A Secret Look into the Elephant Homestead | A Night with Lundi, Mambo & Jabulani

We're excited to show you the elephant homestead from a whole new angle! For the first time, we get to see what Lundi, Mambo, and Jabulani get up to in the homestead at night.
We are immensely grateful to ‪@fStopFoundation‬, who generously donated nine remote cameras to us. Using these cameras, we can observe the elephants in ways we haven't been able to before. We look forward to learning much more about the elephants and their behaviour!
In this video, we see the section of the homestead that Lundi, Mambo, and Jabulani share. The camera is facing one side of the section; the water trough and the section covered by the roof (where the elephants' food is) are out of view. This section is quite long, and it's positioned closest to the carers' rooms.
Mambo is 14 years old and Jabulani is turning 27 in March. Young bulls like Mambo learn skills and behaviours from older bulls like Jabulani. This includes sparring. By sparring playfully with older bulls, young bulls learn essential skills and grow stronger. As we can see in this video, Jabulani and Mambo certainly get lots of sparring practice.
Eventually, the three elephants go to sleep on the sand mound. But just a few hours later, they wake up to eat. They go back to sleep, then wake up again a few hours later to eat. Elephants spend the vast majority of their days on eating - up to 18 hours per day! That means that they eat throughout the night as well. Unlike humans, who tend to sleep for one long stretch, elephants sleep for multiple short stretches. In between those periods of sleep, they spend their time eating.
In the morning, Jabulani is the first to wake, followed by Lundi. Mambo takes his time to wake up, preferring to sleep as late as possible. We imagine that all the sparring of the previous night must have been quite tiring.
We'll be sharing more peeks into the homestead soon!

[@brendamcmanus9438]

Here’s a big shoutout to the “fStop Foundation” 👏 Thank you so much for your camera donation. To watch the Herd at night in the stables…outstanding❣️

[@avs6372]

❤❤❤❤

[@Franklin5261]

Yes!! Thank you so much. I have always wondered what life is like at the homestead. It’s so interesting to see what elephants do at night. I actually did not know they laid down to sleep. I found that so adorable ❤. Thanks again!

[@AxmednuurBulsho]

À​@@Franklin5261

[@user-uw5yz6eh1w]

​@@avs63720

[@lindabergeron1881]

It is wonderful that the Elle’s can lay down to sleep without having to worry about predators ❤️❤️❤️

[@avs6372]

I thought about that too and explains how challenging it would be to go completely " wild". I think it helps me understand why they were worried when Mambo joined a wild herd. He can't do this in the wild. ❤ the HERD at HERD need each other.

[@poppamic]

Its a real privilege watching these beautiful elephants sleeping 😍 Thanks for all you do 🤗❤️🐘

[@Sharon-yc8if]

Thank you for the cameras FSTOP foundation

[@melodiefrances3898]

Jabulani mentoring Mambo can only be a good thing ❤❤❤

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

Si cara Melodie 👌

[@rebz8805]

Fishan is the peaceful warrior. He teaches other skills.

[@kathyking5552]

He truly is a gentle sweet giant. He and Jabu are so kind. Beautiful big boys.

[@deeT02]

His foot doesn't allow him to take part in as much as he would like. 😢

[@Isabelacostama]

First, I want to thank you for your donation "Stop Foundation", see how elephants behave, is another step to take better care of them and understand the important intervention of the big bulls with the youngest. Adine you are amazing. You were born in the right place, with the right parents to be a strong soul, full of love to all these magic creatures. Thank you for all you do and help us to grow in the loving space of the elephants♥♥♥♥♥

[@Nietzsky]

Thank you fStop Foundation

[@shannondominguez9725]

It’s been awhile since we had a secret glimpse into the herds “nightlife” and I really love this new angle thank you to the wonderful foundation who donated the new “Ellie cams”. Mambo is maturing into quite the dashing young man and of course Jabu is already there,the seasoned pro teaching the youngsters all his tricks/ways of being a bull. Watching them spar put a smile on my face I imagine Lundi knows by now to stay out of the way and let the boys be boys lol she’s the best girl. Thank you HERD for another wonderful video showcasing some pretty amazing natural behaviors don’t forget to like,comment and share everyone the more the better as it helps the team continue to provide the very best life for this special family that they can.🐘🌟🌙💚💚

