HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

HERD Announces Update on Elephant Incident and Safety Measures

The Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development Trust (HERD) continues to mourn the tragic loss of our beloved carer, Israel Shambira, who lost his life on 13 September 2025 following an unexpected incident involving Limpopo, a 19-year-old female elephant under our care.

In the days following the incident, our dedicated carers remained in a state of heightened stress and concern, particularly regarding the safety of being near Limpopo. After extensive consultation among our senior carers, HERD Elephant Manager Tigere Matipedza, and founder of HERD, Adine Roode, with additional guidance from elephant behaviour expert Brett Mitchell, HERD resolved to move Limpopo along with six of her companions to a secure 35ha enclosure at the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC), located approximately ten kilometres away. The plan was to house the group at HESC under a temporary holding permit while a suitable long-term rewilding site could be identified. The remaining nine elephants were to remain at HERD.

The available enclosure allowed for the carers to manage Limpopo and the other elephants under a protected contact type of management. This decision was made on ethical and humane grounds to ensure the safety of HERD personnel and the responsible management of the elephants. The selection of elephants to be relocated was based on the best available data and the elephant social bonds.

On Friday, the 19th September 2025, as the selected elephants started their walk from the HERD boma, within a few hundred metres, the elephants from both groups began vocalising, becoming very excitable. The elephants, who had left, quickly returned to the others. During the excitement, unfortunately, Limpopo showed hyper-aggression towards one of our senior carers, Last Scholar, and our operations manager, Stefan du Toit, who was present as a safety guide. Despite our team’s best efforts to manage the situation, the escalating risk posed by Limpopo’s aggressive behaviour has ultimately made her presence unpredictable and unsafe for all staff at HERD and on the reserve.

Following further expert guidance and careful internal deliberation, HERD faced the devastating, however unavoidable decision to euthanise Limpopo. This unenviable decision was made to ensure the safety and protection of our staff and the welfare of the remaining herd. Limpopo was humanely euthanised.

This loss has left our carers, co-workers and immediate community heartbroken. Limpopo had been under our care since birth, and her sudden change in temperament remains unexplained. Since her passing, the rest of the herd has shown no signs of aggression and remains calm and settled.

Our thoughts remain firmly with Israel’s wife and children. We are committed to supporting his family during this painful time and have already been deeply moved by our community's compassion. We are also honoured to welcome Israel’s wife and family from Zimbabwe to HERD, where together, we will pay tribute to his legacy.

Those who wish to support Israel’s family further can donate via herd.org.za/product/in-memory-of-carer-israel-sham…

We kindly ask for compassion and understanding as our team processes these traumatic events. HERD will continue working with advisors to strengthen our safety protocols and uphold our responsibility to both elephants and carers.

All existing and future adoption funds for Limpopo will be redirected into a dedicated elephant research and welfare fund, established in her memory to help strengthen future care and safety practices: herd.org.za/animal/limpopo/#foster

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has stood by us during this time of profound loss, helping us to honour the memory of both Israel Shambira and Limpopo.

herd.org.za/blog/update-on-elephant-incident-and-s…

2 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,704

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

Thank you for the many kind messages of condolence we’ve received. We have read each one and are deeply touched by the love and support shared for Israel and his family. Your words bring comfort in this time of grief.

To honour Israel and help his beloved wife and children through this difficult time, we have opened a dedicated fund to support his family 💚

All donations already made on our donations page are going into this same fund, and we truly appreciate all the support we have already received.

Please visit herd.org.za/product/in-memory-of-carer-israel-sham… if you would like to contribute.

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 2,029

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

The Tragic Passing of Elephant Carer, Israel Shambira

Hoedspruit, South Africa

It is with profound sadness that HERD confirms a tragic incident that took place on Saturday, 13 September 2025.

