Baby Elephant Khanyisa Escapes the Homestead to Visit Her Old Orphanage!

On an early morning at the homestead, the carers arrive to guide the elephants out into the bush for the beginning of their day together. Khanyisa hangs around the gate, seeing Adine and Herman on the other side. A bird lands on Khanyisa and she gets a fright!
As we open the gate to enter and bring in her milk bottles and morning snacks, she flees! She sees the orphanage and heads straight there, to her old home! Her first home at HERD where Lammie and Nungu are. She opens the gate with ease and even opens her old nursery door! What a pro she is.
She usually only visits the orphanage to be weighed but since she is almost 1000 kgs and our scale only measures up to 1000 kgs, we will stop weighing her soon! She clearly wanted one last visit with her she friends and old digs. 🏡

[@sharonj.2865]

I found myself laughing and crying as Khanyisa headed for the orphanage. That was her happy place...snuggling down into the hay for the night. She remembers the comforts of being a baby. And, the nerve of that bird to land on our girl! It seems just yesterday she was a tiny elephant with a colorful blanket on her....now, she's a big, happy herd member! Thanks for taking such good care of Khanyisa ❤

[@susanfeneley]

@sharonj.2865 Exactly...what nerve!!🐘😉😆🇺🇲

[@prodiproy-dk8zz]

I'm in m

[@sezwo5774]

Precisely as you said. I only wonder if she wanted to have a peek or perhaps spend the night there.

[@lindaj5492]

Opening the gate and then the door! Clever girl!

[@KatherineUribe-1]

She's a very smart ellie! I think of all the things she had to adjust to. Some babies get overwhelmed and just can't make it. Khanyisa is a resilient and clever girl! I'm so proud of her!💖

[@larrywilson6900]

Elephants are smarter than half of the human population.

[@angelacosta9512]

Es muy inteligente. me sorprendio ver cuanto ha crecido !!

[@justacutie5201]

Elephants have extremely good memory.

[@gabe-po9yi]

Yes, I’d say that’s a testament to how comforting the nursery was to her. Really precious.

[@janparish7895]

Oh what a Sweetheart!! Khanyisa was feeling a little unsettled and wanted comfort, so off to her old home she went. No problem with getting through the gate or nursery door! Lammie and Nungu look a bit taken aback at this surprise visit but I'm sure they were delighted to see their old friend 😊 We often long for our old happy places so why shouldn't Elephants too? Wishing Team and Elephants at HERD a Happy week ahead. With Love ❤ 🫶💚🐘💚😉🙏😂

[@richardjohnson5529]

This shows that Elephants ie Khanyisa will always remember the first place they were shown Love and Compassion. We all Love you Khanyisa.

[@mortalclown3812]

❤❤❤❤

[@sammilandi2918]

Precious angel...how can you deny her anything? Impossible!

[@deejohnston2150]

Bless her heart! You all did something right for her to want to go back to someplace she was made to feel safe in!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you x

[@sitandfish]

We have all had those days when we didn't want to grow up so fast. Doesn't realize that she can't fit in those cozy little spaces anymore. You are a big girl now, Khanyisa.

[@susanfeneley]

@sitandfish I'm in my mid 70's, and still refuse to grow up!! Just 12 in my mind!🥴 Khanyisa wanted some comfort and her mom, Adine. Hadn't seen her for a few days. Still a little girl in many ways. Sweet video.🐘🐑🦋♥️🇺🇲

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

Cara Susan io ne ho di anni un poco di più e mi rivedo in te! Khanyisa aveva voglia ,desiderio di stare e assaporare i bei ricordi di quando era piccina, piccina, penso che ogni tanto ami ritornare lì nel suo rifugio con Lammie e Nungu . E come dargli torto!!!!

