Acceptance and Protection - Orphan baby elephant Khanyisa's integration with the Jabulani Herd

ACCEPTANCE AND PROTECTION
Sunrise started with more excited hellos and curiosity from the herd. As Khanyisa ran towards them at first light, both Bubi and Lundi ran lovingly towards her. She turned to Bubi and Lundi turned and reversed as a sign of submissiveness and respect to Bubi.
The cows all take their turn to greet Khanyisa with lots of fuss and ado; she has been accepted with so much love. What a unique herd they are!
Guess who led the way as they departed for a morning walk - little Khanyisa, and boldly so, too! She strutted ahead with lots of confidence in her step as they headed towards the morning's rising sun.
During the morning in the bush it was incredible to watch the level of protection the herd showed on many occasions. Keep watching for some lovely moments with Khanyisa playing at Bubi's feet, as she loosed some sand for the little calf. After a while, she encouraged Khanyisa to get up as she had been laying down for too long.
Shortly after, the elephants caught the scent of a potential threat in the air. Lundi immediately moved towards Khanyisa, Bubi and Kumbura, and Tokwe soon joined them, forming a protective circle around her.
There were a few occasions like this during the morning, as we came across quite a lot of wildlife including two rhinos. Their instinct is always to protect their young.
As we arrived back to the orphanage, Khanyisa sped over to her carer Reply who was waiting patiently with a delicious bottle of milk!
All is well in Khanyisa's world, and we are very proud of the herd's unconditional acceptance and protection of her.
www.herd.org.za

[@annecollins937]

Having been involved in early aged childcare for several decades I can tell you it's the preemies who grow into the strongest assertive youngsters. They typically display the most appreciative zest for life along with hearts of kindness towards their peers. Often we name an excited, energetic child as 'busy' or rambunctious when in truth they are just exhibiting learned success at having fought & won the battle for life at the hands of skilled & loving care givers. Don't be so fearful over hard beginnings, it produces mighty spirits in our little ones who grow to become leaders early on. Choose your attitude. I'm willing to bet Khanyisa will some day lead the herd every where, every day🌟

[@pauladixon9003]

It’s so beautiful how they rush to encircle the baby. I love elephants! ❤️

[@herdelephantorphanage]

It is!

[@CharlotteWebb1952]

Incredible ~Beautiful ~Inspiring ❤

[@JamieM470]

Wasn't that amazing? Wonderful to see :)

[@afpwebworks]

It would be a very determined and foolish predator that still tried to take Khanyisa after they had formed that protective circle round her. How wonderful that we got to see that protective tactic happen. Thank you!!

[@LindaJohnson-rf7kz]

I was a little emotional when Lundi smelled something in the air and went to Khanyisa, and when Tokwe joined... it’s amazing to see them surrounding Khanyisa. I’m in awe of these gentle giants in every video 🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Super emotional moment - instinct to protect those they love!

[@adrestianyx7441]

me too. i am almost more in awe the more I watch and study them and their behavior. i can't grasp a planet where elephants no longer exist which is why anyone who can, donate money, donate time, spread the word! we MUST PROTECT THEM ON ALL LEVELS NOW.

[@debrahouston2884]

Their Insight, Wisdom and Dedication to each other is AMAZING to see!...And how they form a circular phalanx, facing outward, with the wee one, Khanyisa, in the center...Brilliant! 🌾🐘🐘🐘🌾

[@josi4251]

Yes, I always get choked up when the adults automatically take up the guardian positions around the baby. Such love and respect.

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

@@josi4251 and baby is so tiny.

[@justseekingtruth3998]

It is so precious how they immediately surround her when she first comes to them and then she comfort nurses and that brought tears to my eyes. They are all extraordinary beings. How blessed you are to be involved in their lives ❤️ I envy you❤️ That baby is beyond adorable❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Those elles sure do love that baby!!!

