Phabeni’s Surrogate Mother, Setombe is in Elephant Mourning ✨

An Update on How Phabeni’s Surrogate Mother, Setombe is Coping with the Loss of Her Baby 🐘🙏🏽 - with insight from Elephant Carer, Owen
We are here for you, Setombe ✨
#everyelephantneedsaherd

[@HanktheFrank]

We are all heart broken, Setombe. Phabeni was a sweetheart. All my love to the herd and carers!!❤

[@sainjawoof3506]

She opened herself up physically and emotionally to adopt little Phabeni. Her soul is in pain like any mother. Her grief is palpable. Unconditional love can hurt when we lose those who are everything to us.😢

[@MsRain49]

😢

[@user-zb5io8rg8w]

😢❤

[@NiharikaPande-uk3cj]

@@sainjawoof3506 🌳🌿🌾😢😢😢😢😢🌾🌿🌳

[@inasorensen4452]

It is so sad ,however that is life ! If people will only realise that animals have deep feelings !We all are still mourning ,because two have passed away recently .A wonderful human and an adorable elephant !❤️

[@user-zb5io8rg8w]

@@inasorensen4452 and my daddy

[@archiemustachie3693]

My heart aches for her. Big hug for Setombe. You can see the grief on her face. Her herd will comfort her ❤️❤️‍🩹

[@katymay2611]

It is heartbreaking that Setombe lost her sweet baby ❤❤ elephants mourn the loss of loved ones just as we do. Sending Setombe lots of love ❤❤❤❤ as well as love to the rest of the herd & carers.

[@ls-l1518]

She is a little isolated from the herd, isn't she?

[@archiemustachie3693]

@@ls-l1518 yes it looks like it. Poor Setombe, maybe she needs some time alone at the moment 😢

[@dowth3]

​@@ls-l1518 Yes. Aside from her daughter, Klaserie and Sebakwe, she has been alone (until Phabeni chose her). They will likely be with her, but neither of them are mamas, so they cannot understand in the same way. She is alone in this video.

[@Bloodnok49]

@@dowth3 I agree. Setombe always seems to have been suffering from a form of PTSD, presumably triggered by events in her previous life in Zimbabwe. From Adine's previous comments, Klaserie brought Setombe out of her shell, and I guess it will have to be Klaserie who will once again coax her back.

[@dannesys]

This is just heartbreaking. Poor, lovely Setombe. The rest of the HERD elephants will also be grieving the sad loss, as are we all.

[@francescaa8331]

Bless her heart. She looks so sad. We mourn with you, Setombe. 💜

[@italiantraditionalcatholic2390]

God created these majestic animals

[@user-di8jx5ym2q]

Yes..we all grieve together..elephants and people😢

[@treggie9155]

The mournful eyes of a mother carrying the shattered remains of her heart. Poor girl!

[@user-eo6wh1ky3o]

I could not have said it better 💔

[@snowdropinla621]

So eloquently said. Thank you

[@maryberkey3760]

The pain + sadness in Sweet Setombe's eyes is heartbreaking 😢 She looks So Lost without her Baby Boy Phabeni🐘💚 Sending LOVE + PRAYERS to You Dear Lady❤️🐘💚🙏

[@waitwhat564]

Oh how sad. 😢 She loved her baby Phabeni . He gave her a new zest in her life. Prayers for Beautiful Setombe 🙏🏼❤♥️🐘

[@user-zb5io8rg8w]

Babies do bring joy to the world

[@dowth3]

​@@user-zb5io8rg8w yes, and in Setombe's case, Phabeni's choosing her brought her inclusion into the mama club, and it looks like she is alone again.