[@carolynminter7839]

So true the place where her human mom held her sang her to sleep. Good memories for Princess K. ❤😊🐘

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

@@carolynminter7839 Si cara Carolyn hai detto bene.👍👋

[@susanfeneley]

@vivianaiacomelli3080 You are so kind! When we lose our sense of humor or ability to express our childlike qualities, I figure it's time to "throw in the towel", as the saying goes.🐘🤓🇺🇲🦋😏💜

[@gabriellew6467]

That was so touching: seeking shelter in the place where she used to live when she needed help and comfort. Clever girl

[@davidcallahan3099]

An elephant never forgets. She remembers the place where she was nurtured and loved back when she was a baby. ❤

[@mortalclown3812]

I know their memory is extraordinary ~ it's just fascinating to see how they connect to ones that involve security, affection, etc. What a lovely surprise this was to see. 🌍🐑🐘🐑💙🦋

[@midnite325]

Her memories,, w/ the loss of her mommy & the horrific injurie she endured must be bittersweet .... but she definitely knows what love is! Thank God for earth angels! 💖

[@pimpisakaikeaw5561]

@@mortalclown3812 -------

[@pimpisakaikeaw5561]

@@mortalclown3812 --------

[@platedlizard]

Yes, it’s clearly a place of comfort and love for her.

[@mortalclown3812]

First time I've noticed temporal gland secretions on Baby K. ❤❤ Anyone else choked up a bit seeing this? 😂 Precious girl and her sheep babysitters. Recalling those first scary days and then into such healing & joy. The HERD village loved her, giving Khanyisa the best care til the herd became her full time home. 🌍🍃🦋🐑🐑🐘🔭🌙✨💙🙏 Bless all of you...Lammie and Nyungu, too ~ from the heart ❤️

[@susanfeneley]

@mortalclown3812 Absolutely!!❤🐘🐑

[@lynne0410]

She was homesick poor babatjie. I get like that after watch Old codger with a camera especially this Saturday when they were in Shingwedzi.😢

[@Elizabeth-iw3wd]

Yes, I felt a bit emotional. Seeing her wanting to be back to the Nursery was so touching. Obviously means so much to her 😘💕🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@Aurinkohirvi]

She's had gland secretions before. I recall a video, maybe about two months back... when a few of them had those, and so did Khanyisa.

[@elainedavis3923]

Yes absolutely I am still smiling. What a beautiful miracle she is and a delight to all who know her. All of us who are blessed that know this beautiful animal Thank you kenisha

[@shelley-anneharrisberg7409]

Adine is right - I think Khanyisa's visit shows how much she loved her nursery and that it was a place of comfort, love and security. ❤❤Wow, it's amazing to think she was once so small she fitted into that little garden and into the stalls. How you've grown Meisiekind! 🐘🐘Great to see Lammie and Nungu again🐑🐑!

[@Cruller]

The Orphanage will always be her home. There she feels safest. ❤❤‍🩹❤

[@elephantwanderer6576]

Wow!! What a very clever elephant Khanyisa is!!🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️

[@user-mo8dh3zg9g]

Such a great video, baby Khanyisa is highly intelligent and know how to open the gates. She is remembering how much she loves the nursery and feel very secure. She Is a big little gentle giant elephant growing up so fast and soon be weaned off the milk bottles too. Her birthday is coming up next month September 26 will be age 4.. Everyone will continue her with the transition. I love you baby Khanyisa!❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

👍

[@Renee29forever]

There is no place like home! She will never forget the love and care she received from Adine, Lammie, Nungu, and all her carers that got her to where she is today! So very touching!! Thank you for sharing! ♥💕

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

👍🫶

[@midnite325]

EVRRYTIMEi I see a video of her, I do wish that somehow some day her mommy will appear. Miracles DO happen as is proven by The Herd. ❤️‍🩹

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

Khanyisa remembers the place where she was saved & loved. 🥰🐘

[@Leemu786]

Good Morning Everyone, I needed this today. Khanyisa already planned to visit the Orphanage her first home. She has a mind of her own. I love how determined she is. She wanted to check out her old digs. She’s so adorable. Herman she’ll keep you on your toes today 😂😂😂. Gosh! You have to love this video. Thanxs! Adine, Herman, Carers and the HERD family.