[@swissmaid]

Love the way the girls put their foot forward for the baby to suckle. Adorable. Those videos would have to be the closest an animal lover will get to paradise! So peaceful. Those elephants are so relaxed with you there filming and behave so very natural. . They obviously trust and love you all. Which says a lot about you. I would give a lot to even just spend a day with you. Thank-you so much for your videos. Serious animal lover here sending good wishes for you all. ❤❤❤

[@herdelephantorphanage]

it is beautiful to watch as they move their legs forward to say, come my dear.... :-)Thanks for the kind words!

[@edwardpapera8124]

Oh my, She was so tiny back then. I forgotten how young Khanyisa was when she fist arrived. So fashonating, they new Khanyisa was still weak. They even let her rest awhile.

[@frankwolf3860]

Just at this video's start each Elephant seems to be bringing their own "all day" branch as they gather around Khanyisa...they look so cute carrying around such large branches, especially Lundi! very endearing...as usual! Then loved that quick shot of the setting sun...with it shinning through 4 sets of Elephant legs no less...wow great shot! And then there's "matriarch in training"...already!, baby Khanyisa leading the walk...just like proud parents at any public park letting their child lead them around a bit...soooooo endearing. Then a little later I'm totally absorbed watching Khanyisa, Bobi and Kumbura interacting when therein the back, out from inside a big bush comes this huge Elephant trunk perfectly curling up in the sky...meanwhile as baby Khanyisa starts doing her very best impression of a Whort Hog working on its burrough...! Bobi loosening sand for Khanyisa to practice tossing it over herself!... your videos are revealing Elephant intimacies not well known to even many "experts"...wow, again! Very much like Musk Ox above the Arctic Circle, the adults for a circle around baby, each adult generally facing a different direction...nothing can sneak up on or get by their collective vision...many folks could take great family-care lessons here! Yes, "So beautiful to see!" Seeing baby Khanyisa down a couple bottles of milk waiting on her when she gets back...reminds me I need to go and feed my Malamutes...they are all starting to look at me like I don't love them anymore...it's been almost 9 hours since breakfast, oh poor unloved creatures (ha ha ha)...last but not least; this was a wonderful video to watch, entertaining and informative! None of which would be possible without your ongoing loving patience to quietly video your Herd dependably day after day...Thank You, Adine!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thanks for the amazing comment, as always! Sorry we only see it now!

[@DianaBamaRN]

I have thought exactly the same thing about the Artic Musk Ox making the formation called The Rose, by placing the babies in the center and each adult butt first into the center while facing outwards. They are virtually impregnable that way. I’ve actually seen some other species, usually prey animals that range across large open spaces, do something similar. But thank you for mentioning it. I always think of it when they do that with the little ones. Quite intelligent.

[@lisalavender3818]

This is what I dream of. A community of humans that look after each other. No judgment no jealousy, no greed, just unconditional love.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

couldn't agree more!

[@nirvashajithoo4359]

They are so peaceful and welcoming to the orphaned toddler elephant.

[@camelotcat6794]

This video is Amazing! Better than any movie. Bubi’s caring and Tokwe’s gentle carresses are beautiful. It doesn’t matter that none of these females is Khanysia’s birth mother; they love her and have adopted her. It never ceases to amaze me; God’s creations. Thanks HERD team for sharing. 🙏🇺🇸❤️

[@wellslj]

Khanyisa is so special. I hope she has a wonderful and full life after all the suffering she experienced as a baby. Glad all of you were there to help her recover & survive.

[@scherly1282]

That was so touching to see.. how they ran to protect her

[@herdelephantorphanage]

us too!

[@Joshiuma]

I love the way the females know the location of the young calf and move gently so as not to smoosh her .

[@herdelephantorphanage]

It is amazing!

[@afpwebworks]

Almost all mothers of all mammal species do the same. Try approaching a human child and see how quickly the mother will be right there.

[@ftc22]

The protection they always gave Khanyisa was wonderful to see. I'm always so amazed by the depth of love they have. I don't understand the most evil that hurts my precious friends. Stop the poaching!