[@joyceburke5613]

@@dowth3 Setombe is mourning the loss of her adopted son Phabeni. And since elephants exhibit such human characteristics , maybe she needs some alone time to process what has happened to her son. Phabeni used to suckle from her and followed her around, wherever she went. And now that is gone. I pray that God will comfort these gentle Giants, as only He can, through this mourning period.🙏❤️🐘🕊️❤️🙏

[@waitwhat564]

@@joyceburke5613Amen. Beautifully said. 🙏🏼

[@Yearofthetiger24026]

Thank you Owen for explaining how Setombe is right now. So very sad for her, when she had opened up for the first time to an orphan baby. Thank you everyone for supporting the HERD in their grief & I hope the human carers can feel all of our support. Thank you for putting everything into helping these orphan calves, knowing they may not survive. It is very hard for us to accept this, I cannot imagine how it is for all of you. You are one very strong, dedicated team ❤❤

[@jsullo22]

My heart goes out to the whole team of carers and the whole herd. I'm so sorry for your loss 😭

[@kiko7247]

This is so heartbreaking. She had finally found the perfect baby to be a mother to, and now she is so lost and in pain mourning her precious Phabeni. Setombe, I hope you will find comfort in knowing you were the best mom for Phabeni. I hope another baby will give you the joy of being a mother again someday. Take your time beautiful Setombe. Thank you, dear Owen, for these much needed updates. We are all mourning with you.

[@LibertySneeden]

I agree that we NEED these updates, even though they are sad to watch. When a human looses a child, they spend hours going through albums & photo. They have a memory box to keep momentous. Grieving is a cruel but necessary process. 💔 💔 💔 Setombe hugs and love from all over the globe.

[@dowth3]

​@@LibertySneedenYES! We do need to see it. If we are here to support the herd, we need to do that even when it's uncomfortable. And Setombe needs us, and to not be alone in the herd of mamas. She is the focus of my prayers ❤

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

A KIKO, MI UNISCO A TE , GRAZIE DELLE PROFONDE PAROLE, HI.

[@Itzkitchka]

They should have let her say goodbye to him.

[@dowth3]

@@Itzkitchka They cited their considered opinion. It's shown in the video, and it makes good sense, though there is no perfect/painless decision here. The scent of Carers and Adine were on Phabeni's body, which the elies would've smelled and perhaps misconstrue that the carers and Adine are threats and that they actually hurt Phabeni. As horrible as it is for a mama to not have closure on what happened to her baby(!), it would impact HERD's ability to care for the entire herd --- including Setombe --- if the elies lost trust in them, not to mention the trauma that that could create. Hard decision for sure! 💔💚

[@seawavesnightstars9452]

She did emotionally and physically open herself up to adopt little Phabeni. Truly hope she (and the rest of the ellie and human herd) is coping well with the passing of our little boy. We are all grieving with you, beautiful Mama Setombe.❤❤❤

[@fabienneroure9995]

Yes beautiful Setombe we love you and grieve with you.❤😪

[@dingopearl]

Setombe, I am so sorry for your loss and your pain. You made Phabeni very happy while you were together. Owen is there to help you out.

[@cindz4618]

A huge hug and lots of rubs for Setombe when she is ready . So sorry for all of you.

[@laurieweatbrook5020]

I've been worried about Setombe and the entire herd. We all grieve in our own way and we need to support each other through this trying time.

[@dowth3]

Exactly. But who is supporting Setombe? She was not welcomed by the other mamas until Phabeni chose her. And at least in this video, no one is coming to her aid. I pray that changes ...

[@JamieM470]

@@dowth3 She heard her baby scream before he died and she screamed in response. That broke my heart. All she knows is he disappeared. I wish they had been able to let her see him for closure, but I don't know elephants like they do. Maybe that would have been even worse for her. Poor Setombe. I know her heart is aching, and mine aches for her.

[@dowth3]

@@JamieM470 Mine too, and theirs. They absolutely do know best. It's in the video the gut-wrenching and considered decision that they made and why🙏.

