By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
HERD is proud to provide you with feedback regarding our project to protect our elephants’ home.
Bana grass, often called “elephant grass”, is one of the most important supplementary food sources for the Jabulani herd. Rich in fibre and protein, it provides the nutrition our elephants need when foraging in the bush becomes challenging, especially during tough seasons. What this past year proved, however, is that growing enough Bana Grass takes resilience, teamwork, and sheer determination.
A plantation tested by nature.
Situated in the semi-arid Limpopo province, HERD’s Reserve is no stranger to extreme climates where evaporation typically exceeds rainfall. But the 2025 rainy season brought an even harsher reality: far below-average rainfall and severe drought. Natural forage in the veld dwindled, pushing the elephants closer to their managed food sources—and placing enormous pressure on our ageing Bana Grass plantation, which had reached the end of its natural 7–8-year lifecycle.
In early 2026, with vital support from Animal Survival International and their donors, we embarked on a full replanting of three hectares of Bana Grass. Each hectare contains roughly 100 rows, which is enough to feed all 15 elephants for more than five months.
But our newly planted fields were about to face their greatest challenge yet.
From drought to a deluge.
Just weeks after planting, Limpopo and Mpumalanga were hit by record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding. Rivers burst their banks, roads and bridges washed out, and soaked soils gave way under the pressure of relentless water flow. For three long weeks, the plantation was inaccessible, even on foot.
When the waters finally receded, our fears were partly realised. Some young plants had rotted in the saturated soil and had to be removed. The remaining plantation was engulfed in fast-spreading weeds, competing with the fragile Bana Grass for space and nutrients. With the ground too wet for tractors, our dedicated staff carried out the painstaking task of hand-clearing weeds, a process that continues as the plantation stabilises.
Nourishing elephants, empowering people.
Keeping the Bana Grass plantation alive supports more than the elephants; it also sustains local community members who assist in planting, weeding, and maintaining the fields. Each row planted and each weed cleared reflects teamwork and shared purpose.
Thanks to the generosity of partners and donors, and the tireless commitment of our staff, the plantation is once again strong and producing the nutritional supplement our elephants rely on.
Thank you for standing with us!
Your continued support makes this work possible. Through drought, floods, and everything in between, you help ensure the Jabulani herd has the nourishment they need, and that the land and people who care for them can thrive.
If you want to make another donation to help us take care of our Elephants Home, https://globalgiving.org/projects/help-save-an-elephants-home
By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
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