Big Bull Jabulani Visits New Elephant Orphan Phabeni

Every day, while Phabeni has been in quarantine, Jabulani has come down to the bottom of the orphanage garden, to feed at the fence for a while. Phabeni has sensed this and puts his trunk out in the air, picking up the scent of Jabulani. Adine has brought fresh dung from Jabulani to Phabeni to smell and eat, to get the calf familiar to the elephants around him.
Old hay (known as teff) from Phabeni’s nursery has also been put into the homestead in each section for the elephants to smell and get used to the new calf’s scent too. The herd know that a baby is close by and have been smelling Phabeni from the homestead but this teff helps provide a stronger scent and ease those curious trunks next door.
This is a great small step in Phabeni’s development and gradual journey toward integrating into a new herd. It is wonderful to see that Jabulani is still the curious big brother bull we know him to be, and we can’t wait to watch him greet Phabeni closer up soon! Jabulani was also the first elephant in the herd to visit Khanyisa when she was new to the orphanage.
Phabeni has slowly been getting used to life outside his quarantine area and exploring the greater grounds of the orphanage. We are so proud of him as he continues to adapt to this big change in his life, and we are here for him every step of the way.

[@renee1503]

Thank you to Everyone at HERD who care for and love these magnificent animals. ❤

[@bettyderoo5984]

He is so small, 12 bottles a day proof to be a good medicine, i see he is getting fuller. And not that bloated . I think he likes his little haven in the shade next to his water. Everyday a little step further, we know whats await him, a warm pool of trunks, mothers, sisters and big brothers. Nice to see kind hearted Jabulani there for support. Thank you for the update. ❤

[@elizabethm9267]

He is gorgeous, and at times I see sadness over his immense loss show up in his eyes. He is soo fortunate to all of you, and is filling out and seems to be more curious about his new home and those in it. Thank you for all you do.

[@lynnjacobs6175]

I have learned how fragile baby elephants are in the wild, let alone, when orphaned. Thank you for all you are doing for this little chap. He so deserves kindness, care and love.

[@Go-tee71]

He's still got a way to go but it's good to see Phabeni's temples are starting to fill out. For a little baby, he uses his trunk remarkably well & has already mastered ripping leaves off branches! He's a dear wee chap 🥰🙏❤️🐘

[@ajaysharma8830]

It is so easy to kill thousands with a bomb...so very difficult to rear a child...human n animal alike...hats off to the dedicated team...it shows us how important life is ...we must respect life utmost in all forms

[@suzettemcinally1384]

Beautiful thank you so much for everything you do for the elephants 😊❤

[@voiciray]

Always fun to watch my baby boy growing stronger. That corner of the garden with the tarp and the little pool looks so nice in the warm sun. I would love to spend all day there sitting beside little Phabeni. One can dream! 😊 Can’t wait for him to meet the herd. Jabu is leading the welcome wagon just like he did for Khanyisa. What a beautiful and wise fellow. I love how they’re giving both sides time to acclimate to each others’ presence.

[@mademoiselledusfonctionell1609]

I feel you! I have loved elephants for as long as I remember. (My daughters have inherited this love.) Anyhow, I was at least 35 years old when I told a colleague of mine that the shoulder height of a particular elephant (I believe it was a female, so she was on the taller side for a female) was higher than to the ceiling in my flat. My colleague said, with some emphasis: "There, do you see now, you CANNOT have an elephant at home!" (I actually don't think I ever said I wanted to have one at home, I was just ranting about ellies so much that it might have seemed so.) Edit: I would not minde cuddling a bit with Phabeni, though.

[@user-kf6lu4dn2r]

LittlePhabeni is putting on weight so nicely wow!! He's till thin, but So much better than before!! It will be so good for him when he can join the herd properly.

[@imnotanalien7839]

Jabulani must go back to the herd and announce….’Yup, another baby!’🎉🎉🥳

[@mortalclown3812]

😂🌍🌿🐘🍼💙🫒🇸🇸

[@jamesfreeman2258]

😂❤😂

[@Tora_74]

Aww I am sooo glad Jabulani comes to see Phabeni just like he did with Khanyisa. For me it means the little one will be accepted :D

[@alison__16]

Jabu is the herd's official welcoming committee. He was so lovely like this with Khanyisa too. He knows what the babies have been through and he lets them know everything is going to be alright now.