[@chicks-on-the-loose]

I often feel the same when I see how strong their bonds are, and then imagine the heartbreak and despair they must feel when they lose a family member to poachers. The numbers since Europeans arrived in Africa are depressing.

[@xxmissyxx6604]

It is wonderful how the elephants provide a protective circle around Khanyisa when needed ❤🐘 Khanyisa looks so cute leading the herd out on their walk 😍 ❤🐘

[@OleScrappy]

A beautiful lesson to me on how love and a little kindness can make all the difference in the world. Share wityh our kids!

[@traceydavidson8504]

Khanyisa is such a brave, precious soul. My heart melts every time I watch videos of her. Thank you to the Herd team for all your care and dedication.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you Tracey!

[@champaperera8487]

God bless you "herd" group all the time.

[@pamfrank3962]

It is as if they know her and love and accept her internally. Nature at its finest. Of course her human Caregivers are pretty amazing people also..I thank you for endless hours of devotion. ❤🌷❤

[@Caprica-od6oc]

There's no doubt about it. They have accepted her as part of the herd. They will protect her at all cost. Like a said in one previous video, no predator will be able to get near her with that formidable wall of elephants protecting the baby. Elephants are such gentle giants. They love and protect one another. They can teach us what unconditional love mean. Love the shots with the sun in the background. Real wild life

[@The-Dom]

The protection and affection gives me goosebumps. Such majestic creatures.

[@jlda9474]

We are all so happy for you little Sunshine! To see you are getting all the love and nurturing from all the females, wow! I’m so glad and relieved to see you so happy in your little life, with many years ahead of you! You’ll never have to worry about anything!

[@patriciamartinez5836]

That baby has some serious nannies. Protecting their ward. Heartwarming

[@ryderaliciarey8440]

Omg...I love elephants so much! It is so good to see them happy, free from chains or being held in tight enclosures! They were meant to live free and be together in herds! I love this channel and baby Khanyisa is the cutest ever!

[@suelittle253]

Kanyisa shows leadership skills. She will be a matriarch one day!

[@Lotusdrm78]

True example of love and acceptance from this unique herd. From day 1 when she was introduced to Jabu all the way to now with loving trunks surrounding her. I'm in awe and we could all learn something about love with no judgements and what hope is. Simply beautiful! Little girl is growing up to be a fine wise Elle.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

So very true

[@TheTalksoup]

especially now

[@TheTalksoup]

After seeing the build up of anxiety and threats in my world, getting this virus and then watching the hurricane move in to my state TEXAS this little girl represents everything good kind and needed

[@herdelephantorphanage]

@@TheTalksoup Oh no! I hope you are okay !? That must be very scary. Glad we bring some happiness to your day

[@tamidecker4997]

I just LOVE these elephants ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@herdelephantorphanage]

We know the feeling :-)

[@crystalbreland561]

I love how they are so happy to see baby Ele❣️.

[@littleme3597]

SO CUTE HOW THEY RUN OVER TO HER , SURROUND HER AND PROTECT HER! RED ALERT, RED ALERT. MOM ON THE WAY!

[@sandralee8855]

Took them no time to get him in to the protective circle ...how wonderful these beautiful giants are...even the younger ellie's surround him for protection so cute...

[@sandralee8855]

@Mark Lanton it's wonderful they know where the babies are at all times ....so great🥰

[@dianedevery2662]

Her

[@tomstclair961]

I've heard of sharing the olive branch as a sign af welcome appreciation and gratitude but the whole damn tree!! Lol lol lol. Love or elephants 💕💕💕🙏

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Brilliant!

[@annecollins937]

Makes me want to go plant more trees AND Collards! But I imagine they'd pull em up by the roots with one bite. I'll keep dreaming & praying for this beautiful part of God's creation.