[@shirleymorris7760]

That was precious! Little Miss K is so smart...the gate is no challenge to open, nor is the orphanage door. It's like wanting to visit the house you were born in. Memories of love and our beginnings remain. It's a fabulous clip! Thank you so much for sharing it.🐘🐏🐑🍼❣️❣️❣️❣️

[@lynne0410]

I had to watch it again but with tears in my eyes. The pain she was going through, the loss of her mommy and brothers and sisters yet she has remembered your love, the medicines to relieve her pains and the smells of her Herd. Now she just needs a reminder. HOME WHERE WE GRUMBLE MOST AND ARE TREATED BEST.❤

[@lorrainekleingunther5632]

HOW SPECIAL WAS THAT FOR KHANYISA!!! SHE WAS DETERMINED TO HAVE A PEEP AT HER USED TO BE SAFE HAVEN WHICH PROBABLY HOLDS SWEET MEMORIES FOR HER!!! I THINK THAT IT WAS A VERY SPECIAL MOMENT FOR HER!!! SHAME AND VERY CUTE!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING THIS SPECIAL VIDEO OF KHANYISA! LOVE TO YOU AND YOUR AMAZING TEAM!

[@whitekasimir3752]

Adine, you see: Your calls after Khanyisa mean as little to her as the chirping of birds does to us humans. She goes the way she wants and today she wants to visit her old house. You have winter season right now? Perhaps she feels too cold in the open barn nights so she remembers the red heating lamp inside her old stable. Yes, that's what she is running for. She's so big, she's growing and growing...

[@mortalclown3812]

Her bond with Adine is timeless and deep. She heard her. Think that bird must've thrown her a bit. Temporal lobe secreting was something to see. ☺️🌍🐘🐑💙🦋

[@MaryPoppins-tu1ms]

If it is the South Hemisphere --yes, we have winter.

[@claritadeluna6609]

She probably also remembers her blankets; warm and cozy on her back!

[@cattailer1077]

They say you can't go home again, but our Sunshine proved them wrong🤭😘. For us who have followed Baby K for the past 3 years and 8 months this video capture of her reminiscing is priceless😘💖 Her baby heart and soul have been on quite a life journey and we love her even more for that. Her carers are and always will be her earthly Angels set in place for her arrival to the sanctuary and into our hearts forever! She awakened, for so many of us, a realization of the profound beauty, intelligence, determination, and dignity of all elliphants. Thank you, baby girl, and the Herd and it's Carers for all of that. We love you all so much.🌹

[@susanfeneley]

@cattailer1077 Beautiful thoughts, and absolutely true. 🐘🐑🦋🫡♥️💛🇺🇲

[@candidaprout560]

Hi khanisa ❤️. I knew she would never forget the orphanage. She was so happy there 😊. She is so intelligent 🤩. I love her 💝.

[@kp8381]

Aawwww. That was so sweet. She wanted to visit her safe place where she was nurtured back to health with her BFF'S. I actually teared up. Isant she clever opening the gates. Thank you for this lovely moment. 🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️🐘❤️

[@pattimiller9157]

It's a place of comfort to remember childhood days where you felt safe and loved 💗🙏🌻

[@patricialease18]

😂🎉❤, Khanyisa went home! How beautiful is that!

[@davidnierzwick2775]

She loves her first home! It's her happy place!

[@HazelHammond1505]

She wants her bedroom back. it was cozy. She is so smart.

[@Dnvr8083]

Elephants never forget!💖

[@renestewart604]

So cute. Straight to the kitchen where they make the milk.

[@nicolleandrade6462]

Wow what an amazing video❤ can't believe she's grown up so fast. The nursery looked huge when I first started following Khanyisa in 2020. My tiny warrior princess is now a queen in the making❤

[@reneecassidy7279]

That is so adorable and sweet! She opened those gates in 2 seconds flat, such a smart and clever baby we have here! Love her and the herd!❤

[@annsmarpat9500]

Oh my gosh that was the cutest video ❤

[@shoshannahorton7461]

Bless her heart 💞🥰 She missed her special place and was homesick for it. How precious 💞💖 To me, that shows that she is struggling between the transition of being a toddler and little calf-child. And to think, she gets weaned off of her milk bottles soon too. My prayers are with her for a smooth transition. 🙏💞 I know the carer's and you, Adine will do an excellent job at helping her. She's in good hands. But, still tugs on my momma heart strings🥰💖💞

[@shotgunbettygaming]

So well said. I noticed by the time she left the yard she was also secreting from excitement.