[@mortalclown3812]

😊❤❤❤❤

[@mademoiselledusfonctionell1609]

I believe so too. The way he approached Khanyisa! He really seemed to say: "I know it is painful" (she had so many injuries AND had lost her mum and her family, so it must have been painful in many ways) "but we are alright, and you will be, too. And we are your new family."

[@roses9339]

I love the brrrrrrrrrrrr sound the eles make. Cheers Rosemary Western Australia 73yrs

[@maggietimson3262]

So warm and there sounds like a great rumbling to have 😊

[@maggietimson3262]

À great rumbling and a wonderful joy thanks 😅

[@Lilybet1316]

Phabeni’s weight and condition seem very much improved! I know he is still quite fragile and little, thank you for giving him these happy days! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lillyparis289]

Thanks so much HERD for helping Phabeni get used to his new beautiful family. Jabulani and the rest of the ellies will be so happy when he will be reintegrated into their herd. He still does not know that he found the most wonderful human and ellie family in the world, hopefully soon, Phabeni will be joining them like Khanyisa did a while ago, he will be the little prince within the herd!!!🥰🍀🙏🏻🐘🌟💝

[@candidaprout560]

Hi Phabeni ❤ hi jabulani ❤ hi Adine 🌹 and all caring for these formidable animals. Hi khanisa ❤️. You will be jealous. But you stole my heart ❤️

[@JulieRushworth]

Phabeni stole the rest of my heart too

[@richardelg4412]

Thanks to all the carers. They are my heros!❤

[@marpro765]

Jabulani has not forgotten his beginning. What a wise fellow he is. 💙 He will keep coming until Phabeni feels comfortable and safe enough to approach him. And then they will converse, even if only a few words. Jabu will comfort and reassure Phabeni as to his new life with the HERD. Phabeni's temples are filling in. He looks so much better today, thanks to all caretakers.

[@s2ncurai]

Our cool uncle❤

[@gabe-po9yi]

I was going to say the same thing about his temples filing in.

[@higgsb9128]

I noticed th see that as well and was worried since he looked somewhat similarly to Fenya. He looks remarkably better thank goodness as my heart couldn't handle a sad ending. This place uses love as it's strongest tool to mend these wounded and beautiful Ellies

[@kimmiek0]

​@@higgsb9128me too! those temple areas I never wanted to say that but yes I was worried. I wish we could get a update on his health, weight and how far behind he is, or if he's just trying to get over the shock and trauma he's been through. 😢😅❤

[@Gretla]

​@@kimmiek0.

[@Selamalia08]

I love to watch you guys work your magic with these wonderful elephants ❤ I love your family ❤ thank you for all you do for the herd 🐘🐘🐘

[@candidaprout560]

He loves his swimming pool 😀❤

[@kathyking5552]

Jabu, you are a true hero in the animal kingdom. You support and love the babies who need help. A guard at the kingdom. You are a beautiful soul. ❤❤

[@mortalclown3812]

I think he knew exactly what Adine was saying to him at the fence. What an amazing heart Jabulani has.

[@kathyking5552]

He is truly majestic. ❤️

[@hollyj7090]

When☀Khanyisa first arrived I was more concerned with her injuries . She showed great strength in spirit and determination to survive . Phabeni worried me for a bit, physically he was in better shape, emotionally not so well . He seems to be settling in nicely, accepting help with feeding, and seeking both comfort and affection . 💕🐘

[@marie-clauderecchia4531]

Jabu is such a thoughtful Ellie he probably remembers his "débuts" at Herd and wants the little orphans feel welcomed and confortable first with Little Miss Sunshine and now with Phabeni who soon will wait for his big brother's visits Phabeni is gradually filling up even if he still has hollow cheeks He is very agile with his little trunk In the background we hear his dedicated carers working behind the scenes to create a pleasant and cozy environnement for him and his Human Matriarch showing him the ropes and giving him the tender moments he still needs Thanks for sharing with us

[@gr8fuldeb699]

Wow Phabeni is looking so healthy with a strong little trunk and Jabulani has not forgotten where he came from. What an amazing elephant!!!!

