Khanyisa’s morning with the Jabulani HERD

Khanyisa is getting so much attention from the Jabulani herd, especially the females!

She enjoyed a morning in the land surrounding the stables with the whole herd once again, and some of the younger elephants were a bit more settled. Still, there is a massive curiosity between them about this new and exciting addition to the herd.

The males (including Mambo, Lundi’s son) tend to keep to themselves and are not showing much interest, except for Jabulani, Sebakwe and Fishan (the older males).

Tokwe (the Matriarch) and Limpopo spent a lot more time with Khanyisa. Limpopo, in particular, has become extremely taken with Khanyisa, wanting to be by her side at every possible minute, it is adorable, but sometimes a bit overwhelming for little Khanyisa, who often tends to try move away, searching for Lundi.

Limpopo tried to get Khanyisa to latch on to her teat but is not experienced with doing it, as she has not had her own (much like Klaserie), and she gets frustrated when it does not happen. At one stage she unintentionally squeezed Khanyisa’s trunk just a little too hard, and Khanyisa went first to the carers and then to Lundi for reassurance.

Sadly, it seems that Bubi takes a step back when Tokwe and Limpopo are with Khanyisa but always keeps a very close eye on Khanyisa. However, both her and Klaserie assume their allomother responsibilities when alone with her again.

This was evident when we went for a walk. We did not take the entire herd, just the original eight elephants that Khanyisa first met, namely, Jabulani, Lundi, Bubi, Klaserie, Setombe, Somopane, Zindoga and Sebakwe. Bubi and Klaserie were back in action, alongside Lundi, providing love and care for Khanyisa.

We hope that Limpopo and Tokwe will settle a bit in time, and allow Bubi and Klaserie to help with Khanyisa too.

It is interesting to see the dynamics of the herd unfold from day-to-day.

The younger elephants are a little rougher in their touch and show signs of jealousy on occasion, which is to be expected, just like children when there is a new addition to the family. It takes time to settle.

Little Khanyisa felt very loved.www.herd.org.za