[@masalachic2461]

A Mother lost her Precious Child, Her Baby... there is no greater loss in this world, there is no greater pain than this. We all cry with you. I am sorrry Setombe, you are the Best Mother, may your heart someday heal. 🙏🏼

[@thefairyqueen369]

It is true, there is no greater pain than the loss of a baby. Having taken 5 years to heal from a miscarriage, I know that feeling only to well. Healing can often be a slow process for Humans so I can only imagine how Setombe, Adine, Khanysia and the rest of the herd will fare, not to mention the carers. I am still in disbelief and wish I could take away that pain they they must be feeling. It is one of the hardest to reconcile, and it just goes to show how something so small could make such an impression on all of us. Phabeni was like a walking love bomb, and nobody could resist his character, he was precious and unique. I will never forget him, none of us will......but what I have learned from this is that he brought so much love and joy to all of us just by his presence, there is a whole world out there of animals just like Phabeni that need a second chance, because of the actions of selfishness and greed. My wish is that some day, all animals will be treated with the respect that they deserve and protected better than they are now. Have a blessed day!

[@dowth3]

​@@thefairyqueen369Losing a child is a singular devastation. As I pray for Setombe, I also pray for your comfort.

[@hortensemachenaud8093]

😢 We are sad with you Setombe. We miss Phabeni physically but he is there in our human and elephant hearts forever. ❤❤❤

[@user-qv7en1ib2t]

My heart breaks for Setombe...I watched the video when she unexpectedly took on phaebini as her own...And he loved her.. I still cant believe hes gone...Hugs to all the Ellies and herd team... You must all be grieving the same..❤❤🐘😥..love to you all...💔❤🐘

[@-BubbityBubs-]

Owen, is that you? Can you just give Setombe a big hug around the leg, today? She needs a hug.

[@annawalker1750]

My heart is aching for Setombe ….. so sorry beautiful girl xx

[@Selamalia08]

We love you Setombe sorry for the loss of your little darling ❤

[@denisewalberg5803]

From the very start, Setombe claimed that little boy to be her own & she did a fantastic job at being his loving Mother. They say time heals, I don’t know how long that is for Elephants, but I hope her heart heals & she finds peace. ❤

[@dowth3]

Beautiful sentiment ❤. I pray it happens

[@lizmac8819]

Poor setombe my heart breaks I wish I could just hug you and ease your pain ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤sweet girl

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

My dear sweetheart. She lost her precious baby. We lost the precious baby. I hope you all, the elephants and the dedicated carers, will soon find some peace with the situation. We are all still heartbroken. ❤❤❤

[@marysalazar2870]

My heart is broken for Setombe losing her baby Phabeni. Praying she is able to heal with the help of her herd.

[@dowth3]

That is my biggest concern .... She was not accepted by the other adult females until Phabeni chose her. And now her babyis gone. She seems very alone again💔

[@sharonott7513]

My heart breaks for Setombe. 💔💔💔😭😭😭

[@jeanjacote5891]

Poor Setombe. Losing a baby is the most painful thing that can happen. I’m still feeling the loss of Phabeni too. I loved that little boy and it’s hard to comprehend and accept that a baby can die. It is counterintuitive, which makes the whole thing worse. Phabeni was Setombe’s own beloved baby and she is in grief. 😢😢😢❤❤

[@dowth3]

It is the worst, I agree. I pray that she's not alone in it.

[@user-di8jx5ym2q]

I am still in shock 😲..😢..grieving with everyone..❤beloved little bull Phabeni

[@christinehysteria689]

Sending love to Setombe & the rest of the herd 😔🐘🐘

[@johnclevesjr6869]

Bless you, Setombe, for being such a good step-mom to/for Phabeni! Elephants mourn much like humans do when they lose such an invaluable member of the herd! Praying for the humans and the elephants! So sad and heartbreaking!🐘😔🥺😭🖤💔🙏

[@franceslynch8815]

Darling Setombe. A graceful intelligent mum in mourning for baby Phabeni. When you love and care you open your heart to pain. Sending you all love especially Setombe, Aidine and every carer. Thank you Owen for your update❤

[@kp8381]

I lost my 16 yr old fur baby the same day you lost your baby. I know how you feel. My prayers and my heart are with you Setombe. I'm so sorry you lost your sweet boy Phaebini. 💙🐘💙🐘

[@susanfeneley]

@kp8381 🐘🐕🐈💞💙🩷🕊😔

[@bridgetsclama]

Setombe, beautiful girl, it's not your fault and we feel the loss with you. Phabeni was a special little guy and I know that he knew he was safe and he was loved. Huge hugs for mama. There will be another. I truly believe that elephants do their own version of a funeral procession.

