Elephant Bull Fishan - A Brave Elephant who Survived a Fractured Leg

Elephant Bull Fishan's Journey of Recovery - a full update.
Full BLOG LINK: herd.org.za/an-update-on-elep...
In September 2018, one of the older bulls of the Jabulani Herd, Fishan, stepped into a deep hole and fractured his ulna bone in his front left leg.
It was a serious injury that required the attention of some of South Africa's top wildlife veterinarians. He underwent two procedures to treat his leg - which was a massive feat considering he weighed four tonnes.
For four months Fishan could not walk far distances and stayed back during the day in the stables area while the rest of the herd spent their days in the wild. Our carers were incredible, staying by his side and reading and talking to him throughout that time, something we think he appreciated more than he could show. We know we certainly did!
Two and half years later, and we have many devoted followers who follow Fishan's every step in our videos, as he walks out in the bush. Fortunately, he is walking much better than ever. He still has a pressure sore on the elbow of his leg that he injured as that is the side he leans on when resting and sleeping, freeing his healthy leg to get him up. The sore is looking much better, but he may have it for quite some time to come. We will share more information about that tomorrow, with an interview with Dr Rogers.
We have a full video update today to see his progress over the past two and a half years, as well as this full blog to read more about the procedures that took place, for our new followers.
Today, being Easter, it is a wonderful time to celebrate family and be grateful for another - every person in your family, and every elephant in our herd. We are so grateful that Fishan has gone from strength to strength and chose to never give up, and neither did our elephant care team. They stuck by him 24/7 and made sure he had everything he needed from us to get through not only physically for emotionally too.
We hope you enjoy looking back at Fishan's journey today with us, with so much love and gratitude.
BLOG: herd.org.za/an-update-on-elep...
If you would like to foster Fishan click here: jabulanisafari.com/fostering/...
www.herd.org.za

[@rustykilt]

I generally have more respect for Animals than people, but these people and all those trying to save our wildlife have my undying admiration.

[@CristinaF210]

oh they are so much better than us so so so so much its so embarrassing to me when i see what people do to them its a SIN i believe to hurt any animal especially intelligent animals like elephants, my absolute opinion and will never change we are no more than them we are all equal all of us 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@geethakumari771]

Good people.God Bless You

[@maryberkey3760]

BLESSED + SPECIAL PEOPLE👨‍🌾👩‍🌾🙏 EARTH ANGELS...FOR SURE😇😇 THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH❣️❣️🐘👨‍🌾👩‍🌾😇🙏

[@dubhdraiocht8427]

Seeing this sort of thing restores my faith in humanity.

[@lindafromcalifornia1155]

The one constant in all of this is Adine and the carers at HERD. Fishan will never forget the love, kindness and compassion that you all have shown him and the other ellies.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much, Linda 🥰

[@saralyness1031]

Many people around the world 🌍 watch & care about what you are doing to protect the elephants. Your dedication and hard work doesnt go unnoticed. Thank you ❤

[@kaylynnbateman]

Ditto

[@kaylynnbateman]

​@@herdelephantorphanage😂 Thank you adine

[@stevelee4653]

Prayers to Fishan and all the Elephants through out the world!

[@kamalkishoreraina7338]

Good job thankyou every one who helped the elephant 👍🙏

[@joycechua7603]

Thank you for caring for Fishan.

[@jennyirons7593]

What a beautiful video to share on this Easter Sunday.

[@marianneritavanvliet4554]

Amen Fishan you still in 2023 a amazing strong elephant and survived What a great medical team and doctor you are.