[@mortalclown3812]

​@@shotgunbettygaming Yes! At the beginning too. I wonder if it was because of the bird, a weird dream or what. Such brilliant complicated animals. So glad to be among the population who adores elephants and learns from HERD. 😂🐘💙🐑

[@bohemiangardensandgourdfar8812]

Sweetest thing ever! 💚 Made me laugh out loud when she opened the gate and then the door.

[@gailhudson-dx6ln]

So smart! Home sweet home. She will always remember her safe place ❤

[@ToddDouglasFox]

Who doesn’t want to see the old homestead after they’ve grown beyond it? If the memories are fond, the heart strings are compelled and want to remember. She seemed very content to know that all was as she had left it, the cradle of love she had known was still intact.

[@susanfeneley]

🐘🐑🦋🕊♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️🫡

[@darkhumour741]

she opened two gates all on her own 👏👏👏 Meisekind is so smart!

[@MaryPoppins-tu1ms]

What is Meisekend means and what language is it?The Afrikaans?

[@destroyerarmor2846]

​@@MaryPoppins-tu1msit means little girl

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

it is African & is term of endearment.

[@claritadeluna6609]

@@MaryPoppins-tu1ms I believe it is Africans and it means “girl-child”. I would translate it “my little girl”. I hope this helps.

[@janparish7895]

@MaryPoppins-tu1ms When Khanyisa arrived at HERD and Adine began to call her "Meisiekind", I contacted a member of the Admin team to ask why Adine was calling her "Mexican". Needless to say I felt a real plonker! 🫣🤭 There's always one and it's frequently yours truly! 🙄🥳

[@lindaclark1406]

Sometimes it’s good to go home to visit old friends. Everyday there is something. She sure keeps everyone on their toes. ❤ thank you.

[@malasharma2392]

Bless the team looking after these babies loads of blessings🙏

[@jolynnhill8502]

She wanted to go home. That was so sweet. Elephants are so amazing❤

[@Lilybet1316]

Aww, surely it’s okay for her to visit her sheep friends and just reminisce for a few moments? Like all elephants she is very smart isn’t she? ❤❤❤❤

[@gloriamariasuarezpinto6803]

Bebé elefantita KHANYISA 🐘 qué inteligente eres recuerda mucho el orfanato donde convivio con sus amiguitas las ovejas Lamie y Nungu 🐑🐑 y siempre que tenga la oportunidad de ir llegará de visita , Mamá humana ADINE es muy comprensiva el señor Owen también está atento para cuidarla y protegerla además ofrecerle las botellas con leche 🍼🍼🍼🍼🐘para Tí pequeña Elefantita KHANYISA

[@claritadeluna6609]

I was beginning to think this was an old video of her; her cuteness, momentarily confused me! 😂. She definitely adores her nursery, her home as an wounded orphan, loved and cared for. I still see Adine sleeping with her on the ground, singing her lullabies to put her to sleep. That was both beautiful and immensely sad. I’m so glad she was rescued alive returned to health and loved to death by Adine, her caretakers and the community at large. Just beautiful !!!

[@debbiewalker2477]

Awww, she wants to go back to her original place where she was loved so much! That's so sweet! Maybe one of the other elephants did or said something that upset her.😮

[@oummarwin3988]

May be because of winter cold😔

[@SentientsSave]

Her temples were already secreting at the very beginning of this clip, and I think the raised trunk, then the head-shake and stomp was already her determination to visit her nursery, well before the little bird landed on her rump! She gave it a glance and was back to her plan. This was all a wonderful little episode in her little life. And they're all like that, every one of them. And not just elephants. How can one witness this one touching little scene and not recognize the appalling things our kind is doing to all animalkind? We revel daily in this precious exception for the happy few. If only the rest of our species were as kind and devoted as Adine and her helpmates for little K and her kin, and of course faithful little Lammie and brave little Nungu (who I hope get some exercise too).

