By Sunel Craythorne | Donor Care Officer
We are so grateful to have you as part of our HERD family. Your support means the world to us, and we are excited to share an update on Khanyisa.
As summer is departing, it has brought much-needed rain. February and March are usually the hottest months in South Africa, making waterholes and swimming essential for the elephants.
Now, in April, it has started to cool down substantially. With climate patterns shifting, we’ve seen changes in the weather, but the herd continues to adapt.
In our wilderness, alive with beauty, giraffes gracefully gather at the waterhole. Only to step aside as the herd arrives for their afternoon swim. We are privileged to share this space with the Big Five, and every day brings new moments of wonder.
If you haven’t seen our latest video capturing the beauty of our reserve, take a moment to experience the sights and sounds of the wild.
Khanyisa (pronounced kahn-yee-saa) continues brightening our days with her playful spirit and growing independence. Watching her bond with Timisa is nothing short of magical—the two sisters are inseparable, playfully sparring, rolling in the mud, and feeding together in the bush. If they aren’t right by each other’s sides, they’re never too far apart.
Recently, Elephant Manager Tigere captured a hilarious moment of Khanyisa and Timisa engaging in a muddy game on the hill. Who knew elephants could be so flexible? Khanyisa squatted in the mud, shifting herself slowly down the slope, while Timisa curiously wandered over to see what Tigere was up to. Their antics gave everyone a good laugh, and after their hilltop extravaganza, the fun continued as they chased each other through the bush.
Khanyisa’s tusks are starting to show beautifully now, a testament to how much she’s grown. She’s also officially weaned! While she still receives additional supplements—especially her beloved sweet potatoes—her health and energy levels are excellent. Every morning, she eagerly awaits her bucket of nutritious treats, which help her thrive.
One particularly cloudy day, we witnessed a stunning sight—Khanyisa, Timisa, and Kumbura standing in a row from smallest to biggest, their unity and growing strength on full display. The bush is lush after the drought, allowing the young ones to feast to their hearts’ content.
Khanyisa’s signature pinkness makes her easy to spot in the water, where she loves to swim, basking in the sunlight. But after a proper mud bath, she blends in seamlessly with the rest of the herd, her once-distinct colour masked by nature’s embrace.
A recent visit from Adine was another highlight for Khanyisa, who was overjoyed to reunite with her human mom. Despite her growing independence, she continues to receive love and protection from every member of the herd, ensuring she has all the support she needs.
And, as if she knows exactly where she belongs, Khanyisa has developed an endearing habit—when it's time to go home, she instinctively turns and starts feeding in the direction of the homestead, as if leading the way herself.
Our little sunshine is thriving, and it’s all thanks to the incredible love and support she receives from her elephant family—and you.
Thank you for your continued support. Your commitment to Khanyisa makes all the difference.
Yours in Conservation
The HERD Team
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