[@rupasamaddar9761]

Thank you for saving his life

[@CristinaF210]

omg they read to him everyday while he was getting better this big boy will never forget this thank you for all this, while some are destroying elephants lifes you all are caring for them so I still believe in (some) humanity 🥰🥰🥰 little Khanyisa was so happy to touch Fishan trunk, oh your videos are absolutely priceless Adine, thank you for all this its a an absolute treasure, for as long you put out videos ill will watch forever this is everything for someone who lives in city thank you 🙏God bless you all your hard work and all the kind people who help charity to HERD you are all heroes to me the best wish there were more like you as this the work of God helping these beautiful creatures they are better than us i think in many ways.🥰 God bless your caring heart sweet Fishan and may you have a LONG healthy HAPPY life WITH your HERD always surrounded by their love💖💖💖💖💖💖🥰

[@sambiswas1265]

I am overwhelmed. My 12 year son advised me not to see all political news but see such documentary instead, because when you see political news it reacts negatively in your brain and you become impulsive as oppose to this videos bounces emotion in your heart and you love 🥰😍💗💖💝 us more. This means animals are teaching me love n affection. Thankx to your team.

[@bachtran5533]

Billion times Thank you so much 🐘🙏

[@lg.3267]

Thanks for Saving her life

[@SteveMatthewItsTheNetWork]

Thank to all the staff for taking care of these beautiful elephants❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯.

[@irisessex90]

What a phenomenal team all of you take such good care of these elephant’s. That was a cool contraption the one vet made that took serious thought. God bless you for being loving, caring people.

[@Isabelacostama]

Is not easy for me see the Fishian's painful. I know he is doing well now! You are doing a great job. Thank you♥♥♥

[@judithhombsch1535]

It is so good to see the improved progress of Fishan. Thank to all the wonderful people who cared and continue to care for his the the welfare of the Herd.❤

[@cherylmurten8615]

Thank you from Arvada Colorado. 💖🐘💖🐘💖🐘💖

[@jodyariewitz7349]

God bless you all for helping this wonderful animal!!❤❤❤👍👍👍

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much, Jody, it means a lot to us. 💚

[@jodyariewitz7349]

@@herdelephantorphanage You are very welcomed!🙂❤❤

[@aldaharrison4882]

Amazi g dedication and kindness..great carers and team

[@janhawkins6088]

He is a beautiful soul and a very kind boy. I'm so happy to see him doing so well and congratulate all who took such good care of him. ❤❤❤

[@debramorgan2242]

Tigere, you are soooooo dedicated...we love you!

[@somerandommom5030]

Fishan seemed so calm through it all. He seems to know that his humans will make sure he is okay. He is such an inspiration!

[@jacquelineganske7809]

I thought the same. He seemed to have total trust in them. Beautiful connection between 2 species!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

He definitely seemed to know that we were doing everything we could to help him!

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

Thank you HERD.

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

@@herdelephantorphanage GODSLOVE TO ALL. I have deep respect for all.🙏🙏🐘🐑😇🐑🐕💖🙏🙏

[@junecooper4688]

Yes it's amazing how fishan just knew he was being helped by his humans, beautiful big boy fishan is

[@maryherrera7893]

Thank whatever God you choose, the people that cared for this wonderful elephant are the graces to the world

[@melvabarteaux1275]

He is a very large elephant, they let you do for them, I am amazed, your work ,it’s amazing. Yes they are our children, they need our help.

[@Younified]

These people who work with these animals are incredible. God bless them.

[@focusongrowth4755]

Fishan’s injury would have been unrecoverable without Herd Elephant Orphanage South Africa! Thank you for saving his life!!! ❤️🐘

[@kundanpadhiyar1832]

8

[@alicetoner2020]

I love elephants, thank you so much for fixing his leg

[@stephanietorres5679]

Wonderful leg healing of fishan and sweet photos of a baby albino elephant.

[@paulafernandes6875]

Animal

[@paulafernandes6875]

Your absolutely right i that huge magical beast such a beautiful boy

[@vea-vea]

Очень трудно лечить таких великанов, большое спасибо за помощь любовь и терпение.❤❤❤ Храни вас Господь!