[@terrieseverson6346]

I knew that Setombe would take losing her baby extremely hard. Hopefully the rest of the herd can help her recover from her grief. Secreting like she is doing looks as though she is crying tears . Seeing her face makes me start crying all over again just when I thought I was done weeping every day 😢.

[@dowth3]

She needs us! The other females haven't been very accepting of Setombe until Phabeni chose her. She is alone in her grief, it seems 💔. She is the focus of my prayers .

[@jolandahuisman8007]

I'm so sorry she lost her baby phabeni, she was so proud and protected of phabeni. Beautiful Setombe it's so heartbreaking seeing you in pain 💔 😢 big cuddles for you and the herd 💞🐘💞

[@dowth3]

I always thought that she looked proud, as well! I loved the video where they (it may've been Owen) highlighted the way that Phabeni's love of Setombe changed the dynamics of the herd females toward Setombe. Seems as though she's now lost that connection with them in addition to her baby 😢

[@janeeastmids4265]

Heartbreaking to see😢 hopefully the herd will rally around Setombe ❤

[@dowth3]

I pray for this, because I don't think it will happen otherwise; Setombe's been a bit excluded from the mama club prior to Phabeni choosing her. Even in this video, she is alone. Poor dear!

[@PurpleUnicorn212]

Poor Setombe. Her grief must be overwhelming. Her eyes look so sad. She is missing her baby Phabeni. You can see the pain on her face, She seems so lost right now. With the love, patience & dedication of everyone at HERD, human & elephant she will come through this. This is a hard time for all of you, sending love & hugs to all 💜💜💜🐘🐘🐘

[@dowth3]

Setombe has been alone in the herd (save for her daughter Klaserie, ans Sebakwe) but they are not mamas and won't know a mama's pain. Supporters (through donation, interest and prayers) and Carers with their vast wisdom and kindness, can support her, but so far it doesn't seem likely that Setombe will be supported by the other mamas 💔

[@susanfeneley]

​@@dowth3 My hope and prayer us that after Setombe has had time to grieve in her solitary way, the other female moms will gather around her to lift her up. I believe they understand how big an adjustment this is for Setombe after opening her heart to a new baby orphan only to lose him. They're very loving and will be there for her.🐘🕊🦋💞🐦🇺🇸

[@ftc22]

@@PurpleUnicorn212 very elegantly said. I agree.

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

@ Susan fenel... grazie dear per le buone parole ,sono con te ma anche mamma Adine piange per il suo piccino.💔💔💔💔💔💔

[@dowth3]

@@susanfeneley That is my prayer as well, but you are more hopeful than I am. They didn't seem accepting of her prior to Phabeni choosing her, so I'm not sure why they would change now. I do hope you're right!! 🙏

[@Teresa-zy5du]

As the Queen Elizabeth II said, Grief is the price we pay for Love. And we all feel it....

[@rabaile1]

I feel so sorry for Setombe, and ALL of you. I can't hardly stand it. THANK YOU for all you do.

[@ladyjustice1474]

🥺poor Setombe. She needs a cuddle and loads of empathy. Hope the sweet girl knows she did nothing wrong.

[@susanmartin6834]

Thankyou all for the work you do ❤

[@Katrene.]

Time doesn't heal the pain....it just teaches you how to cope with it.... Thoughts with all of you...Phabeni will always be rememberd with love....