[@susanfeneley]

@SentientsSave So well put!!🫡🐘🐑💛♥️🤓🇺🇲

[@user-gg2ip7ng6e]

She is very smart and wants to be with people who she feels love her ❤ and will be her friend She is enjoying herself with her new friends it to see you having fun

[@micheleclay442]

She's still a little baby little girl at heart. Let me stay 1 more day here mom.😊❤

[@muffassa6739]

I don't blame her, she wants to go back for a visit, plus she's so smart and so beautiful ❤

[@mortalclown3812]

Opening that second latch was so fun to watch. Wow. 🌍💙🐑🐘☺️

[@Blackgoldart1]

This reminded me that the bird came and told Khanyisa....🐘 "Come on Khanyisa and go see your friends Lammie and Nungu, they want to see you and talk together!" 😊❤ The look on young Khanyisas face at approx. 1:22 says it all - she looks surprised like "Yes, I want to go see my babyhood friends!" 🐑🐐🐘

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

Perfetto!

[@Blackgoldart1]

@@vivianaiacomelli3080 😄🐘🥰 💯%!!!

[@oummarwin3988]

Best comment👍👍😍

[@Blackgoldart1]

@@oummarwin3988 😄

[@Yves.saintyvette]

Her bedroom was awesome with a branch and Lambie 😊

[@catherine59226]

Home is where her heart is! She’s very clever! 🩷

[@kathrinzettel5638]

She is so sweet. 😀

[@alison__16]

Just going to check that Lammie and Nungu are looking after her old bedroom nicely 😄

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

😂😂😂😊☺️☺️

[@carolynminter7839]

The pretty pink Princess wanted to go back to her old home in the nursery with her two pals. ❤😂🐘🐐🐐

[@Lisa-nv8ko]

So funny! I love that she remembers & loves that nursery ❤ You have done a wonderful recovery with her 🙏🐘

[@dianesalerno2347]

Love a girl who knows what she wants!

[@janforrest5205]

Seh wanted to see Lambie and Nunghu. 🥰🥰🥰

[@candidaprout560]

She made my day 👍❤. Hi lammie ❤️ hi numgu ❤️. I love that she went to visit the orphanage ❤❤❤

[@Go-tee71]

That kid knows what she wants! 😆🥰🙏❤️🐘 Lammie & Nungu quietly standing in the corner watching the surprise visitor, they're so sweet 🥰❤🐑

[@dorothywestcott2408]

What a clever girl. Opening all the gates and then to her old digs and then opening the door to her old nursery. Khaynisa 🐘 you are just too funny 😂. Thank you for sharing this funny video with us. Have a beautiful day Jabulani HERD ❤️🐘❤️

[@Aurinkohirvi]

As a baby, she sometimes was like: you go, I wait here in the nursery. When she stopped, I thought: oh, it's one of those days again.

[@jacquelinebarriosgamir3887]

Can't get any cuter ❤. They are amazingly Smart

[@karenstafford724]

She is just like a naughty child. Not taking any notice of anyone. Bless her.❤❤❤😅😅

[@minkaf4243]

Maybe she was hoping she would find a bottle. ❤

[@marinemom351]

I remember when she first opened the gate when she was very little. The girl did not forget. She is brilliant. I love how she looked back over her shoulder as if to say “catch me if you can “❤”

[@relax2dream164]

So sweet. We can all get nostalgic for our childhoods. ❤️🇨🇦

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

E tutti noi la ricordiamo come Khanyisa, è stata divertente....! È sfuggita dai richiami di Hermann e Adine e si è fiondata con sicurezza nel suo amato asilo.Che tesoro la piccina! 🥰😍❤️🫶🙌

[@relax2dream164]

@@vivianaiacomelli3080 I’m so sorry, I can only read English.

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

@@relax2dream164 😊👋👋👍🤗

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

so adorable. elephants never forget ❤🐘

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Well, don’t we adults go through times when we want to escape back to our happy home and away from the uncertain future?

[@MA_808]

I choose to think she was hoping her friend Fenya was waiting for her and she would bring her out and Fenya could meet the others and they will all walk together as a loving family. RIP Fenya

[@mchapman132]

Looking at baby K run over to her old nursery was very touching. The song “Memories” from the play “Cats”, came to mind. She remembers. 💕🐘

[@carolenolan6564]

How precious. Does it have yo be her last time? Cant she just come visit when shes lonesome? Dont weigh her just let her visit. Soo cute!