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

Cara Shannon sei tra le migliori per me nella spiegazione ,grazie di cuore ❤️buonanotte Ita ore 21,12 mercoledi

[@lindy88car]

Thank you so much for all you do. Very generous fstop for cameras. Might seem silly to you but where are the other elephants

[@shannondominguez9725]

@@lindy88car It’s not a silly question at all there’s 15 elephants in the herd who sleep in the homestead which is divided into different sections & the elephants are split into different groups(little Phabeni sleeps in the nursery bc of his need for night bottles and the carers need to monitor him closely,ensure he’s putting on weight,he’s only 4 months old)this camera angle shows Mambo,Lundi & Jabu’s sleeping area(Lundi is Mambo’s mom as well as the adoptive mama to both Khanyisa and now Phabeni)the others are out of view. Tokwe shares her section with Uncle Fish & her girl’s Limpopo,Pisa,adopted daughters Timi Cupcake,Kumbura & of course Khanyisa Sunshine. Adine opted to have Braveheart bunk with them bc of Tokwe’s experience with orphans as well as the bond Sunshine has with both Kumbura and Timi which helped her settle into her sleeping arrangements more comfortably. There’s a couple previous Ellie cam videos in the playlist that show their angle of nightlife and what Pink princess gets up to including playtime with her bestie.🩷🐘🥹👑🌸

[@ac38656]

@@lindy88car in there bedrooms or night enclosures its 4 sections for our 4 top girls tokwe lundis bubi and setombe all mammas have there own sections that has grown

[@ac38656]

@@shannondominguez9725 I only realized your answer had read more else I wouldnt have replied to lindy88car very detailed answer give I like it

[@dewdan11dnd46]

🫶The hours of darkness, brings a whole new view of the homestead and its occupants. Thank you, fstopfoundation, for providing equipment for the visible clarity, for an incredible observer’s insight. 💚🐘🐘🌿🐘💞

[@theresatheron3838]

And Mambo says, please mom Lundi, just 5 more minutes!!

[@sherryammons2009]

Thank you so much, “FStop Foundation” for your generous donation to the HERD for the camera’s for the HERD’S Ellies! We, the many fans from around the world are so thrilled to be able to watch the Ellies during the evening hours too. Not to mention the staff being able to watch the Ellie’s any time to make sure their precious Ellies are safe and sound! Thank you again! Sherry USA

[@EvaArt-ud6gwari]

Yes, yes, yes, all that, thank you.

[@shawnmurray9964]

My heart is bursting watching them sleep, stretch, yawn & move faster than a person would think possible 😂 amazingly beautiful! ❤

[@gabe_2544]

That all three lie down and sleep at the same time speaks volumes to me about the level of safety and comfort they feel, that HERD has provided them.

[@lynnclark4208]

Lundi is telling them it's time to settle down. It's bedtime! I was quite surprised seeing them spar at bedtime. 😊

[@ac38656]

Yes she was telling them don't hurt each other my boys or momma gona do some sparring on the pair of you now calm it lol. The Boys sure love there mom, that picture of mambo snuggled up to lundi with jabu on the bed mound with them is beautiful

[@Dahlias7]

Jublani, probably is thinking, "oh no! another baby bull to raise."🥰

[@paolacanali4567]

Ho sempre creduto che gli elefanti dormissero in piedi mentre invece si sdraiano come noi ❤

[@JulieRushworth]

I once saw a horse lying in a field..I thought it was dead! I know..

[@missclaire4820]

In the wild that is true they often sleep standing up for safety but these elephants sleep lying down as they seem to know the homestead is a safe place . one elephant often still remains standing and awake according to Adine’s comments in other videos.

