A Morning With Baby Elephant, Orphan Phabeni in His Nursery & Private Garden 💚

Adine takes us on her morning visit to check in on new orphan, Phabeni. Joshua and Reply are at the orphanage, helping to look after the little elephant, and provide him with milk bottles and “shit shakes”, which include elephant dung, plus fresh grass.
Herman cleans the nursery as Phabeni enjoys outdoor time in his garden, splashing and bonding with Adine. He is certainly a playful and strong young calf, with the most beautiful eyes. Enjoy close ups of his sweet face as Adine feeds and plays with him on this sunny morning.

[@gr8fuldeb699]

I commented at his eyes the same time it was brought up on screen. They are beautiful. He is beautiful. Im so excited to have a new member to the family. Its so exciting.

[@LadyRustedKnight]

Now I understand how fragile the orphans are. Shawu, Mopane and Fenya had the best chance at life with HERD but sadly expired.The incredible resilience of Khanyisa is a miracle! I hope Phabeni continues to thrive, grow and survive. Mambo needs a little brother !

[@spiralrose]

Little Fenya broke my heart. I’m glad that HERD got her so that at least she died surrounded by love, and not alone in the bush anymore

[@janparish7895]

​@spiralrose That's exactly how I felt. I think had she been found earlier, she might have survived but she hid herself very well. Her body with those dreadful wounds had been exposed for too long. Like you, I am just thankful she passed surrounded by love in the warmth. I'm also grateful she managed to spend time, albeit brief, with such kind and loving people. ❤️🐘❤️

[@catherine59226]

Even though they’re gone; they left us all much better people. We have a much better understanding of the very hard work and dedication from everyone at HERD. ❤

[@marie-clauderecchia4531]

Shawu was such a happy little Ellie ❤🐘

[@LadyRustedKnight]

I forgot Raekie, she was a ball of energy and adorable. Friends with Mopane and Lammie. The carers adored these two, also. There are many successful saves as well as those lost. Bless them all.

[@Brian-xb6sc]

Wee Phabeni is in the right place at Herd to become the healthy bull he was meant to be, he's a wee heartbreaker.He's lovely.A big thanks to Adine,Joshua, Herman and all who give this baby a chance at life.!! 🎉❤😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@cathycarsilli3999]

His eyes seems brighter , he has alot of character, very sweet, very cute

[@janparish7895]

I agree! 😊👍🩵🐘🩵🙏

[@kirri1312]

He’s such a handsome little guy but he knows his own mind!!

[@carolynehrensberger2162]

His eyes are remarkable. Looks like he’s thinking, learning, evaluating, and deciding things . Cautiously trusting but maintaining his very own personality. Another wonderful addition to the herd family.

[@raedarden9830]

A very bright little boy, for sure.

[@shirleymorris7760]

Those eyes have such depth! They look quick, intelligent, knowing. So unique, as they all are

[@elainepeterson475]

In love Phabeni's eyes, very expressive and aware.

[@dannesys]

Who would have thought a termite ball and a "shitshake" would be so welcomed by Phabeni?? Not by ignorant me! 😊

[@stephanie6416]

🤔 until I reached that point in the video, I thought I read shitake 🍄 😂

[@arcticgoddess]

​@@stephanie6416hahaha 😆

[@MsEvie15]

What was it they’re feeding him? A termite ball and what is he drinking?

[@annehaight9963]

Apparently it's normal in the wild for baby elephants to eat the dung of other herd members. The theory is that this helps the baby build up an immune system and appropriate gut flora that are necessary to digest their food. So HERD supplements the milk with dung mixed in from the other elephants.

[@rkml59]

@@annehaight9963 I think you're ✅

[@gissellest333]

What a sweetheart and for me taking care of such a cutie would be a dream come true.

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

I can't wait to see him with the herd. Getting adopted by a sweet aunt. He's such a beautiful animal. So happy he was rescued. Thank you for doing such an amazing job.

[@elainepeterson475]

Elephants seem like people in that each one has its own personality. Phabeni seems very independent and yet still needing Care From you Adine, and all the carers to stay on track with his growth and development. I hope he continues to do well, so he can eventually meet the Jabulani Elephant Herd. One day at a time ❤.