[@dowth3]

💯💚

[@manuelagherghel816]

She looks indeed heartbroken and so lost... No words left. For us, very far from the Herd, this loss is terrible, I cannot even imagine your sadness, Aline, carers, elephants, all of you....

[@Freya-pj3cg]

Bless you all with so much love, strength and resilience ❤

[@user-vx1go4il2g]

Bless your heart Setombe, your soul is in pain like ours, the herd and people that took care of lil Phabeni. You were a great mum and maybe one day you’ll be again , lots of love for everyone ❤

[@cynthiawebber6468]

I am crying for Setombe. She knows her little boy Phabeni will no longer be joining her and the rest of the herd. She bonded with him deeply, as if he was her very own. What a truly amazing allo-mother you were for Phabeni, Setombe. May you heal from this grief.

[@dowth3]

I thought she was too! It was so lovely to see her be accepted by the other females. Phabeni's love elevated Setombe. I'm praying that she doesn't get sick over the loss of him AND her affiliation with the other mamas.

[@Avelish]

Setombe has a big heart. I pray another baby will be hers soon ❤ she showed how motherly she can be to two babies of her own. Bless her heart.

[@non.8994]

How? All elephants at Herd they are giving contraceptives. Another orphan? Search for Shavo, Mopane , Fenya and now Phabeni. 4 out of five are not anymore

[@pamelabiery2606]

Setombe has to be enduring the worst that can happen to any being...the loss of a loved one. My heart is with her and I wish I could help her get through this time of heartache and loss❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@stevenritts193]

The look in her eyes in the previous video is unmistakable and says it all. My heart aches for her. My late wife and I lost our daughter to a week 35 miscarriage. My wife spent her short life as a deeply compassionate powerful empath that consoled and treated abused children. I know she will do everything she can to console Setombe and the others at HERD, and she was one of the best ever. Our daughter has all her mother's gifts, and then some, and she will be welcoming Phabeni. He will still be in the very best of hands... Deepest love to Setombe and all at HERD

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

My deepest condolences. That can't have been easy for you either. Life on this planet is precious and in many ways all too brief.

[@glickspicks1969]

What a beautiful comment ❤️‍🩹

[@michaelangelo7511]

Death brings sorrow. Even the greatest will cry. Many of us are also sad. We followed Phabini and had great hope for his future. 🇺🇸

[@narelleravesi4993]

My tears still flow,you can see her pain,bless her 🙏❤️🐘

[@musiczoneful]

Same here 💔😢

[@vivnoname]

Thank you for your update. My heart breaks for Setombe, she was such a good mum to Phabeni.

[@dowth3]

I thought so too .... she was elevated by his love of her. And finally accepted by the other females. Now .....? She is the focus of my prayers.

[@LBin-oe8mv]

My heart and prayers for Setombe and the rest of the Herd to get through this. There is so much love and understanding in this special herd, always living and working with the human staff every day. The support each one needs is there. Thank you for keeping us all informed.

[@brianpesci]

Many of us are mourning Phabeni as well, my most sincere condolences to all of the staff and cares there. I am truly sorry for your loss.

[@mandydavidson6694]

Sending you all heart-felt love and support. Setombe 💞💞💞🫂💞💞💞

[@Premchik]

Poor Setombe! Oh, my heart breaks for her!(((

[@teresaa96289]

That rumble sounded like a sad sigh. Poor girl. 😢

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

Oh, Phabeni. My heart is breaking, too, but nothing like her. Every elephant is so very precious…

[@dowth3]

Agreed. I'm still crying for Phabeni, but my pain is NOTHING compared to his mama, Setombe's. Phabeni chose her and she was finally included because of that. Now she's grieving and alone 💔. I pray that she gets the TLC from humans and elephants she deserves.

