural part of elephant behaviour, and we expect signs of grief to surface over time. Interestingly, while the bulls have not shown particular interest in Limpopo’s absence, Sebakwe has noticeably responded to the loss of Israel, his longtime caregiver. Their bond was rare, marked by mutual respect and quiet wisdom, something that only comes with age and deep connection
Pisa has been checking in with Tokwe more frequently, offering quiet companionship, yet still maintaining her playful nature with Zindoga. Setombe and Klaserie, who were never closely bonded with Limpopo, continue to lead confidently during bush walks, unaffected by the recent changes.
Fishan has shown signs of irritation, which we’ve traced back to pain in his leg. He’s been observed resting his head against trees to relieve pressure. Dr. Johan Marais, prominent South African veterinary surgeon, who was scheduled to assess Fishan in September, had to postpone his visit. Once he returns from photographing Big Tuskers in the Kruger National Park and in Kenya, we’ll proceed with X-rays and review Fishan’s treatment plan.
Overall, the herd’s interactions remain gentle. They have not displayed aggression toward one another or their carers, which is a reassuring sign of emotional stability during this difficult time.
The Way Forward for HERD
Our commitment to both elephants and carers remains unwavering. The events of September have deeply impacted our HERD family, reinforcing the importance of strengthening safety protocols, supporting our team, and deepening our understanding of elephant behaviour.
We have reviewed all safety measures to ensure that our carers are equipped not only with the necessary training, but also with emotional intelligence and support. Every decision moving forward will continue to prioritise both human safety and the welfare of the herd.
To better understand the emotional and physiological responses of our elephants, we are exploring the creation of a dedicated on-site laboratory. This facility will allow us to study stress markers in real time through faecal analysis. By combining these findings with detailed behavioural observation sheets, HERD can identify subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. This research will help us adapt care strategies more effectively, deepen our understanding of herd dynamics, and strengthen our long-term welfare approach. Through this initiative, named “In Memory of Limpopo,” we aim to honour her legacy by improving our methods and minimising future risks. This will also be incorporated into the rewilding programme.
Our mission remains unchanged: to provide a safe, nurturing environment for elephants in need, while honouring the bonds between people and elephants that lie at the heart of HERD.
Looking ahead, we are focused on establishing a long-term strategy for elephant rehabilitation through rewilding. This includes developing approaches that mitigate the chronic stress of releasing elephants, especially orphans, into the wild without a proper social structure. Our goal is to build their capacity to thrive independently, at a pace that respects their emotional and biological needs, and within a supportive social system.
HERD will continue to lead in developing best practices for sustainable, long-term orphan elephant rehabilitation. We are committed to contributing to ethical industry standards that are credible, accredited, and endorsed by stakeholders. We know we are not perfect, but our dedication to learning through every setback and success strengthens our resolve. As a species, we share a collective responsibility to protect orphaned elephants throughout their lives.
Elephants are under the custodianship of people, and their value extends beyond conservation, they represent a shared global responsibility. We must ensure they are protected and supported in ethical ways that enhance both humaneness and humanity.
The Jabulani herd, rescued from a perilous situation, continues to receive care in a protected and comfortable environment that meets their biological and social needs. Despite the challenges we’ve faced, including several heartbreaking losses, we remain committed to their well-being for the entirety of their natural lives.
Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support. Your generosity makes every moment of joy, healing, and connection in the HERD possible.
Don’t forget to check our social media for daily updates and news!
With gratitude,
The HERD Team
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