HERD, an elephant orphanage in South Africa, is dedicated to rescuing orphaned baby elephants under the care of Adine Roode and her team.
The Jabulani herd has always warmly welcomed these young elephants, including a special albino calf named Khanyisa.
Recently, the herd noticed a group of giraffes heading towards a nearby dam and decided to follow them. The journey to the waterhole was a few kilometers long.
Tokwe and Somopane, two of the elephants, led the group with their graceful strides while Sebakwe took a separate path.
As they walked, Tokwe playfully sprayed sand on Tigere, and Khanyisa led the way at the front of the herd.
As the herd moved through the open bush, Mambo walked in the center, making it easy to spot the distinctive Khanyisa among the larger elephants. Somopane’s impressive tusks added to the beauty of the scene.
The two youngest elephants, Khanyisa and Timisa, stayed close together, accompanied by their family.
Tokwe’s eldest, Limpopo, moved to the middle of the group. Later, Khanyisa and Lundi wandered into the bushes to snack on green leaves.
Khanyisa often stays close to her adoptive mother, Lundi, for comfort and survival. Klaserie, another playful young elephant born to Setombe, enjoyed a sand roll while Pisa, Tokwe’s calf, stood quietly.
Limpopo soon joined them. Lundi has a strong bond with Khanyisa, the first calf she was raised as an adoptive mother.
The elephants continued their journey to the dam. Kumbura, a protective allomother initially aggressive towards humans, stayed close to Khanyisa.
Over time, she has become more relaxed. Kumbura, with her straight tusks and pointed forehead, remained vigilant as they neared the water.
Khanyisa and Timisa walked together, following Lundi, while Kumbura followed behind. The giraffes moved calmly around the dam as Sebakwe towered over the other elephants at the back. Fishan was the first to reach the water’s edge.
Khanyisa stood between Kumbura and Lundi, enjoying the water, and was soon joined by Timisa, who started splashing around. All the elephants relished their time at the dam, creating a joyful and memorable scene.
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