[@johno9507]

We're all in mourning with her. 😢❤️🇦🇺

[@gemzoey1313]

I am so sorry Setombe. You were such a wonderful surrogate mother to little Phabeni. I am praying that your heart can heal from this profound loss and you will be ready and able to help the next orphan baby, should one come to the herd in the future. You are not alone in your grief. We all are heartbroken and grieving the loss of Precious Phabeni.😢❤

[@MM-uv6kb]

Fresh tears are flowing from my eyes, Setombe, your pain is our pain too. Your kind, generous and loving heart is hurting so badly from your loss and I can only pray that time will soon heal your wounds. ❤❤❤

[@dowth3]

Beautiful sentiment🧡. From your keyboard to God's ears!

[@mlg8398]

Bless you, Setombe, and everyone at HERD. Bless your caring hearts. Elephants and carers together in your caring and your grieving. I feel for you.

[@cliffolinger9203]

The loss of the baby has now reached across the world to our family as we watch all of your videos and will continue to support all of your efforts. Much Love to the herd from here in the states.

[@evelyneherry7352]

From France too ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Relativecalm2]

And Australia 💕🐘

[@user-vi8zp6yp4y]

Much love for Septombe and ALL of you again from the U.S.(Chicago) ❤❤❤❤❤

[@susanfeneley]

Always there for HERD!🐘💙🩷🕊🦋🐦🇺🇸

[@vivianaiacomelli3080]

@ cliffolinge il dolore è arrivato anche in Italia, non ho più lacrime ,passerà ma ci vuole tanto tempo ma il ricordo doloroso non si estinguera ' mai come per Fenya ,Mopane, show.💔💔💔💔💔💔

[@mrsjamessmom9044]

I lost my adult daughter 8 yrs ago to a cruel illness. I recognize that face she is wearing. Today I will sit silent with Mother Setombe in her hour grief, sending her love and strength.

[@user-vi8zp6yp4y]

mrsjamesmom, I am so so sorry for your loss, and thank you.

[@dowth3]

I'm so sorry. It's a singular devastation to lose a child. I'm relieved that Setombe has, at least, the sympathy of we mamas who've lost a child. Bless you!

[@mrsjamessmom9044]

@@dowth3 Peace to you my dear.

[@mrsjamessmom9044]

@@user-vi8zp6yp4y Thank you for your kindness.

[@dowth3]

@@mrsjamessmom9044 💚 thank you

[@diannebdee]

I was so afraid this would happen with Setombe. She loved dear sweet Phabeni so much. This is still such a huge loss to the entire HERD family, both human and elephant. I'm sending all my love, condolences, and most of all peace to you all. And to Setombe, I'm hugging you little girl.

[@dowth3]

Agreed. She was a bit isolated from the herd prior to Phabeni choosing her. Only then did she have the companionship of the other mamas. It seems she may be alone again 💔

[@spicyposh671]

Thanks for the update. I am so, so sad. My heart goes out to all of you. Been following HERD and also the Sheldrick fund for many years. It is so difficult to get the little elephants through their first two years. We all know that and is still so heartbreaking and difficult to deal within, especially for the carers. Heartfelt condolences from Germany.

[@lauraquaresimo2424]

We are all grieving the loss of Phabeni , I am sitting here crying for all the herd and caregivers. Elephants have emotional and physical pain just like we do , so it is with great pain in my heart to see this , and I am praying that God heals their hearts and everyone who was effected from this terrible loss of such a beautiful Phabeni....RIP my little one , we will never forget what joy and love you brought to all the world 😢❤️

[@dowth3]

It IS heartbreaking... And Setombe needs support, so I'm relieved that she's getting some focus. Supporting and loving them means in the hard times too. Prayers for your own broken heart. If Setombe weren't so isolated in the herd, I wouldn't be as concerned for her. Of course I'm still crying over Phabeni (watching old videos of him helps me with this), but my pain is nothing like Setombe's. SHE was the mama he chose. She needs the focus and TLC for awhile, I believe, regardless of how painful it is to witness ❤. As a mama who's been bereaved, I know this is important for her to not feel isolated 💚🙏🏻

[@judygreggor612]

Salibonani, We are all mourning with the herd and especially with Setombe. ❤❤❤

[@ElephantsRock19]

My heart breaks for her and everyone involved...Phabeni is greatly missed... sending much 🕊️🙏❤️🕯️🐘🫶

[@lynettelinder6861]

I am so sad for you all 😢. When I read of the little fella’s death I was so shocked as I really believed he would be with you for many years to come. I share in your grief and thank you all for the love and dedication given to baby Phabeni.