[@brendamcmanus9438]

Looking forward to that moment… When Adine & the Carers know it's time for his ‘meet & greets’ with different ellies 🐘…🐘…

[@shotgunbettygaming]

I'll tell you what.....this little boy is SUCH a character! SO brave and curious, he wants to love everyone and make everyone love him!! He's already got SO many Life Skills at his young age and is so strong even in his weakened state. I can't wait to watch him grow, he is going to be a handful for the crew but I know everyone there will give him his Best Good Life! Thanks for all you all do. The world is a better place with folks like YOU in it!!🐘💓

[@Velte1993]

His big beautiful eyes. God bless him. I can’t wait for the Herd to have him and adopt him.

[@carolynminter7839]

Yes I think the Herd needed another baby to look after and love. Phabeni has already stolen our hearts.❤️🐘🥰

[@ShortOrderCook]

I love watching baby elephant kindergarten 🥰 Phabeni certainly does have beautiful eyes - they are very pretty and soulful 💜

[@sherylthomasson7171]

He does have beautiful eyes! He’ll be a hear breaker some day!

[@jen9774]

Cute kid ! He sounds as if he's purring elephant style. Adorable.

[@pickles8551]

He has such beautiful eyes!

[@voiciray]

Phabeni time of day is the best time of day. ❤🐘❤

[@joanneschoenke8135]

He is so adorable 😍🥰 thank God for your kindness and compassion of these beautiful gentle souls ❤

[@duanerosenzweig9805]

Thanks for the visit, Adine. Since Baby K. graduated, I had forgotten how peaceful the orphanage is...love the birds' songs. Blessings to all!

[@debrahouston2884]

Phabeni is responding well to your TLC -- his nutrient rich bottles, your touch/interaction, etc...Even the hollows above Phabeni's cheekbones seem a bit less sunken; his eyes are brighter; and bonding to his new family has already begun! I have great hopes that this little fellow will make it! 🙏 🐘 🙏 Sooo proud of him and grateful to all of you at HERD!!! #LiveStrongPHABENI 💞 🐘 💞

[@EvaArts-Zahav]

So fragile, so little, yet so fiesty and strong. Love you little guy. Stay the course. Adine and Herd thank you for saving these amazing beings, thank you, thank you.💞🐘💞😊💞☺💞🙏💞🐘💞💗

[@o0sunsi0o]

His eyes are so soft and beautiful, I can't wait for him to meet the herd!

[@primmieparris1281]

So LUCKY to have such a loving human mama❤❤🙏🙏

[@lydiahaynes1182]

You are so blessed ❤❤❤. The love you give them is returning to you all a1000 fold. Love watching them all grow and flourish under all of your efforts and care.

[@catherine59226]

He’s a very lucky little guy! 💙

[@carmenl163]

I love how playful he is! I hope that's a good sign.

[@stephaniewood1547]

Phabeni is so precious and bright!! I want to hold him and hug him! Thank you all for helping this young tyke and bringing him to safety. Thanks for all the elephants 🐘& rhinos 🦏 you help as well. ☺️🥰😘

[@lisalovering1936]

So precious his beautiful eyes!!I think of khanyisa often love watching all of them !Adene you are a very special person and all the carers makes my heart happy how well they are all looked after🐘❤️💖❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘💖🐘💜🐘🥰

[@bernadetteelliott7511]

These babies need so much care..wonderful people looking after them ❤

[@GB-he1zc]

Phaby is so sweet. How quickly he adapted, and what good care he is getting and means to all, human or animal. ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@maritzamendez8775]

Hes so cute, looking much better. I want to hug him.❤

[@carolynminter7839]

I wonder if the Herd has been talking to Phabeni yet❓ They started talking to the pretty pink Princess right away.💕🐘☺️

[@anitasyvalahti1730]

Phabeni is very clever boy, beautiful eyes, cute tail and big beautiful ears ❤🐘❤. I love him 🥰. Thank you, Adine and and Joshua ❤❤🌹🌺🌺🌹.