[@EileenGoehring-lb8hy]

Jabalani is a wise old Ellie, all the orphans in the Herd are very very lucky, they have Adina and the carer's then a Ellie family ♥️🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@JulieRushworth]

Look at the magnificence of Jabu, such wisdom and grace, those Rumbles are a beautiful sound, Phabeni has such a cute stance with his right leg outstretched, i cnt wait for this baby to meet his Family, thank you Adine for this lesson in intergrating this much loved Beautiful Baby. We love Jabu and Phabeni, not forgetting Lammie (Got hankies at the ready) 💙🩵💙

[@mortalclown3812]

Elephant rumbles are angelic choirs to my ears. 💙🐘🫒🐘🇸🇸🌍🌿✨️

[@EvaArt-ud6gwari]

@@mortalclown3812absolutely love those rumblings. Precious everyone, give such joy.😂

[@NakaidaBeauzec]

Love how you call jabu little son. He is massive but he is still your little son.

[@micheleehrenberger7822]

This was exciting to see the elephants so close. I excited to see when they are so close within a few feet of each other. That's always epic. Jabulani is the most thoughtful elephant in his caring for the orphans to introduce himself as soon as he can. My favorite video is of Khanyisa and Jabulani at the tall grasses and fence.Khanyisa is now really getting so big and looks so healthy. Always in my heart Little Miss 🌞!!! 12/11/23

[@mortalclown3812]

Yes! So excited.... I remember when he was Khanyisa's first meeting of the herd, too. Jabulani absolutely knew what you were saying to him! 😊 What an amazing legacy he brings to Hoedspruit lore. Heart full. ❤️ Lastly, I've already got a book's worth of screen shots of Phabeni.

[@midnite325]

OmG. A movie should be made of Baby K's life & the original video of she & the herd's 1st gathering together. What a tear- jerking block buster that would be!

[@lindaclark1406]

It’s amazing how well he has adjusted. The healing knowledge the Herd team has is truly a blessing to these beautiful animals. Thank you for the video. Watching from Ft. Myers, Florida 🇺🇸💕💗❤️🌺💋

[@staceytaylor6900]

Hello from the United States i love all these elephants!

[@barbaradean6424]

You people are just so good. I think we probably don't realize exactly how hard you work.. but I imagine how you must feel after these beautiful animals are safe in your lovely herd... the pleasure you give us with these videos is tremendous. My thanks to you all.❤❤

[@herdelephantorphanage]

It is really so lovely to hear your feedback, thank you. We are grateful to be able to share this journey with you, and to show the elephants’ lives in this way, especially with such a caring audience. 🐘💚

[@donnajarvis9542]

I love how Aidine speaks to the elephants. I love to hear the sound of the baby elephants rumbling. Everytime I watch I learn something new.

[@jmcampbell05]

HE SEEMS MUCH MORE RELAXED.

[@JoeyBlogs007]

The little one is looking much better now.

[@mortalclown3812]

It's such a relief, too. I know he's not out of the woods, but he's responding so much better now. 🐘✨️🍼💙🫒🌿🇸🇸🌍

[@ShawnToney-f2r]

Beautiful just beautiful my husband and I just love these incredible elephants thank you so much for what you do for them ❤❤❤😂😂❤❤❤ much love from Indiana USA 🇺🇸

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Phabeni is doing great. Thank you HERD caretakers. He is on his way to growing up big and strong. So glad his temples are filling in, gaining much needed weight. Jabu is impressive. It is remarkable what amazing animals elephants are. Worth all the many years, time and energy to raise the orphans.

[@debbie995]

Thank you so much for this wonderful update! I think about Phabeni everyday and I'm so grateful for HERD ❤

[@tothelighthouse9843]

I see Phabeni's Carer busy working away in the background. It takes so much work to keep Phabeni healthy, keep his quarters clean & safe, give him the love & affection & time he needs. Thank you to everyone, especially his carers, for you caring & diligence. 💖💖💖

[@Trumpwon438]

Y'all do such great work with these little creatures of God. Can't wait till Phabeni meets the other ellie. Thank you for sharing your hard efforts with us.