[@kimmiek0]

Kevin, Last, and Tigere thank you for giving so much of yourselves to Majestic Fishan. He needed his human herd desperately. It bring joyful tears to my eyes seeing how much he trusts you. Ty for sharing your lives with us the virtual herd. We wish we could be a physical part but we still love you all as family.

[@kaylynnbateman]

Diÿ

[@ceceliapeterson4648]

Beautifully said.

[@barbaragalbreth4429]

i recognized this elephant😃 Love ❤️you all, thanks HERD!

[@deondelduca714]

Poor guy!! He's a SURVIVOR FOR SURE! THEY ALL ARE!!

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

LOVE GOES A LONG WAY.🎶🙏🏻🎵💞💞💕😇🐘🐘🐑🐕🐶🌷🌷🌲🌲😇😇🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@mortalclown3812]

Courage, love, strength. The great heart of Africa in Fishan, the amazing carers. It's how Earth could be if we pulled together. 🐘🌍🇿🇦💙💫🌟 Thank you for sharing these phenomenal stories.

[@marpro765]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

Love & blessings to all of HERD and all the elephants & Gods animals and carer's in the world. GODSLOVE to the Universes.

[@AsIseeitPattiDail]

You all have created the sweetest Elephant family! How beautiful! Thank you for all that you do!!!❤❤❤

[@1JamesMayToGoPlease]

You all are doing God's work.

[@alenarepka6010]

Vielen Dank! was für tolle Tiere!

[@christineh4782]

Fishan looked happy playing in the mud! I empathize with Fishan. He is still a happy elephant with great quality of life!💖 I had the advantage of crutches.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you for your empathy! Did you break your leg?

[@dancemad1000]

What a handsome brave boy. ❤️

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Very much so!

[@JamieM470]

Brave and beautiful Fishan! It was so wonderful to see them bring food and water to him when he was in such pain, then working on him, reading to him, giving him piles of treats. They spoiled him and it was so wonderful to see. I think it gave him the confidence to not give up. Wonderful Fishan, and wonderful people :)

[@Jennifer-di4nl]

You are all Angels! God bless 🙏

[@astrofabio68]

you , people are amazing! You make a great job with this beautifouls beings!

[@junepearl7993]

It's so lovely to see him walking with his family. Without your help he would have died alone and in pain. This is a wonderful story.

[@sandrasharp2934]

What an unexpected blessing to see this video.. To witness the tireless commitment and dedication of these marvelous keepers of God's creatures! You might have opted to euthanize this magnificent bull. However, you CHOSE to give it everything you could to give him that CHANCE. I'm sure he needed your positive attitude & dedication to him. I give you a standing applause 👏

[@niceldaalves1265]

@@sandrasharp2934 ģ

[@The-ii5mj]

@@sandrasharp2934 You should see what they go thru when an orphan calf comes in. Khanyisa is a Princess and doing great. But they had another just recently, Fenya who also was caught in a snare so long her herd left. She was all alone at night. She didn't make it💔 bless her little heart. But if love💕 could of saved Fenya, she'd still be here. Even MrStavros, who had finally just retired as Head Elephant carer, came back to help❣ He had been there for yrs, working w/Aldine's parents who had started the Sanctuary & it was time for him to retire & go back to where his family lives. He had given Aldine a promise that if he was ever needed, he'd come back. He kept his promise. They are amazing people, amazing creatures & watching them restores your faith in humanity. Also puts a smile on your face❣🐘💕🐘🐘🐘 Thank you again Stewie!!!

[@jentinushuisbrink7723]

“

[@jentinushuisbrink7723]

@@sandrasharp2934 6

[@pattimiller9157]

Wonderful reading to him ❤️🙏 I pray the world will see how special animals are 🙏🙏❤️🥰

[@lenkastiborova9359]

Great Team, Great Family, Great Work 👏👏👏🖒🖒🖒

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you 👍

[@bsanders2396]

I am so impressed by every member of this magnificent herd.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

As are we! They inspire us constantly 🥰

[@khoahoang1557]

Thanks the good hearts team, l love the elephant and your team very much !