[@debraevans6795]

THANK YOU ALL HERD CARERS! PHABENI HAS BEAUTIFUL EYES! HI LAMMIE! SENDING LOVE AND PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES! 40° AND SUNNY HERE IN OHIO USA, THE SNOW IS MELTING SOME TODAY! BLESSED THURSDAY! 🫶🐘🦏🐏🙏🐾🙂

[@HazelHammond1505]

I know it costs a lot to have a baby at HERD. but it makes my heart feel so good to know there is a little Elephant calf has been saved. Phabeni is so smart! and he knows what he likes and wants. See him already knowing how to use his trunk. I see how much Miss Sunshine had to work at everything she did and how much she over came. She is our Miracle child. and we see how hard she fought to keep going. Mr. Phabeni you need to keep up the Great work of thriving because you have a older brother you need to meet and hang with his name is Mr. Mambo. Adine if you had phone cases for Android devices I would buy one . Adine aren't you afraid the termites will get into you buildings? OH I love hearing his little rumble I was just thinking look at those eyes when you put it on the screen. how long do you think it will take with him gaining weight to feel out his cheeks?

[@snowbird7614]

Wow. I didn’t know that about that type of soil. The little calves really need some careful monitoring. Thank you for all the loving care you give ❤❤❤❤

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

He’s just perfect !! ❤🐘

[@dewdan11dnd46]

🫶Phabeni, is getting all the assurance, from your interactions and his playfulness is lovely to see. 🐘🌿💦💞

[@melissaf.5898]

He looks so happy now, great job HERD!🥰💜😻☮️

[@debrahouston2884]

Incredible progress in such a short time...May our newest baby continue to thrive! #LiveStrongPHABENI 💖 🐘 💖

[@cattailer1077]

Ohhhhh, those gorgeous, sweet baby eyes!!!!! I almost can't bare it...I'm hopelessly in love!🥰🥰🥰

[@JulieRushworth]

My Boy Fish I adore him, the lil baba Phabeni is really doing well, Joshua is an angel sent to care for our new Baby, loving those rumbles, much love ❤️

[@rennierad]

Girl you are truly the Elephant Whisperer. Your touch to this baby male elephant that is lost is amazing. You can see in his beautiful eyes and his response to your motherly touch. His sunken eyes and face worry me. I think it hit him hard losing his family.

[@mrstukutela5126]

"Beautiful eyes" Phabeni seems to be a little survivor. He is already looking fitter. These elephants are incredible creatures. If only they could talk, I would love to hear what they are saying and thinking. Love to all of you at HERD for doing such good work.

[@Go-tee71]

He's such a dear little fellow 😍 So grateful he is in the loving care of HERD where he has the best possible chance of growing into a healthy happy elephant 🥰🙏❤️🐘

[@shelley-anneharrisberg7409]

Phabeni really is a sweetie with those dark eyes. This makes me nostalgic for the days of Khanyisa in the nursery ;) Thanks to HERD and Adine for the loving care you are giving this sweet little ele!! ❤🐘

[@mike48877]

Beautiful little guy. I was surprised to see him giving himself a dust bath. I thought he was too young to know how to do that. Blessings to everyone at HERD. ❤

[@debrahouston2884]

He is a very bright young fellow! #LiveStrongPhabeni ❤️ 🐘 ❤️

[@wildflower1397]

A few days ago one of the carers was loosening soil and tossing dust on him. I think they were teaching him. :)

[@Abhijit12435]

Thanks

[@Cheka__]

What a precious little sweet, innocent baby. Please take good care of him.

[@edytatrafny9222]

Phabeni you are sweet lovely boy!!! I love you

[@MsLilac88]

Little Phabeni is growing healthily thanks to your loving care, he deserves to be loved & protected in a sanctuary. 😊

[@missclaire4820]

I’m not surprised that he is scared to go out the door, everything is so strange and unfamiliar to him and he is used to having a herd of elephants surrounding him.

[@kathleenjordan9404]

I love how he holds one ear out straight 😂🤗🧡

[@candidaprout560]

Hi Nandi 🐕‍🦺❤️. Hi Phabeni ❤️ hi lammie ❤️ hi khanisa ❤️. Thanks very much Adine 🌹 and all of you for your wonderful care.