[@marysalazar2870]

My prayers go up for Owen and the whole sanctuary team. You loved Phabeni so much and she was very blessed.

[@valeriespicer3649]

Bless her heart. I feel so sorry for her and the herd and the human herd aswell. ❤ X

[@maryiced3931]

She's absolutely heart broken. The pain is visible. I'm so very sorry about your baby boy.

[@sharonj.1240]

If only there was something we could say or do to make it better for her. I'm so sorry she has to experience this pain. Seeing her this way breaks my heart.

[@dowth3]

I'm praying that she remains a focus while she mourns this devastating loss. She's alone now in the herd, so that has to increase her suffering, so I believe that she needs the extra focus and TLC. What a loss particularly for her.

[@lorettademaio4334]

So sorry for the loss of Phabeni, my love and prayers for everyone's healing with profound loss. Thank you Owen for caring for Setombe, you are a real hero.

[@shelley-anneharrisberg7409]

Oh poor Setombe! I am so sorry for her 😥🐘What a loss for her! Thank you HERD for standing by the Herd in this time and taking the herd to where they used to meet sweet Phabeni. Your support is immeasurable❤ Thank you Owen again for your explanations and kind words. It somehow is so telling how she moves off just at the end to Owen's last words ... Go well, Setombe. Go well, Jabulani herd and all at HERD❤

[@deadiemeyers1661]

We mourn with her and with her elephant herd, and her human herd. The death of Phabeni has affected many thousands of people. Hopefully what is learned from his short life will be helpful for future orphaned elephant babies moving forward.

[@claverton]

I'd love to give her a big hug ... such a beautiful gentle lady

[@leftinthedryer]

Poor baby Setombe. We mourn with you. She hurts just as we do. Thank you for the update video. Here's to healing for all who so loved the little one Phabeni. 🙏❣️🐘

[@EileenGoehring-lb8hy]

So sorry Setombe, your grief is also ours, Maybe in the future you will get the chance again, we will all miss Phabeni, his feisty ways, and that trunk when he arrived, Always in our hearts and minds, R.I.P Little one ❤️🐘😢

[@SharonNummer-qt6mg]

So very sad to lose such a majestic little baby. My heart hurt for all the elephants and all the carers. Sending heart felt hugs to everyone during this difficult time.

[@rennierad]

Grief is a very difficult emotion to go through. We continue to pray for healing.❤💕

[@avs6372]

Really this is it. It happened. I was devastated with a other baby I foster 3 weeks ago. Phabeni in the same month just killed me. I think when we foster it feels very personal. However nothing can be more excruciating than what Adine must have experienced 😢 and the caretakers. The Herd. Peace is what we need to find eventually. All our analysis does not change what is done .❤

[@ieshameena7459]

God please give strength to Setombe, HERD family, all the ellies of herd and to us to cope up with the demise of Phabeni 😢😢😢😢 He became a part of all of us, we all loved him and now not being able to see him again breaks our hearts 💔 😭😭😭

[@dianedevery2662]

Oh Setombe, I am so, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy. There is nothing to be done, but know that the world mourns with you and sends you love and healing. May your family bring you peace ❤

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

My heart goes out to you beautiful Setombe.

[@annavolpe8510]

Poor Setombe. WE thinking about her with affection. To leaveTime at Time. Not other solution. WE know that she has love and Care to go on.❤ Thanks Owen for sharing🌹

[@ftc22]

Poor Setombe. I know how she feels. Personally. I've been there. This, too, shall pass. Keep an eye on our mom. She is heartbroken.