[@yvonnemarshall6424]

Jabulanie is soooo Beautiful sweet to come see phabini ❤❤ Adine i love you talking to the Elephants soothing for them Sound energy vibration very special Thank you so much Adine This was lovely to see . Very interesting about phabini tasting the dung of Jabulanie and letting all the Elephants smell taste Phabinie dung Love you all at Jabulanie Herd Elephant ❤❤❤🌎🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 Yvonne mullion cornwall England

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

world of difference between him & Khanyisa !! 🐘🐘😊

[@barbarahansbury2291]

When you said “new baby “ Jabu knew what you were talking about! Can’t wait for the meeting after watching Khanyisa go through this I am looking forward to it know a little more . Thank you for all your hard work

[@DiFinni]

I am looking forward to seeing the herds reaction when they first meet him. That will be something special to see.

[@tenzinyangdroen1618]

The dung and straw policy sounds very skilful 👍 can't wait to see Phabeni and the herd meet… all in g♥♥d time…

[@dennyfromcharlestonsc3325]

Little Phabeni grows so well. One day he will be a handsome bull.

[@michelleblake4516]

Commons sense works every time_ Its fun seeing it in action especially when it can often make a complex thing end up being the best/easiest & fastest way 2 solve it 4 example - sharing some of Baby Beni's hay w/the herd is such a brilliant idea that makes perfect sense .... Surely it'll cut down on time & so many things so by the time Phabeni meet's them individually they'll already know him collectively. HERD carers are so full of luv & compassion we can see the effect of Baby Beni being happier & healthier by the day - he's adjusted so well & so quickly it looks like HERD was always Phabeni's home : )

[@jangsy33]

Looking forward to seeing Phabeni enter his role of youngest…so interested to see Khanisa’s relationship with him, as he pesters her to play🤣🤣. Timisa will have more opportunities to be a big sister! Jabulani herd is like any other family, evolving! Thanks to HERD!❤️👏👏👏

[@carolynminter7839]

I knew it would be Jabu because he was the first to visit the pretty pink Princess and he visited with her every day.❤🐘🐘

[@mortalclown3812]

I've been going back to see those videos all over again, too. ✨️🐘🫒🍼💙🌿🌍🇸🇸

[@janparish7895]

Just as he did with Khanyisa, Jabu checks on Phabeni. This Gentle Giant remembers his difficult early days. Who better than Jabu to visit Phabeni who, incidentally, is looking better day by day. Early days still but this little Bull has the Best care from his human family and as I'm sure Jabu is telling him, he has a loving Elephant family awaiting him. Thank you all!! 💙🐘🐘💙🙏🙏

[@deeice5398]

I'm so excited for Phabeni to meet the herd! He looks great thanks to all the amazing care he's getting from HERD!

[@susanrobinson9101]

❤❤❤ Phabeni is a Beautiful baby, and will grow into a Handsome man!!!!!!

[@jenihansen7201]

He is so precious. Little Fab is what I call him.

[@monicaswavel6074]

Sweet baby boy! Even Jabu is still a sweet big baby boy!

[@ginadeacon9920]

Wonderful updates, his progress is smashing to see. Jabulani too already starting the process, of intergration, step by step. Wise boy, terrific job Nadine & wonderful Team thank you! 👏🫶⭐️💙🎉🌲

[@karenstafford724]

He has settled in really well and is growing up quickly. ❤❤❤😅😅

[@rennierad]

Awww Phabeni looks like he has put on a few pounds since last week. Slow and steady wins the race baby boy.❤💕

[@mariafont8826]

¡Qué bien se alimenta solito, Phabeni! Me gusta observar el paso a paso de la progresiva presentación de Phabeni al resto de la manada y lo bien que ustedes hacen las cosas. ❤

[@JulieRushworth]

Your correct, such a adorable lil Baba, hankies at the ready

[@moltderenou]

A que si !

