South Africa’s HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) stands as the country’s leading elephant orphanage, dedicated to integrating orphaned baby elephants into established herds.

Adine Roode, the sanctuary’s owner, has effectively rehabilitated many baby elephants, successfully incorporating them into the Jabulani herd.

Each day at the sanctuary starts with Lammie and Nungu waiting as young elephant Khanyisa receives her morning milk bottles from caregiver Reply in the nursery.

After her feeding, Khanyisa joins the others in foraging on the open land. Kumbura stays close by, with Lundi nearby. Meanwhile, Limpopo grazes in the distance, and Zindoga mingles with other female herd members.

As the morning light Ьгeаkѕ, the silhouettes of Khanyisa and her fellow elephants emerge, their soft skin glowing gently. Caretaker Last recently discovered Khanyisa’s first tooth on the ground and has preserved it at home.

After observing the elephants closely, Last shared insights with Adine about the evolving dynamics within the herd.

Following Kumbura’s integration, she formed a ѕtгonɡ bond with Tokwe, who became her foster mother.

Tokwe’s daughters, Pisa and Limpopo, have also formed a close bond with Kumbura, creating a tіɡһt-knit family unit.

Kumbura has befriended Lundi, who has a connection with Khanyisa and now with Lundi’s son, Mambo. The four of them graze and walk together, their shared history as orphans strengthening their bond.