[@RomyArena]

Love, love, love from these gentle creatures

[@josi4251]

2:39 "What's up?" "Eh, I'm just going to hang out here, guard this baby and eat a tree." "Yep, sounds good."

[@justrayena526]

These videos bring joy to my heart. Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you all!

[@the_ele_fan9255]

I am new to this channel...but I'm in love with khanyisa, bubuand lundi....they amazingly care for each other!! Will learn soon!!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you and welcome again!

[@pamooconnor8154]

They want a baby and a baby wants them, doesn’t get much better than that.

[@bessiemann7468]

Oh they come running to protect the baby.What love they have

[@Helen3691]

All children should be so lucky to have Aunties and Uncles to love and protect them. Thank you to the human Aunties and Uncles, as well. 💕

[@brendajennerjohn4961]

I'm curious does not the little girl want to stay out at night with the herd ? Or is it that from day one you gave her a routine and she sticks with it.

[@karenjordan5487]

If only all humans had that kind of motherly love.

[@fredeemoon6053]

That protective format and method was breathtaking.......they all knew what to do straight away. 🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡🧡 must have been wonderful to be there and witness this....such a lucky team of carers ...your life must be so unique and rewarding and stunning at the same as heartbreaking at times. I wish you all good luck, much love and great health for your future with these magnificent rubbery bundles of fun. 🧡🧡🧡🧡 may you all stay strong as team for eternity 🧡🧡🧡

[@traceybell576]

They let her nurse! It is amazing to see them with her. I can't stop watching these videos. Incredible!.❤

[@anitafebo4552]

They are just so beautiful 😍💗💓❤️

[@janparish7895]

Everything is progressing wonderfully! Better than I could have hoped!!! Khanyisa likes Reply!!!! Thank you guys!!!

[@helenminehan4356]

As soon as khanyisa came near the herd a couple of the Ellies hurried over to protect her each one had a branch of food in their mouths I just cracked up, they are just so cute, thanks so much for the pictures, love you all 💕

[@gr8fuldeb699]

I feel like the herd would make an excellent animation movie with voiceovers.

[@catherinethomas1276]

I'm awestruck they're magnificent this HERD of elephants and the sunset majestic ✨️ Khanyisa is a 🌟 and thank you all so very much at HERD

[@sharonott7513]

Watching these precious animals just melts my heart. They take such sweet care of the baby. They are a most wondrous family.

[@lorischwind1048]

Kumbura's so curious. She always leans in and looks. She wants to protect and care for Khanyisa. She's so cute and sweet.

[@nandkishorekoya161]

What a beautiful movement 👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌mothers protect a little princesss👌👌👌👌🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

[@chriskallis8004]

It’s so hard to believe that one day tiny Khanyisa will be as big as these other elephants!❣️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@june8395]

@chris And she will do the same for another little one, someday.❤

[@barbaraweise4414]

I think people give animals less credit than they are due. .. Elephants, dogs , cats... They are all intelligent beings. Sometimes more than some people i know.

[@theannamueller]

Lundi had her 'tree-to-go' with an extra shot of green leaves this morning 😉

[@herdelephantorphanage]

haha - we missed this comment!!

[@chriskallis8004]

Anna Mueller 😂🤣😂🤣❣️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@cycleSCUBA]

😁😂👍

[@jasminej6281]

LMAO

[@DianaBamaRN]

Too funny. They all had a branch “to go” but Lundi definitely had the Venti sized with the extra shot! Just the way I like my White Chocolate Mocha, with an extra shot!

[@annwilliams1073]

Soft rumbles of love and concern

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Soothing sounds!

[@laluba3603]

These beautiful ladies really understand the value of a life.

[@rosalindaestrada5314]

The elephants 🐘 know that not all humans are good people. It's sad!

[@crey1301]

Melts my heart how they surround Khanyisa. So protective. ❤️❤️❤️

[@mariawelsh9485]

Thank you 😍

[@marjoriehopkins8138]

That little girl just melts my heart! I love how the rest of the herd protect her!