[@crazyworldoccupant7386]

Mambo….. HERD’s resident troublemaker ele!, ❤❤❤❤❤

[@evonwilliams7502]

I just 💘 mambo his big and spoiled and silly and he does things his way thank you for all the 💘 and care that you gi😮 all of them I still don't understand why people just won't leave them alone it hurts me so bad when I hear are see someone has hurt them are killed them and make them do hard work plus chain them up bless you and your caregivers stay safe and blessed🎉😂😂 🎉😂❤

[@evonwilliams7502]

Just so beautiful

[@BellesDreams]

I thought Jubalani was the instigator!! 😂😂

[@crazyworldoccupant7386]

@@BellesDreamsMambo is a well known troublemaker! He likes to duel and take off on his own. He’s a rebel!!!

[@brendatenorio5721]

Nice. Nighttime always intriguing

[@marilynsears7611]

Yes lol. I kept waiting for Lundy to yell “ knock it off and go to sleep” roflmao !!

[@suzannehouse1172]

Lundi is the best girl with the baby elrphants and all of them. Such wisdom i could learn so much from her. Thank you for all you do

[@keithripley7481]

When you see the ease which Jabulani can shove Mambo around without even really trying it makes you even more aware of just how gentle he is around Phabeni and the other youngsters

[@lindaredwood-kahn8143]

Very cool! Thanks for this new viewpoint of Marvelous Mambo and company!

[@duanerosenzweig9805]

Filmed 11-9-23, just before 8 pm, 73°F. I hope Jabu can teach Mambo some manners!

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

👌👍👋

[@user-jp3ce7qg4k]

Thank you carers for rebuilding the sand piles every day! How fascinating that they can all sleep on softish piles where they can even dig their tusks for more comfort and relaxation! I learned so much from this video 😮

[@Lisa-nv8ko]

Thank you VERY MUCH for those cameras!! Thank you for that donation. So informative & educational watching elephants like this. Makes my life so much richer watching an animal I love without intrusion. 🙏♥️🐘

[@avs6372]

Yes!❤

[@janparish7895]

Enjoyable video - Thanks so much 😊❤🐘❤️👍🙏

[@Renee29forever]

The Herd have their own Ring cams! Yay! Many many thanks for the wonderful donation made by FSTOP foundation! Will look forward to more Pajama parties in the future! These 3 ellies have a beautiful bond with each other! Lots of trust and love! Mambo seems to have calmed down quite a bit...and its obvious his respect for Jabu. Beautiful Lundi gives her boy the space he needs...and Lundi and Jabu seem to have a deep connection that I had overlooked. Very precious to share their world at night! Thank you FSTOP for making it possible! And Herd for sharing! 😴😴😴❤❤❤

[@zora4321]

This is AWESOME! I was wondering how they sleep and what they do at night (if anything), and now I know. It s absolutely amazing to see them at peace and feeling save enough to lay down. Speaks volumes of the care, respect and love they get. 👏👏👏

[@ac38656]

That's so sweet mambo still sleeps next to mommy ❤❤ and even jabu all 3 have very special bond

[@bellaisme1761]

🙈 Those tusks so close to their eyes.... 😬. Mambo's front feet as he enjoys the last minute of his sleep 😍

[@shawnmurray9964]

💗

[@jolynnhill8502]

That was fun! I love The Herd!!

[@marie-clauderecchia4531]

With Mambo there is not a dull moment at some point you have to laugh It is good that he is with an experimented young Bull in the homestead, Jabu in this case, because Mambo is strong and always looking for trouble (remember the famous night fight with Tokwe) and Jabu has a very steady character and can give lessons to Mambo We can see the gentle way he is sparring with Mambo and when Mama Lundi has decided that it was enough she can have the sparring stopped asap Both Bulls listen to Mama Lundi 😂🤣 It is great that she still have influence on her mischevious young teenager Mambo can be 14 but he still is a Mama's boy❤️🐘🐘❤️🐘 Thanks for this" journey to the end of the night"

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

Bravissima cara Marie- Claude! Hai centrato ben bene il discorso,parole giuste! Grazie 👍👋💤💤

[@serenityalways9882]

Thank you so much for sharing such intimate and precious moments with these majestic creatures!!!! And Thank you for taking such loving care for all of them, Adine and staff!

[@christine5557]

So interesting to watch. Thank you so much ❤❤❤

[@lynnarcher39]

What a wonderful video. This was such a treat to watch! Thank you ever so much.

[@marpro765]

It's very warm at night there during the video filming.