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Right back at you! 💚💚

[@tjlance492]

Elephant's live such a difficult life 😭😭 Thank God there are Angels among us to help them!! Bless all of You !!🌷💖💖

[@judylauer4743]

Fishan--Only Ell that will always brings tears -to me--Thank you all

[@herdelephantorphanage]

He has that effect.... his strength is amazing! Thank you Judy

[@debrahouston2884]

AMAZING Life-Saving work!!! To go from this tenous situation, the surgery + long convalescence, to watching Fushan successfully chase lions away from the herd along w/the other bulls was a HUGE THRILL!!! All of you are HEROES for saving Fishan's leg, life + legacy! 💕 🐘 💕

[@mindmyown1]

They read to him each day, which he loved. 😭😭😭 Oh Fishan, you certainly have come a long way. You are so very loved.

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

This is heartfelt. So much love to the ellies and ppl. Speechless. Thank you Universe.

[@jaycuzman625]

Yes Fishan is lived

[@wykeishacraft6820]

Hi you guys , What A Care Taker Team work alk together with team and lovely elephants. Sorry about the pressure and pain you all with the sweet elephants have to go through. I hope he gets better.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

He is already so much better! he has come so far! Our carers have really been amazing and we are so grateful for their patience and love!

[@wykeishacraft6820]

@@herdelephantorphanage That' s Good, continue the great contents , now Fishan and the other elephants can go eat more of the Easter grass especially Khantasia . I like the sheep too. God Bless You

[@apsaraa8209]

Beautiful Fishan. How they just get on with it, and do best as they can, with what they have. So good to see him leading his herd.

[@Kymcook73]

Poor Fishan I'm binge watching again. But he's healed up now in 2022. ❤

[@gaylegordon2038]

Lovely Fishan. Thank you for saving this wonderful elephant.

[@jnoyes8180]

God Bless you care takers! You are WONDERFUL people!

[@shirleyhelms1105]

Oh Poor Guy.Wonderful That Everyone was so Dedicated to Nurse. This Gentle Giant and Keep his Morale up.Blessings to You all for Helping one of God's Creatures.

[@elpirata5468]

Thank you for sharing and For never giving up on Mr Handsome

[@herdelephantorphanage]

we could never!

[@kathleenyoung8916]

Reading to that sweet boy... be still my heart 💜

[@donaldscheer5206]

If I were an Elephant! I would Love to Live in the wild! BUT! If something happened to me! I would Love being Part Of The Herd! The Herd! Wonderful Elephants! & Wonderful People! God Bless! And Happy Easter!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much - and a very happy Easter to you and your family too, Donald!

[@hammerheadactual2993]

Fishan is my favorite elephant in the herd. He's like the uncle that everyone loves. I am so glad y'all put the time and immense effort to save him.

[@TinyFreya59]

That reading to him... Brought tears to my eyes at the sheer love of that alone.

[@shirleytwsw]

Yes it was incredible !

[@jamestaylor6041]

YOU GUYS ARE ANGELS , and he will forever be thankful , awesome way to win an animals trust.

[@sueb6831]

50 years ago in Rhodesia the first ever plaster cast was put on an adult giraffe at Todds Motel on the way to Beit Bridge. It worked.

[@Laura-tp8wz]

Beautiful! Thank you all.

[@marianneritavanvliet4554]

Fishan walk again with the Herd when he want. I love to see Fishan such beautiful Fishan. Thank you all medical team and Herd Staff and Adine. The best. Have a nice life Fishan. We love you all.

[@ebillie1181]

I won't watch because I'll cry. I just wanted to know that he survives. I have cried too much for these beautiful animals. I can't handle it.