While the elephants were out in the bush on the reserve, Limpopo pushed down a tree shortly after 3pm. Carers Stavros, Godknows, and Joshua went to fetch additional staff to help clear the road. Israel, one of our senior carers, was seated nearby under a tree. Moments later, Limpopo unexpectedly turned her attention towards Israel and fatally gored him. Despite immediate efforts from his colleagues, nothing could be done.

We are deeply shocked by this incident. Limpopo’s behaviour was entirely unexpected and unprovoked. At HERD, we have created a home and sanctuary for elephants in need of refuge or a traumatic past and to give orphans a second chance. Limpopo is Tokwe’s firstborn and the first within the herd who has never experienced a traumatic past.

Israel was one of the original carers who arrived with the elephants from Zimbabwe in March 2002. He was a man of faith, known for his daily prayers in the vegetable garden and his unwavering dedication to HERD. Trusted, dependable, and deeply respected, Israel was always ready to assist beyond his duties. He often walked with Sebakwe, another elder of the herd, in quiet companionship at the close of each day, symbolic of the wisdom and calm he brought to our community.

Elephant Manager, Tigere Matipedza, expressed:
“We don’t know what went through Limpopo’s mind and why she did it. Just this morning, everything in the bush was calm, with no signs of agitation among the elephants.”


HERD Advisor Brett Mitchell, from the Elephant Reintegration Trust, has been called in to provide guidance. He will remain on site in the coming days as we carefully assess the situation. No decisions will be taken hastily, as the implications of this event affect both carers and elephants profoundly.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Israel’s family, his wife and eight children, during this devastating time. Israel was cherished by us all at HERD, and his absence will be deeply felt.

On behalf of the HERD team and management, we extend our heartfelt condolences and support to his loved ones.

Out of respect for our staff and for Israel's family, we ask for privacy as they come to terms with this difficult loss.

herd.org.za/blog/the-tragic-passing-of-carer-israe…

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3 weeks ago | [YT] | 4,812

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

No elephant should grow up alone 🌿

What Khanyisa found was more than care; it was family. Among those who welcomed her into the herd with unwavering love is Lundi. Not only did Lundi help Tokwe, the matriarch, with motherly duties, but she also embraced Khanyisa as her own. In 2020, when Khanyisa arrived fragile and scared, it was Lundi who stood by her side, guiding her through early recovery, standing with her for all her "firsts" and comforting her with soft rumbles.

Join us in shaping Khanyisa’s future. Every donation makes a difference.

💗 tinyurl.com/5a4peah7

#everyelephantneedsaherd #elephants #elephantlove #herdsouthafrica #africanelephant #elephantconservation #globalgiving #passporttopurpose #nonprofit

4 weeks ago | [YT] | 3,815

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

Get ready to be part of something amazing... Passport to Purpose starts tomorrow 🐘💚

This new GlobalGiving campaign gives you the chance to help Khanyisa, our rescued elephant calf, and other orphaned elephants who need care, love and protection. When Khanyisa arrived at HERD in 2020, she was a fragile young calf, injured and alone. With 24/7 care, careful feeding and plenty of love, she slowly grew strong, healed and found her place in our herd.

Today, she is healthy, playful and full of life, but her story isn’t finished. Every donation through Passport to Purpose helps provide food, medicine and a safe home for Khanyisa and future orphaned elephants.

We invite you to join us tomorrow. Join Khanyisa’s journey and help us say “yes” to the next elephant in need.

✨ Keep an eye on our socials, the link will go live at 10:00 EDT / 16:00 SAST.

#everyelephantneedsaherd #elephantlove #khanyisabraveheart #babyelephant #elephantorphanage #globalgiving #passporttopurpose

1 month ago | [YT] | 3,611

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

Misty mornings in the bushveld have their own kind of magic, especially with Sebakwe emerging through the haze 🐘

A moment that feels almost like a dream in the African bushveld.

📸 Captured by Elephant Carer Blessmore.