[@slomo1716]

I think our sweet Khanyisa was looking for her favourite Sweet Potatoes, in her nursery where she has the best memories. Love this video! God Bless!

[@MrBarney03]

She is so precious!

[@kathyd2595]

I’m 65 and sometimes miss our old house (2500 miles away) in the neighborhood full of kids; with all the safety and security that I felt there. ☮️❤️🌍🐘

[@barbarajustice9499]

That is where her first memories are of all of you taking care of. her when she was so young and she formed a bond with everyone that took care of her they really don’t forget how sweet

[@lynnetaha]

Thats so sweet. 😍🐘❤️

[@kathleenjordan9404]

Too funny! From those wide eyed looks while waiting and then running to open the doors as if needing a last look from her nursery, she certainly has a mind of her own 🤣🐘🧡

[@brianjennings7644]

That's the best thing I'll see, forever. She wanted to see her old bedroom,..and knew how to open the doors. She's such a Doll.❤

[@platedlizard]

She’s such a big girl now ❤️ but Lammie is still her first foster mom. They’re so intelligent it’s amazing

[@shirleys2295]

she missed all the one on one attention she use to get. she is so smart. love you pinky.

[@debraevans6795]

KHANYISA IS SO SMART! I LAUGHED SO HARD WHEN SHE OPENED THE GATES! SHE REMEMBERS!🤣🫶🐘

[@anitasyvalahti1730]

I was giggling, she went to the doors 😃😄❤. Food and milk in his mind 😊. Pretty clever girl 🤗. Thank you for share 😀❤.

[@familymajor]

Awe....😢She misses being a baby and her nursery!!😅 She also misses Adine's constant care, I am sure!❤

[@karijordan4930]

She really did luv that place and it was safe whereas being in a Herd in the outback is still scary probably brings back memories & she's still healing emotionally...awe sweet Khanyisa baby 🐘

[@inukshuksixtyfour1164]

I wonder too...if little K is missing Lammie and Nungu. It looked like she was glancing back at them. 💓🫶💓

[@ginaclinch9808]

Aw. 😓 I would say poor little Khanyisa, but she's grown so much! I love how she was determined to get to her old home. Knew exactly what she wanted! 🥰🌻🌷❤

[@lynnell5993]

Sometimes you just have to go home to the place you grew up with love.

[@cynthiadeese3861]

She's so smart. She'll remember that place as long as she lives.

[@lynne0410]

Aaaaah shame man, she wanted to be warm and remembers being cosy and warm with mama singing a lullaby.

[@cherylpeevy5010]

Loved that the carer took Meisiekind's trunk as if holding her hand, to lead her back tonthe homestead. Our sweet baby girl just wanted to go back home to check out her stable where she grew up. She will always be my Brave Heart.❤️

[@janadogan-qy7ci]

Oh look at her open the gate and door. Amazing how she remembers all the comforting and love she received there. I cried.

[@mlight7402]

Of course she loves the place she healed and found family.

[@brendatenorio5721]

Wonderful that she purppsefully headed to her nursery. She does love the place and her family there. Khanyisa as a calf was the embodiment of adorable. Even at 2000 pounds she's adorable

[@nancykelly9712]

Awww She wants to go home where she felt safe and warm, had lots of attention and a good sleep. 💞

[@suecash8186]

I could watch this video 100 times it is so touching shows she misses her home where she was loved and cared for so sweet she is so smart

[@sallyrickerson9139]

Maybe she can do a sleepover in the nursery once in awhile.She evidently has a strong pull to it yet.

[@conceicaofortunato373]

Khanyisa arrumou una Bella família.

[@janparish7895]

She certainly has!! 🩷🐘🩷🙏

[@karenboouk531]

Hey everyone just goes to show elephants have great memories baby K loved it there. Xxxxxxxx 🇬🇧🌹🌹🌹

[@Fadedecho1]

All I can say is that ellie knew exactly where it wanted to go... animals are so smart. ❤. I love love how they holded hand/ trunk.. beautiful 💞

[@palmaleestephens1906]

So cute! Meisiekind has nostalgia for her nursery. ❤🐘