[@windinthefirtrees8020]

I'm surprised the ladies haven't shown up to take the baby!!🐘🐘

[@sarah-louisemoyes7091]

He is so much better than when he first came.xx

[@jenology101]

Jabulani is the orphan welcoming wagon! I was thrilled to see this.

[@yvonnemarshall6424]

I love the Birds singing lovely ❤

[@kimchi_b]

He's so intelligent!

[@renestewart604]

Phabeni seems to a getting bigger

[@theresacrubaugh2095]

Beautiful! I can't wait until he meets the herd. 😁♥

[@snowbird7614]

I love Jabulani!! I think he was he first elephant to visit Khanyisa.

[@shirleymorris7760]

Phabeni is looking so well! The hollows in his cheeks and forehead have filled in somewhat making him cuter than ever! Thank you!❤❤❤❤❤

[@Cody-zd2ye]

He reminds me so much of little Fenya with his little rumbling sounds.ill never forget that little girl she won me over within seconds ❤❤❤

[@susancrawford2343]

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all you wonderful people at HERD. You make this trouble world a better place due to your love and kindness. Thank you!

[@K-D76]

Yes they do!! ❤ Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! @susancrawford2343

[@susancrawford2343]

@@K-D76 Thank you! Have a wonderful holiday season 😀

[@reginarose9940]

Phabeni's trunk dexterity is amazing in one so young.

[@adridave1]

Yes!!

[@denellelloyd1280]

Beautiful. Just beautiful how Jubuoani is! Knowing there is a baby standing at the fence like a proud father/ grandfather

[@vanessagreenlee5618]

I send my love to my beautiful African elephants friends,God bless them everyday.❤️❤️❤️❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🌏

[@Patricia-vd9xh]

Phabeni is a quiet little soul. He seems adjusted to his little garden world and his stall. I wonder what he is feeling because he shows no sign of trauma. Perhaps forming relationships with the other elephants will open his heart more. ❤ Bravo to HERD! You have designed such a perfect and safe nursery for a dislocated baby. I hope the baby rhinos are doing as well. ❤

[@MultiDianeD]

So sweet to see him eating on his own.

[@adridave1]

He does really well on his own with 🌳

[@bellablock5864]

I bet, Jabu already knows, that Phabeni is a little boy... His trunk will have told him. What else did his trunk tell him... 🥰

[@christagriggs]

❤ Phabeni and Jabu ❤ So precious to see and hear about their introductions and interactions at this stage ❤ As always love learning about the herd!!!! ❤ Phabeni has definitely captured my heart 🎉

[@paolacanali4567]

Buon pomeriggio dal Italia a tutti ❤ Ciao Phabeni mi sembra che tu sei diventato più alto 🐘🤗 hai visto hai visite Jabu è venuto x te a vedere come stai 😊 vi mando un abbraccio affettuoso a tutti e due e anche alla vostra mamma umana Adine e a tutti i curatori che vi vogliono bene ❤❤❤❤❤🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@angelagalante6519]

Guys, you all are amazing and the Elephant are beautiful ❤

[@franceslynch8815]

Jabulani and Phabeni teach us so much. Thank you for showing us the most important things in life for both us and wildlife are love, curiosity, acceptance and kindness. Watching you all fills us with overwhelming love❤️

[@ChasingRainbows67]

That was well said... Beautiful ❤️

[@user-ii3vn8tn3q]

He is much calmer, not butting everyone and chasing people away. Time heals all

[@RC-vb1hz]

What a beautiful sight he his!

[@vanessagreenlee5618]

I'm glad that the African baby elephant made it,he looks well,I hope,he grows up to be a healthy adult elephant,that way,he won't be alone,he'll be with other elephants.❤️❤️❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🎁🌏

[@pfamhopstaken]

It is so relaxing to see him enjoying of his own shelter-waterplace in the first minutes..his own water bubble😇...our dear shelter ellie🤎

[@annwilliams1073]

I don't remember it being this warm when khanysia as baby was in her yard. Skin looks so very dry too. Interest today is not jabu,but wonderful he visits the fence each day. This is a process that takes a lot of time & so glad phabeni is with you.