[@catherinethomas1276]

Its so reassuring that theyre all safe well cared for and cosy ❤ hope phabeni is fast asleep after finishing his milk bottles 🍼 ❤❤

[@mindmyown1]

I loved watching this. It’s fascinating to see the dynamics of this amazing HERD. I can almost hear Lundy communicating with her son Mambo explaining to him that he was born into the jackpot of all herds. Here he is cared for, fed, protected and still free to roam and do their thing during the day. What a life !!

[@jolandahuisman8007]

That was beautiful to watch for the first time for me to see them at night time 🐘🫶🐘🐘🫶 thank you, FStop foundation, for your generous donation ❤ thanks for sharing 🫶

[@JamieM470]

So interesting seeing how they spend their nights! Love the elephant imprint on the mound at 9:35 ! Those tusks close to the eyes when they're tussling make me so nervous! It's a wonder they never put each other's eyes out. Yeah, I'm a mom...

[@dorothywestcott2408]

I think these cameras are a great addition to the homestead. Thank you FSTOP Foundation. After all that sparring for half the night Jabulani 🐘 and Mambo 🐘 are all tuckered out. Lundi 🐘 finally enters the picture and the sparring ends and all go to sleep on the sand mound. Thank you for sharing their typical night adventures. I loved it.❤️🐘🐘🐘❤️

[@brendamcmanus9438]

🧡💖🩷♥️ that moment too

[@theresatheron3838]

Oh man, this made me really smile and what a privilege to be able to see these beautiful animals and their antics at night as well. Just like kids sparring with one another and eventually mom has to step in and put a stop to it. In Afrikaans there is a saying "van wit tandjies tot wit tranjies".

[@kathyking5552]

Stand your ground Jabu!! Don't let that young whippersnapper push you around. You are my hero. And Fishan, glad you don't have to put up with that stuff. You have been through enough. Maybe you and Jabu could room together!!!!???? Love you 2 boys!!! P.S. Mambo, you are a young pain in the rump!!! Chill.

[@user-fs1uv7td4n]

Tout à fait passionnant de voir leurs personnalités

[@bettesmith1117]

This was great to see. Loved it, thank you!

[@LamiaEssex]

We can also see how calm Jubulani is with Teenagers.....gentle(as in Gentle Giants) but firm.....Mambo reminds me of toddlers and teenagers.......that throw tantrums.....this makes me chuckle...of when Mambo went AWOL ....and there was high alert trying to find him.....Just like a kid tossing his toys out of the stroller....then Lundi appears....how many moms are now rolling there eyes and thinking damn it......"Boys will be Boys"....Then she comes in to sight and the two sparring ..walk away in different directions....."Yep Mom is the word....just by her presence"...now behave do not show me up to the audience......ooops..was I not meant to say that......Lundi whispers we are on camera......have a great evening, morning or afternoon.......hugs to Khanysia and Phabeni aka the baby.....cos Khanysia is a big Gurl now

[@vanpattonvanpatton7391]

THANK YOU FOR SHARING

[@JulieRushworth]

Dnt mess with Jabu lil Mambo, my cats spar, always starts with one grooming the other and ends in flying fur. Quick move heres Mama... How Beautiful to be able to peek into more of a Elephants life, just wanna snuggle up and take care of all of our Herd. Much love to one and all 💙 💚 ❤️

[@kathyking5552]

Midnight snacks and a tussle or two. Looks like years past with me and my brother. 😂

[@aircando]

I am in complete AWE !! I don't have the words to express the undeniable privilege to see the nocturnal lives of the Herd! Those cameras are an eye opener into their behaviour so, Kudos to you fStopFoundation! 👏👏👏

[@gwendaniel6402]

Love this they’re so strong and beautiful 😻 ❤❤❤

[@beatrixjansen6297]

Thank you F Stop Foundation. The Herd needed this camera. Great video. Interesting to see what some of the elephants do at night.🥰🥰🥰

[@n-silvabts9178]

Thank you, fSTOP Foundation!

[@star_dante]

So sweet to watch them sleep and be comfortable. Lundi knows that camera is there.

[@lamh5265]

Beautiful.....loved it.

