Orphaned Albino calf Khanyisa meets Lundi the elephant

We are very excited to share the news that we have introduced little Khanyisa to Lundi, a female (cow) of the Jabulani herd, and it is going well.

Lundi, also known as the “great aunt’ of the herd, is a lovely elephant, who often assists Tokwe, the Matriarch, with all of Tokwe’s motherly duties. Lundi has a son of her own, Mambo, whereas Tokwe (the Matriarch) has two daughters of her own (Limpopo and Pisa) and has taken on the maternal role in caring for both Kumbura and Timisa, both of whom are orphans introduced to the herd.

For that reason, Adine decided it would be less stressful on Tokwe, and give Lundi a greater purpose in the herd by encouraging a mother and daughter bond between the two, especially given Lundi’s excellent level of commitment, responsibility and her caring heart.

During both introductions (we did one a few days ago and yesterday continued with a second one), we have kept Jabulani in their company, which both Khanyisa and Lundi have drawn comfort from.

Lundi and Khanyisa’s first encounter started in what may seem a little bit of an apprehensive start from Lundi. We also have to consider this is something remarkable for an elephant cow. Lundi would have felt slightly confused and uncertain that she was not with the rest of the herd, or with the other cows, as the cows tend to keep together. But she has found comfort with Jabulani and her trusted carers in her company.

During the interactions, you can see the evident secretion from Lundi’s temporal glands which many associate with musth in elephant bulls and possible aggression, however, it can also represent all emotions, including happiness and excitement, much like humans crying happy or sad tears.

Within a short time, Lundi allowed Khanyisa to approach her and even moved her leg to give her full access to suckle from her teat. This was an exceptionally emotional moment for us all, and how graciously Lundi allowed an elephant calf, different from her own, and of another herd, into her most personal of spaces. We can only fathom the emotions that Khanyisa must have felt, finally finding a natural teat, even though she is not lactating.

Jabulani watched curiously from a distance, keeping an eye on Khanyisa, who occasionally went to him for reassurance, as well as Adine.

The second time they met started with a bit of uncertainty again from Lundi, but she soon had little Khanyisa beneath her suckling. Khanyisa is so brave and her natural instinct to be with her new mama kicks in straight away.

We are taking this integration slowly to ensure there is not too much emotional stress for both Khanyisa as well as Lundi, as they start to grow their newly found and unique relationship. Adine continually consults with our trusted elephant advisors, discussing each meeting and interaction in depth.

Here are a few of the moments from the two meetings for you to experience it through our eyes.

Looking back at the past three months, we are so thankful that we have got to this point. We look forward to every new day sharing in Sunshine’s second chance at life.

Please consider donating to HERD, we rely on public funding to cover the high costs of Khanyisa’s care:
www.herd.org.za