[@chris_iapetus]

Such power ! Such self-control & gentleness ! I think these are among the most wonderful images of our world. Thank you.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much - we loved these moments too!

[@ellicooper2323]

I like how they bring their snacks along.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Trees-to-go!

[@joette5333]

WOW ! they collectively guard that baby ! Amazing how each adult watches separate areas . Thanks this was uplifting

[@claudiopeppe9094]

Your videos brings tears to my eyes....Its pure LOVE

[@V.Hansen.]

How are they so friggin cute despite being gigantic? I just love them so much!

[@elainebernier]

I could watch this all day long!! Thank you..

[@dianamariaperezarango7707]

OMG.... Que belleza de protección tienen los🐘🐘🐘 Son un ejemplo en amor para los humanos❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@maryzaletel4928]

Majestic Elegant ! 😍😘💖💖💖 Elephants!😁

[@audreybee5061]

That really is so beautiful to see. She is well and truly a member of the herd.

[@wendyrual7179]

I love the way they bring their breakfast with them to greet Khanyisa!😂😂 All so respectful of each other....makes me ashamed of our human race! Ellies should rule the world ❤💕💕🐘🐘🐘💕

[@WmsYTpage]

This was really beautiful.

[@gabe-po9yi]

Awww, she’s wants to nurse so badly. She checks everyone to see if they have milk.

[@marilynbarker8255]

gabe 25 Yes, so sad.

[@gabe-po9yi]

Marilyn Barker It really is. Thankfully, she adjusted so quickly to her bottle feeding and became content with using teats as pacifiers, like human babies do.

[@marilynbarker8255]

gabe 25 I see!!! Thanks!

[@user-pt2kh6qo1x]

How poor for a baby without mother breast feeding and care!

[@lizl6232]

Love this herd. Great job everyone👍🏻

[@throwball2248]

7:32 when elephants were walking into the sunset was a gratifying feeling their free ...we see these traveling circus or petting farms even the private owning of these beautiful creatures has to stop there not being treated right sure some actually love their animals but to many treat them so badly those kind of people need to be prosecuted to the highest level

[@Clodi19]

Beautiful and easy acceptance to Khanyisa ! but for mlittle Phabeni it has been exceptional !!! absolutely fabulous !! a great felling of happiness of love ! all the herd is falling in love with him !! and this tiny baby needed so much love from the elephants and a mother !! Setombe an other surprise ! it’s really his baby !! Khanyisa was a little older and was more indépendant !! 2 intégrations totally different but what a precious moment for both !! and everyone 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💕🐘🐘💕👼👼

[@annwilliams1073]

Khanysia led the walk .wow

[@CristinaF210]

i truly dont think theres anything cuter than seeing Khanyisa learning how to use her little trunk to eat like her mothers and sisters are teaching her, i swear ive never seen anything more cute and precious, the fact you all filmed this its just priceless💖💖💖💖 ive never seen more gentle big people as elephants they are enormous but equally gentle, i dont think ive seen any other animal so happy so joyful of being around babies of having babies, for them i think , its the biggest joy they can have in their lives, which of course makes them even MORE precious unique loving beings, way better than us. i can only thank you from my heart for filming this 💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@eszterfoldvari8140]

Cute little sweetie, sniffing the mask on Reply's face! :)

[@LchanOtakudom]

Baby Khanyisa has a big, awesome family of elephants and humans alike! Edit: I wonder, they all brought over branches and while they were eating, Khanyisa was smelling them. Could they have been teaching her about what leafy foods are good to eat?

[@patogden856]

Amazing!!! Just wondering if the little elephant is getting milk from the older ones ? Or just the comfort of suckling ?

[@joanraiford194]

Just comfort suckling. None of lady elles are currently lactating. I find it interesting that they allow suckling at all.

[@jasminej6281]

Yes there practising being a mum too do they want to.