[@paolacanali4567]

Buona notte 😴😴😴

[@CristinaF210]

Mr Jabu always his cool self one day with all your help Phabini will be a strong big beautiful loving confident bull. Bulls do love a good sparring match dont they? So nice watching them sleep . The work of God you all do it really is. Thank you 💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝💝

[@mike48877]

Mombo's the man! Love watching them wake up. They move like me in the AM! I envy them: Eat, sleep, and have a healthy BM! 🐘

[@susanfeneley]

@mike48877 Great comments!!🤣😉🫣🇺🇸

[@debbie-annleonard227]

What a secret world at night. Amazing video. Unreal Lundi 'thats enough boys ' bed now. 😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dianeoxendine7619]

Yep. Alright guys QUIT IT. move so I can lay down

[@rocioaguilera3555]

WOW. 29°C extremely hot. Imagine the day temperatures. Impossible to withstand 😢

[@Kim-lc3fv]

Love these ellies. It's so sweet to see Mambo curled up in the fetal position to sleep. 😊❤🐘

[@meraaicat]

Elephant gym ❤

[@mariafont8826]

Es maravilloso lo que hemos visto y todo un privilegio. Muchas gracias, Herd, por estas magníficas imágenes. Uruguay

[@christiejones3842]

Love it, hope to see more night activities.

[@monaboutet6863]

Fascinating!

[@debbiefox4239]

Wow.. was that ever interesting !! I’d seen calves lay down & sleep but wasent sure what the adults did. So neat to see the sparing ! Great thanks to the organization that supplied the cameras to ..Herd !! 👍👍👍👍❤️

[@missclaire4820]

In the wild adult elephants don’t lie down to sleep as much as these elephants or not at all as it isn’t safe. Adult elephants sleep standing up for short periods. The matriarch of the herd will sometimes go for weeks without sleep to ensure the safety of the herd.

[@debbiefox4239]

@@missclaire4820 😳.. wow that’s interesting ! Thanks for the info 👍👍

[@avs6372]

Not in the wild. They stand ❤

[@kp8381]

Thank you, fStop foundation. This was wonderful to watch. It was so fun and entertaining. Loved when they were sleeping and curling their legs up. Precious, majestic, souls. 🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️

[@barbarabourgeois888]

Jabulani and Mambo are True Bros!!! 🩵😉💙 I grew up with 3 Brothers and they were just like this: Pushing, shoving, playing with each other all the Time! But, they were BROTHERS and always had each others backs!! And Jabulani and Mambo will be just the same!! FRIENDS FOREVER! Thank you for sharing this!!! Love “ The Bros!” 🙏🏻💙✨🩵🐘🐘🐘🩵✨💙🙏🏻🎊🤩🎉

[@angelraburn4401]

What a special treat to watch them when they think nobody’s watching 😊 educational as well as pure joy to see them so happy and healthy. Thank you. Stay safe

[@ronascott4449]

Thanks fStop Foundation for donating the cameras and Herd family for sharing! It's fascinating to see the 🐘 in their evening habitat, living their beautiful lives. The sparring match & Lundi quietly putting an end to it was awesome! Much love to all at Herd!

[@candidaprout560]

Thanks very much 👍❤️. I enjoyed it so much ❤. Hi khanisa ❤️💕

[@SarahICannon]

Beautiful! Thank you fStop foundation for the cameras that now allow us this amazing opportunity that we would never normally be able to witness!!!

[@susanfeneley]

So happy to see a night video...was wondering when one would pop up since you had more, and new cameras. Great coverage. Lundi's word is law!!😅 Thanks for this special video.

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

Perfetto pensiero cara Susan!

[@user-li9cr1ff7f]

We don’t often see elephants lying down, except for medical procedures.

[@catherine59226]

I love the nightlife videos!

[@Lwah0812]

Thank you fStopFoundation, I know the HERD team really appreciate it as do all of us viewers. I really enjoyed watching the nighttime antics and seeing them sleep…they are too adorable with their legs curled up and themselves all relaxed. It always amazes me how easy they make it look getting that load up… I wish it was easy for me, lol. Love the I Jabulani herd!