🌫️ www.herd.org.za/donate/

#everyelephantneedsaherd #elephants #picoftheday #elephantlove #supportwildlife #southafrica

1 month ago | [YT] | 3,807

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

✨ Honouring Khanyisa’s 6th Birthday ✨

In January 2020, HERD welcomed a fragile four-month-old calf who had survived a brutal snare. With deep wounds and a heavy fight ahead of her, little Khanyisa weighed only 124kg when she arrived. Her journey was uncertain, but her spirit was undeniable.

With dedicated care, love and the wisdom of her new adoptive herd, Khanyisa began to heal. From her first steps in the orphanage to her joyful swims and playful days with her elephant family, she has blossomed into a thriving young elephant whose story has touched hearts across the globe.

Khanyisa’s name means “Sunshine”, a symbol of her rare light and the hope she represents for orphans everywhere. Over the past six years, she has brought people together in ways we could never have imagined, becoming a beacon of resilience, belonging and second chances.

This year, we celebrate Khanyisa’s 6th birthday with something truly special: a limited edition necklace, crafted to carry her sunshine with you always.

💫 Large and Small Silver necklaces available.
🌿 Only 100 pieces will ever be made.


Be one of just 100 people in the world to own this necklace, and carry Khanyisa’s sunshine close to your heart.

💗 Order Yours Now: tinyurl.com/3vf7zwkt

#everyelephantneedsaherd #elephantlove #khanyisabraveheart #khanyisa #babyelephant #elephantconservation

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1 month ago | [YT] | 1,615

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

🎉 Today we celebrate Mambo’s 16th birthday! 🐘

From the very beginning, he has carried the nickname "The Chief of Mischief". He is a playful, spirited bull who has kept both carers and herd on their toes with his bold personality. Over the years, Mambo has grown from a cheeky calf into a strong young bull, still full of character but also deeply bonded to his herd.

His story is one of laughter, learning and love, and today we honour all the joy he has brought into our lives 💚

Celebrate with us by reading his birthday blog, where we share more about his incredible journey, or make his day extra special by choosing to adopt Mambo to support his care.

🌿 herd.org.za/blog/mambo-turns-16/
🌿 herd.org.za/animal/mambo/#foster


#everyelephantneedsaherd #elephants #elephantlove #elephantconservation #mambothemischieveous

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1 month ago | [YT] | 3,798

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

What an incredible Trails for Trunks 2025! 🐘✨

This year, the Big Red Barn was alive with energy as runners, walkers, cyclists, families and even pups joined together to celebrate World Elephant Day weekend. From tiny supporters as young as 4 weeks old to seasoned athletes, the day was filled with laughter, determination and a shared love for the herd 💚

The virtual Trails for Trunks community also brought amazing spirit from afar, proving that support for the elephants knows no borders. Congratulations to Ozy and Muriel, winners of our $100 Online Shop gift voucher! 🎉


A huge thank you to our sponsors for their generosity and to everyone who participated, donated or shopped in support of the herd. Your dedication means the world to us and helps us continue caring for the Jabulani herd every day.


Read the full event blog here: herd.org.za/blog/trails-for-trunks-2025/

See the Pretoria Event photo gallery here: tinyurl.com/ycmjmrxv


#worldelephantday #trailsfortrunks2025 #everyelephantneedsaherd

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1 month ago | [YT] | 1,055

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa

Sixteen years ago, a little elephant calf was spotted wandering alone, without her family to guide and protect her. Vulnerable and unsure, her future was uncertain.

That calf was Kumbura 💚

She was rescued and gently introduced to the Jabulani herd, where she was welcomed with care and acceptance. Over the years, she has grown into a calm and nurturing elephant, often stepping into a protective, sisterly role within the herd 🐘

Today, we celebrate Kumbura’s rescue-versary and the life she has built, surrounded by love and belonging.

Read more about her incredible journey in our latest blog: tinyurl.com/4cns6w9u

#everyelephantneedsaherd #elephantlove #rescuestories #elephantconservation #wildliferescue #southafrica #supportwildlife

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1 month ago | [YT] | 3,993