[@franceshicks5337]

Elephants r loving family looking after poor, sad, orphans, they r deeply caring to each other, humans could learn a lot from animals who care for each other, i hate ppl say behaved like animals, animals r true to their own, dont murder, r faithful, only kill for food, human interference has a lot to answer for, its about time now, 2020, we all learned to look after what we have

[@herdelephantorphanage]

We have a lot to learn from elephants!

[@jqstjohn]

Little Sunshine 🌞🐘❤️. #BeKindToElephants

[@jenisecoronado5555]

Beautiful, inspiring, endearing & wonderful footage! Thank you!

[@irenabevans3411]

Even mid munch with s bush in their mouths the older Ellie's surrounded Khanysia to protect her then went on the lookout, gentle giants a forest of legs like a stockade protecting a precious baby. The dynamic of the herd changed from free & easy to guard duty in seconds of Khanysias arrival truely amazing

[@annwilliams1073]

Timisa hovering too

[@renee1503]

Beyond Beautiful!!! Thank you for ALL YOU DO. With Utmost Respect, Renee from California

[@kimtodd61]

Don’t know if I have the right, but my heart burst with pride when they form that circle around Khanyisa❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@herdelephantorphanage]

That’s beautiful! Of course you have the right ❤️💖 you’re a witness to their journey

[@sameerkarkal4436]

❤️❤️❤️

[@patriciafuentescortez1555]

Amo, amo ver el sentimiento de protección, amor y cuidado de estos hermosos seres. Nos dan lecciones a los humanos. Debemos aprender de ellos.

[@melodiefrances3898]

I can never get enough of watching those circles ❤❤❤

[@samanthabrotto1272]

Most beautiful, rewarding work in the planet. Congratilations you guys are the "Salt of the Earth". All my desire for sweet Khanisya And her new family os an etwrnity of Love.

[@user-kr1ox5tp9u]

🤗💖🙏

[@SuperMarbelle]

My heart cries more for the babies than the adults. The adults understand some things, the babies do not. So glad of the adult elephants who take in the orphans.

[@seycas118]

Khanyisa is going to grow up and be the matriach of a big group, I just know it ... such a little braveheart!!!

[@michellesartori6695]

Oh wow! Seeing the elephant's surrounding Khanyisa when they sensed something odd and potentially dangerous was amazing to see. How safe must that make little Khanyisa feel! Definitely a Kleenex moment!

[@angelique7618]

I found a HERD video in my recommendations yesterday and I am so thankful for people like you all. If not for people like you,we could loose them all and we definitely wouldn't have such interesting and emotional moments on vodeo. I have subscribed.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much for your kind words, Angelique! Welcome to the HERD family 🥰

[@Daughterchasya]

I love that bubi has no choice but to accept the humans Bec the baby accepts them it’s a beautiful way for her to heal as she cannot override her care giving program or her trauma she will see that humans can be good!!! Bubi sets off all the mommy’s instincts every time 😌😌😌

[@missymason2377]

Khanysa correct spelling....apologies. I'm corrected. Thankyou..✌🐘🌍❤🙂♥️👍🌎

[@dorabella64]

It’s so wonderful to see her loving her freedom and family. Be Blessed always! Xoxo ❤️

[@dedwin8930]

Beautiful creatures protecting Little Sunshine!! ❤️

[@lunkis3233]

Beautiful ❤️ 🙏

[@Shaden0040]

Khanyisa is so adorable. She is little miss polite and greets each of the bigger herd members one by one.

[@meilinpang6562]

😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘

[@aimeefriedman822]

You can see, looking back, how uncomfortable everyone is, trying to learn their new place and new job. You can almost hear the conversation: "Oh Boy, a new baby". "Well, we can't just ignore her". "Who's gonna play mom and Dad?" "Can we touch her?"

[@annwilliams1073]

Is this tree branch day?

[@catherinethomas1276]

KHANYISA IS ADORABLE AND FEISTY ❤️ 😍 💖 ❣️ 💕 💘 ❤️