[@franceslynch8815]

An absolute pleasure to see Phabeni so settled and comfortable. Aidine and Reply are the sweetest people, after Phabeni of course❤

[@dorothywestcott2408]

Phabeni 🐘 does have beautiful eyes. You can see he has a beautiful soul. Question it looks like his temples are sunk in. Is this normal ? He certainly has a very busy trunk for a little Ellie. He is even giving himself a little sand bath. I never knew that a termite mound was nutritious. I remember with Khaynisa 🐘 she would eat elephant 🐘 dung I don't remember you feeding her dirt from a termite mound. He is thriving there. Phabeni 🐘 does love his human mama. He really enjoys your touch and rubbing of his trunk and legs Adine. Have you checked his weight since his first weigh in? Thank you Adine, all of his carers and of course Lammie 🐑 for all of the love ❤ and caring you are giving Phabeni 🐘.

[@lindamonrad2989]

Precious 💜💜💜💜

[@59luna2]

hello Adine, when Phabeni will be able to meet the other elephants? A hug to all of you. from Italy, you are wonderful

[@brendamcmanus9438]

With Khanyisa, Adine focused on the baby’s health first. Then she & the Carers would walk with her to the Expanded Nursery area. This fenceline is the Meet & Greet area. Hope this helps 🐘🐘🐘

[@FrancineHoward-o2x]

He's such a beauty (and also cutie) advancing every day with Adine's and her staff's excellent care!!!love to all of you ❤❤❤❤

[@sharonj.1240]

Termite dirt and poop! Who knew? 😄 Nothing too good for baby Phabeni. Adine, so happy with herself, too.🥰

[@paolacanali4567]

Ogni giorno ci deliziate con Phomeni e la sua salute migliora sempre più ❤ 🐘🌺 Phomeni è un grande coccolone e gli piace anche giocare con Adine e gli altri nurse, ma credo che Adine sia la sua preferita sa che è una donna umana che si prende cura di lui come una mamma elefantessa farebbe con lui 🐘❤️🤗🐘🤗🌺😚❤️

[@carolinamoreno7372]

I was so happy to see Cutie Pie Pisa and Limpopp together like the sisters they are. I now understand a bit more how difficult it is to get that milk mixture right. All of you are so wonderful in how you are taking care of Phabeni. It is truly a gift!

[@neacy212]

When Phabeni is stronger and well, I cannot wait for the little fella to meet the big fella Jabulani, it was lovely and heartwarming when Khanyisa met Jabulani for the first time.

[@elephantwanderer6576]

Hi Adine, he looks very settled now, so hopefully he will continue to thrive!! Have you weighed him recently?🐘🐘😀❤️

[@Kimtwister]

awwwwwwwwwwwww he is so attentive and so sweeeet and loving he l oves to play im spoeeechlesss because im tickled pink love yu phabeni ek is lief vir julle almal and ndinokuda nemoyo wangu wese

[@DionnaReilly]

It's so good seeing him come around to his new home.

[@gloriamariasuarezpinto6803]

Un nuevo día en el orfanato Bebé Elefantito Phabeni recibiendo las mejores atenciones por parte de Mamá humana ADINE,el señor Jhosua Phabeni 🐘 es muy tranquilo y sin recibir enseñanzas sabe mucho de buen comportamiento al ser un bebé huérfano requiere de mucho tiempo y cuidados Gracias Mamá ADINE por su dedicación así como lo ha hecho con los elefantitos anteriores entre ellos la bebé elefantita Fenya 🐘 y bebé elefantita KHANYISA 🐘🙏

[@dennisharrington3384]

Thanks. All ‘em elephants look the same to me. You sure you ain’t just pulling my leg, calling ‘em out by name ‘n all?

[@alison__16]

Aww he's doing little dust baths already. He's good with his trunk for such a little baby.

[@tcmichigan8066]

Has he meant the other elephants? Maybe would it be ok for him to be with the others during the day? I love Phabeni!!! Please 🙏 give them my loves ❤️

[@gemzoey1313]

Such a sweet beautiful boy!❤❤

[@Ihfmpw8]

I love hearing him purr xx

[@CS-rq4ng]

lol thats her doing that .. trying to comfort him im sure

[@The-ii5mj]

Nothing says "Morning" quite like a fresh steaming "💩 Shake"💁😏🐘❤✌

[@nancylogan5575]

Love his eyes.