[@TheSouthernRascal]

Bless all of you. He's God's beautiful creature! ♥️

[@LKemp-lr1ky]

BRAVO! You guys are as beautiful as that elephant, for your beautiful, loving care. Thank you so much..

[@ruthmoniz3947]

You are all ANGELS! An extrodinary story of human ingenuity used to save an animal .❤beautiful Fishan walks

[@Beruthiel45]

It eases my heart to know that there are those who care for and love these precious creatures so much. All we see and hear of far away are depressing stories which make us sad, but watching your videos is balm to the soul. Thank you. Love to the herd and each elephant, may they continue to prosper under your loving care.

[@manguram6297]

Wwwwas

[@estelleschneider9033]

Yes. I agree..live elephants ..amazing animals Thank God for His servants who care for them .. Blessings

[@tjlance492]

Amen 🌷💖🌹

[@Therealtarot1123]

Don't know all of the details but it appears that Fishan knew he was being helped and he seemed to cooperate , good for him. What an incredible amount of dedication and perseverance by this team. Working with horses and them being much smaller than these pachyderms is difficult at times, so I can completely comprehend the sheer amount of stress that this team may encounter during such processes. You folks rock!!!!!!❤️💕

[@selinacollard6442]

THEY R BEAUTIFUL MAJESTIC ANIMALS WHO DO NOT FORGET LIVELY THANK U FOR TAKING CARE OF HIM FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART

[@mbd6054]

Fantastic people, supporting an amazing elephant. Thank you.

[@valhere1406]

Elephant rehabilitation. Love it!

[@dannymanley8073]

You guys are fantastic thank you for your care for the elephant and all the wildlife.

[@brendamarshall-lewis5093]

These gentle giants are amazing

[@kamauwikeepa7308]

Thanks for sharing part of your wonderful work.

[@userused3199]

The absolute devotion of the HERD team to Fishan's emotional well being by reading to him and providing constant companionship while he healed and was unable to be with his elephant family is an inspiration to the entire world. God Bless every one of you.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@elenikotsaki3020]

I'm so pleased to know all this natives helping with this majestic creatures as they are their country's national treasures,I wish we all do thesame and protect what mother nature has put on this earth!!!!!

[@brianesilber9796]

This is mind blowing what a beautiful temperament Fishan has thank you to all the team at herd you all are truly wonderful love to all

[@albavidafarms6439]

Your really have a remarkable team of doctors and carers. The elephants are so fortunate to have you all.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you!

[@junecooper4688]

I agree, imagine the elephant coping with his injury alone and in the wild.....I should imagine he still suffers from leg pain, elephant's are so massive in size

[@pamelakeller1693]

That broken leg had to be so painful for him. All that weight on the leg. So glad he is doing great. What a beautiful boy!! Happy Easter and praise God for the elephants.

[@dianekachovich7610]

Thank you for caring so much. Beautiful creatures. 🤗💞

[@diannecox7187]

This video had me in tears, just because of you wonderful people making such an effort to help one of Gods creatures. May he richly bless all of you for doing so. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much, Dianne 🥰

[@diannecox7187]

@@herdelephantorphanage I wasn’t sure my comment got through, so happy it did , 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@cathelenealtamirano6803]

Beautiful Majestic Animal what a privilege to watch this video.I am so happy that Fish has made it true.Thankyou to all who has cared for him,best to all of you.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much, Cathelene! 🥰 It means a lot.

[@andreworlowski2638]

THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK AND DEDICATION! GOD BLESS YOU ALL. BEST REGARDS FROM CANADA.

[@janicem4382]

What an undertaking, well done. You saved this beautiful boy.

[@judil3294]

So nice to see the herd showing their respect.