[@anjakorte-mensch5540]

Baby boy - good morning ❤

[@MizrahiChick]

Hey baby Ellie ! Look at you , Phabeni ! Looking all ellie ish

[@karinaoliver5143]

Khanyisa e Phabeni vão se dar muito bem e serão grandes amigos, quero ver los juntos. ❤🐘🐘❤

[@evonwilliams7502]

Phabeni is so cute his getting stronger thank you for helping him until next time love you little guy 😊😅🎉😂❤

[@Greylock21]

THE ELEPHANTS SEE THE CAREERS AS the heroes, always ❤. They know only ❤️ every moment of every day, every nanosecond. THAT IN ITSELF IS HEAVENLY. BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL, ALWAYS, FOREVER ❤❤❤

[@mileysong1117]

💙💙phabeni looking good

[@juditate111]

Our little boy, Phabeni, looks gorgeous. I am so happy to see the wounds on his back seem to be healing nicely. It always made me cry at the beginnig to see those wounds. He seems to be getting a little feisty and certainly has a mind of his own when it comes to what he wants and doesn't want. Thanks to everyone at the Herd for taking such good care of him. I get to sit here and watch him grow while all of you do the hard work. It is much appreciated. Love to all of you.

[@juliesong4123]

He has long kegs. Going to ne a handsome bull!!

[@jdaze1]

It breaks my heart when these little sweethearts loose their moms. It must be so scary for them. Thanks to all the great HERD carers for giving him comfort.

[@milliebrown8116]

Sending a “Big Kiss 💋 “!! to his sweet little trunk!!💋Me& my boys …..love him….! Soo happy Khanysia will be his new friend as well!!🐘🐘❤️🤍💙🥰🐶🐱!Peace& Love to all🙏🥰Nanny Stick Sister 💋🙏

[@beatrixjansen6297]

Phabene is growing so fast. Can't wait to him join the Herd.❤

[@NikkiSoFar]

I have been eagerly waiting for this! Everyday checking whether Jabulani has started visiting, my heart is full 🥰🐘❤️

[@ulla1623]

Phabeni needs to drink more milk and I cannot wait for him to meet the other elephants. 😢😢Hope he survives ❤❤❤😢😢😢😢

[@amandat1454]

Your love and support has been amazing for this little baby, Phabeni!!! He is a love and will get stronger and more confident each day bc of everything everyone does there!

[@steventrompeter9883]

Phabeni's condition continues to improve. Jabulani spotted him, can't wait for them to meet. 😊

[@veroniqueboulvard6315]

Precious Phabeni ❤

[@pattimiller9157]

Phabeni has the cutest little face. I can't wait to see him meeting them at the fence❤

[@Eachone1teachone1]

Good job Phabeni. Eating from the tree greens and drinking the water. Adine you’re a “all true girl”. Picking up the dung with painted finger nails. Praying the love from all herd will ensure success❤

[@Clodi19]

oufff so happy to see Phabeni !! always quiet ! phabeni has something very special !! he is not like the other babies at his age ! is it a trauma ! is he very shy ? he doesn’t play ever ! but he is healthy ! but don’t try to to reach Jabulani !! that takes time ! thousand Thanks Adine 😜I miss Phabeni every day 💕❤️🇫🇷🎈

[@voiciray]

Bonjour Clodi, comme vous le savez déjà, les éléphants sont des animaux très complexes et chaque bébé est doté de sa propre personnalité. Je crois pas qu’il est traumatisé mais plutôt que ça va lui prendre du temps de s’habituer à sa nouvelle vie. Et peu à peu Phabeni va aussi commencer à se détendre de sa propre façon, même si ce n’est pas identique à ce qu’elle a fait Khanyisa. C’est juste une question de temps. Je vous souhaite une bonne journée du Canada. 🇨🇦

[@mortalclown3812]

We don't know that he doesn't play. Let's wait to see his personality unfold. It's wonderful how interactive he is and how his wee trunk is always checking things out. We're all rooting so very much for this precious little guy... together. 🌍✨️🌿🐘🍼💙🫒🇸🇸

[@terrylemal5163]

I've been excitedly waiting for the new introduction