[@jmcampbell05]

HE'S JUST EATING UP THE ATTENTION AND PAMPERING!!

[@woodstream6137]

Such a happy baby

[@marpro765]

I think I would like to see Timisa say hello to Phabeni when he is ready to meet some of the other elephants. She is such a gentle and non-threatening soul. Maybe she could come with Tokwe (or Limpopo, Kumbura, or Pisa to greet him). Somehow, I imagine that Khanyisa might be a touch too feisty, but I could be very wrong. You all, of course, know best. Fishan and Jabulani should be one of the first male elies to meet Phabeni as well. I don't think they would be intimidating to him. I hope Phabeni survives all the physical problems from which baby elies can suffer and that he grows healthy, strong, and lives a long, happy life within the HERD.

[@brigittecavanagh4291]

Sending you all my love, elephants and caregivers

[@seescafedeu]

I see u do everything for him. I hope he gets better.

[@laylay2011]

The calf so skiny Sometimes I think Adine is amazing?!

[@luisaianni3191]

What a handsome little face.

[@karijordan4930]

Phabeni's eyes are so beautiful!

[@MsLilac88]

He is so adorable. 😊

[@jolandahuisman8007]

He's very sweet and adorable, I think also a little bit cheeky will come out when he's getting more comfortable day by day 🤗🐘 Can they play with a big bal or tire? I have seen other elephants playing with it at the ENP natur Park. What a great job! You're all doing. Thank you for this sweet video, Aidini ❤🐘🐑🪲🦗❤

[@leilaskye8143]

I love thevway elephants purr

[@catherinethomas1276]

Phabeni is so young and his soulful eyes ❤ I think when adine first got there with the termite hill , phabeni was pleased abd a bit anxious because he missed Adine .. phabeni is a boisterous playful baby. I think he's very sad about losing his mother and herd. But he's well loved and cared for at the Orphanage thankfully. Have the other elephants caught whiff of phabeni and khanyisa?

[@MrBarney03]

It’s amazing how little Phabeni seems to be settling in so well and so comfortable with Adine and all the carers. His eyes are so expressive and definitely show that he feels safe and loved. I’ve only been watching since Khanyisa arrived, so am not familiar with how the other orphans passed. Is there a timeframe when the babies are more vulnerable to diseases or conditions and at what age do they usually grow out of it. From watching some of your previous videos it seems like healthy looking babies can quickly become sick and pass. That must be heartbreaking!

[@tracymcgrath1192]

I want to hug him❤❤❤

[@MultiDianeD]

Oh if only these babies could talk!

[@LadyShanghai-wj1kh]

Love this…day in the life…❤

[@Fadedecho1]

This scenery is absolutely gorgeous. The greens and sky. Beautiful yard. All for the beautiful ellies and family. Such dedication here as well. God bless you all. 🙏 ❤

[@martharingwelskiulloa3694]

Gracias 🙏🙏🙏🇨🇴

[@bellelise.]

I love all of you! You are awsome! Is he still 'wetting the bed'? Don't laugh ...I know you will...but I had a bunny who did that when she was little. She quickly grew out of it.

[@getset2799]

This small baby might have escaped how many lions in his life. Please save this poor little guy. Thank you

[@jmcampbell05]

HE LOOKS HAPPY NOW, HE'S SMILING-- BEFORE HE WAS PANICKED, FEARFUL.

[@calpoker21]

how long til you guys take him out on some walks in the bush? can't wait to watch that!

[@MsLilac88]

Hope to see the little boy playing with little Khanyisa & Timisa soon. 😊

[@markcardwell]

Treats for the sweets

[@alison__16]

For anyone interested in the "shit shake" recipe 😜 there's a video from about 3 yrs ago called "How to Make Elephant Shit Shakes" where Adine shows how to make one for Khanyisa and explains a bit why they are so good.

[@kathyd2595]

Phabeni is getting bigger so quickly! I can see it since that first day, how he’s putting on weight very well. Great job HERD☮️❤️🌍🐘

[@veronicahenge1164]

Beautiful❤❤❤