Adine joined the carers for a portion of their day out in the bush recently and waited up front for the herd to arrive. Lundi was first, flapping those beautiful big distinctive ears to keep cool, with her adoptive daughter, Khanyisa right behind her. As always, orphans, Timisa and Kumbura are right beside her, with Somopane and Sebakwe close too. 🌞🌿🐘

Kumbura tries at one stage to nudge Timisa out of the way no doubt so that she can get closer to Khanyisa, the ever-cautious and protective allomother that she is. Kumbura really has our hearts with the love and care she shows the calf.

Keeping the rescued herd together is vital for their own protection as elephants who are used to humans, so moving in a tight herd from grazing area to grazing area, swimming dam to drinking waterhole, is important, so as not to leave anyone behind, especially not the most vulnerable in the herd, like Khanyisa. We will never forget how the herd reacted the day Fishan got left behind, all running to his rescue when they realised, and trumpeting.

Once in a set area for a few hours, the elephants roam about and forage or dust bathe, but remain always aware of one another, and the different groups they stay in within the herd. The females tend to stay together, with Fishan, while Sebakwe likes to be with Setombe too, or sparring with the young bulls. Jabulani is always happy-go-lucky and drifts comfortably and coolly between the groups.

Klaserie and her mother end up in the front of the herd after Lundi veers off with the young females and Khanyisa. Klaserie is never short on confidence and curiosity as a growing female elephant and picks up quite a pace to keep close to Adine. A branch gets her attention ultimately and she slows down to forage.

It is tough work to spend all day out in the heat or cold, in the Big 5 reserve, making sure the herd are safe, together, healthy and content, as they get to enjoy their wide wilderness. But it certainly is beautiful and rewarding... 🌞🌿🐘

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