[@markcardwell]

Yeah this was great! Thanks FSTOP

[@jaynebailey]

That is so sweet with them sleeping

[@helencoupland8331]

So dedicated and privileged you all are with these beautiful smart elephants thank you 🙏

[@debrahouston2884]

Boys will be boys... 🐘 🤔 🐘 Heads up, Mambo! Pay attention to Jabulani! LUV JABU-BOY!!! 💞 🐘 💞 He is an awesome bull leader for the herd -- a magnanimous spirit, plus a soft heart for Phabeni, as for other wee ones in past -- what a great combo! #HERDisAWESOME #SAVEtheELEPHANT #DONATEtoHERD #BANallIVORYPoaching #BANallIVORYTRADE

[@iaingibbs9589]

Did you realise they'd like to play in the dark around the mound like this.😊😊😊❤❤😊

[@suzannehouse1172]

Mambo needs to learn some respect for his elders. I just think they are all magnificent❤

[@sandrasunshine4250]

Wowzers, does the temperature fluctuate.

[@kitc1031]

OOPS! I think Mambo is practicing to take Jabulani's place in the ranking order some day.🤭🤭

[@babaib3513]

They look so sweet innocent round

[@amykins9870]

These two need to take less naps during the day so they will sleep at night. From Lundi's pov. Have to spar before bed to get good and tired. I love how Jabu lets Mambo push him around too. Midnight snack and of course the teenager is the last to rise!

[@mortalclown3812]

Had no idea how adorable a full grown elephant looks while sleeping ~ 😊 They are so secure at the compound. Thanks to everyone at HERD and fStop for the front row seats... 10K miles away. 🇸🇿🌍🌿🐘🐘🌛✨️💙

[@rocioaguilera3555]

Eating and playing at night 😂😅😊🌃😂😅

[@felicitysummers9140]

Thx so much fSTOP Foundation for your super donation, great to get a different perspective with the HERD Elephants. Well my first thought was with Mambo sparring the night away, well for I think 1.5hrs 😊 with Jabulani he is not annoying Tokwe or damaging the fence between them! 😂. But you would think that after slogging thru the bush for the day that they might be a tad tired? I kept on thinking while mainly Jabulani had his head on Mambos face that it’s a miracle that eyes don’t get damaged!

[@5tarBK]

I love the mambo shaped imprint on the mound after he gets up @ 9:36 … and the morning yawn from Jabu was absolutely adorable

[@cynthiamoore3250]

Mambo and lil man phebani what a pair 😊 that going to be can't wait to see also miss K ❤PLAYING Together 😍🥰😉

[@peterrauth118]

The two bulls, they're not really 'fighting', are they?

[@tazylab6233]

The video captions said that ,that was the way old bull teach young ones to spare , no real fighting just practice, see Jabu initiated

[@loraineriddell7157]

Wonderful to watch them having a boy's night out 😅. Aaww, Mum, just 5 mins more, PLEASE! Crickey, isn't it supposed to get cooler at night 😮? Beautiful to be able to watch them sleeping and then waking up.

[@CarmenDL1]

I'm in awe of these beauties. Thank you so much for the new live cams! I'm loving the nightlife lol

[@mienamie4448]

Dit is echt leuk😍🤗kroont een 💎juweel op jullie mooie films👏🙌🙌🙌echt leuk💖🐘💖dankje superr💘🐘👌

[@ungenerationed9022]

Jabu has always been my favorite Herd member. His strong, patient demeanor seems well suited to tutoring a rambunctious young bull like Mambo. And yet so gentle with little pabenhi.

[@candicerunyon2762]

There was no aggression between them of course, just two guys wrestling around. Very cool!

[@parawomenradio]

I dunno why, but I like to watch them at night lol TY to the fStop Foundation for allowing me to indulge! #teamelephant #teamHERD

[@sharonj.1240]

Fascinating how much time they spend awake and moving...unlike humans. Us viewers are grateful for the camera donations so we can watch our beloved elephants. Thank you for the @fStopFoundation.

[@Brian-xb6sc]

That's wonderful, watching the herd in the homestead at night.!! They are just beautiful, clever creatures.!! Thanks to fStop for your kind camera donation.!!🎉❤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