Baby Elephant Loses Tooth, Revealing New Herd Dynamics

South Africa’s HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) is the country’s pioneer elephant orphanage, dedicated to integrating orphaned baby elephants into existing herds.

Adine Roode, the sanctuary’s owner, has successfully rehabilitated numerous baby elephants into the Jabulani herd.

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

Once fed, Khanyisa joins the others in foraging on the open land. Kumbura stays close by, with Lundi nearby. In the distance, Limpopo grazes while Zindoga socializes with other female herd members.

The morning light reveals the silhouettes of Khanyisa and her fellow elephants, their soft skin glowing. Caretaker Last recently discovered Khanyisa’s first tooth on the ground, which he carefully kept at home.

Last, who spent considerable time observing the elephants, informed Adine of new dynamics among the herd members.

Following Kumbura’s integration into the herd, she developed a close bond with Tokwe, her foster mother.

Tokwe’s daughters, Pisa and Limpopo, also bonded closely with Kumbura, forming a tight-knit family.

Kumbura has also befriended Lundi, who shares a bond with Khanyisa, and now also with Lundi’s son, Mambo. The four now graze and walk together, their shared History as orphans deepening their bond.