[@sandramaher4243]

Wonderful, such a touching story of this beautiful ,majestic animal. Thank you 💜👏💜👏💜

[@mabelgutierres]

Adorable boy❤️🐘❤️

[@imogen2092]

He’s such a gentle giant 🥰 You do amazing work!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much! 💚

[@ReturnToNature927]

Crying again. Not sad tears but happy tears . The dedication of reading to him all day... Bless you all !! Beautiful video capturing so many important moments in this recovery. ❤️

[@ruthhaught4296]

I thought it was just me that cried! I get so full of emotion watching these angels helping these huge majestic animals. I feel so lucky to get to watch all there hard work.❤️❤️❤️

[@jankent5677]

Add me to the bunch of criers too. He is inspiration “personified” elli-sonified🥰

[@nunyabiz-]

Yep...cried too 🧡🌞

[@kennethmarks1625]

Claudette : @@jankent5677 Okay now you " criers" have brought back my tears too! I knew Fishan's story including the reading to him and thought I was so proud and grateful and past the teary part! Except that your note made me realize the heart is still very emotionally involved with our brave and inspiring kind Fishan! So I join with your hearts too!

[@lessehead]

I wonder if they played music for him. Elephants are supposed to love music!

[@brendamcmanus9438]

The medical team, plus all of the Jabulani Carers, are simply amazing. To Tigere staying with Fishan for 36 hours till they walked back to the Stables, to reading to him throughout each day of his recovery, it touches your heart & we give thanks to the incredible souls who helped Fish regain his strength. We 💛🧡🤎💖❤️ you Fishan. #Fishan #HERD_ElephantsSA

[@shyamalashankar3241]

What a wonderful person Tigers is

[@dukadarodear2176]

Excuse my ignorance but I didn't know that humans read to Elephants. What is read to them and why?

[@brendamcmanus9438]

@@dukadarodear2176 hi, about reading to Fishan during his healing from a broken front leg; Adine requested that the team of Carers dedicated to Fish during this time read to him. He can be seen in video having these “continuing social connections throughout the day.” 💛🧡🐘💖💜 It must have been difficult for him… Losing his daily family interactions… So sad for him. Adine replaced sad moments with loving kindness from Fishan’s Carers, each & every day. Till he was able to rejoin his family. The Jabulani family 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@dukadarodear2176]

@@brendamcmanus9438 Thanks for your kind reply. I find Elephants very interesting animals given their size, intelligence, memory and many other characteristics. I found the case of this injured elephant and the care he was given very gratifying. I know that many animals wish to be spoken to, like music, enjoy fun and games etc but I'm curious to know if Elephants enjoy being Read to specifically. Thanks again.

[@sharong8511]

@@dukadarodear2176 I would like to know how elephants communicate with each other. Is it through sight, sound, touch or is it a combination? I think reading to them is a brilliant idea. I’ve heard they like classical music too. There’s a video of a man playing the piano for an elephant. I find elephants the most fascinating creatures.

[@reggieburris]

Excellent update. Fishan overcame a serious injury. Glad he’s making study progress!

[@evah787]

02:30 z I just love it.... "they read to him all day.."😂😃

[@soraya4607]

WE all Hope that Fishan will live still Many Years !! A magnificent lesson for everybody and wonderful answer to your work during many Years, how he fights for his life. Please continue your blessing conservation

[@christineh4782]

May God bless all of you!!! With all the company, reading to Fishan and feeding him gave him a very positive distraction from the pain. It was very important to recovery. I just can't thank you enough for how excellently you provide and take care of each other.💝💗💖💕💓💞🤗✝️🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@sloexodus30]

The people at Heard are AMAZING ! I am amazed while watching this clip about Fish. You all represent the very best of humanity. God bless.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words! 🥰

[@zsong9600]

Poor baby - like a person that leg is going to bother him for the rest of his life, but so happy the mighty Fishan has good peoples around him.

[@jacquelineganske7809]

I love that. The mighty Fishan he is indeed!

[@merveilmeok2416]

Thank you good humans! 😭❤️❤️

[@thavasivarajan9127]

Happy Easter to the Awesome staff of HERD💖💖💖

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you and the very same to you!