[@dowth3]

Blessings on you for your deep suffering 💚. Agreed that Setombe needs to have eyes on her ... she needs to not feel isolated 💕

[@paman62]

We miss Phabeni. The images of that day are still stuck in my mind.

[@jenihansen7201]

Awww, that sweet momma Setombe. I pray she will feel better very soon. We love you Setombe.

[@Janet-ql4bh]

so upsetting to see her in mourning as well all the other elephants. iam sure you will ensure she doesn't get too sick. thank you so much for keeping us updated. love from Western Australia 😢😢

[@palmaleestephens1906]

I feel so bad for Setombe. I just hope that she understands that precious little Phabeni has died. Owen expressed so beautifully and poignantly Setombe’s suffering. In perfect timing, Setombe walked away as Owen finished. God bless everyone at HERD for doing everything in their power to save the little calf. Prayers for HERD and the elephants for comfort and blessings.😢❤️🌈🐘🌟

[@Maria-ni4rc]

Thank you for sharing the footage and update on Setombe. Many humans do not realize that God's creatures do grieve in some manner for we are not the only intelligent species on the planet. Setombe will go through similar steps as humans do when grieving, as will the other herd members. One of my pet's passed 9 months ago, and my youngest rescue still looks for his big brother who first greeted him and taught him. There are days when he goes to 'big brothers' spots and just lays there. Sending many head/trunk rubs to Setombe and the herd family. And many hugs to the carers for I know your hearts are broken. Carers, please know your devotion, love, and commitment to the herd doesn't go unnoticed; all of you are special souls. Thank you for all you do 24/7/365-366 days a year. Sending many blessings, continue to be safe and healthy...

[@susanfeneley]

@Maria-ni4rc Beautiful comment. 🐘💙🩷💞🦋

[@dowth3]

Same. I had one kitty who mourned for 4 heartbreaking months for his big brother he adored. It was gut wrenching. My concern for Setombe is that she's unassuming, and was more separate from the group of adult females. Perhaps underestimated as a mama --- until Phabeni chose her. I hope that she gets the companionship from the elies, and focus from the humans to support her, the poor thing!

[@Maria-ni4rc]

@@dowth3 Thanks for sharing your story of the grieve your kitty experienced. I feel confident that once some time passes, Setombe will be embraced more by the family members for they are very aware of her broken heart. Sometimes death has a way of changing dynamics...

[@cherylgarrett4455]

It makes my mama heart sad to see that Setombe is grieving the loss of baby Phabeni. I am glad to see that the herd gets to gather where they always waited for Phabeni to join them

[@IlGattonero13]

Thank you, Owen, for this sensitively narrated update. How unbearably sad. I’ve been wondering about Setombe, and how she is coping. Not only has she lost her baby, but as Phabeni’s surrogate mother she may also feel that she failed to keep him from harm. My heart goes out to her, and I hope that time and the support of the herd will heal her pain. My love and condolences to you all.

[@dowth3]

So thoughtful of you to be concerned that she may blame herself. I've mostly been concerned that she's not isolated in her grief as she seems to have been before Phabeni chose her. Bless you

[@tinacoetzee7578]

I feel very sorry for her big loss. 😢🐘💔

[@Willowy13]

We are right there with you, Setombe. It is still a fresh wound. My comfort is that Baby Phabeni is with God and his mom.🙏🙏🙏

[@katboxjanitor]

Setombe gave such love and nurturing to Phabeni. She provided such loving support to her boy. I am thankful for the generous hearts of the The Herd. My heart hurts for all of the Herd.

[@deborjhablackwell6162]

This is so sad. Her grief is palpable. And it reinforces for me the importance of staying focused on ensuring that these babies are no longer orphaned. So much senseless, unnecessary loss. Oh Setombe, we humans have no idea how to help you ride it out. Thank goodness you have Owen and the rest of both families to love you through it. 😢🫶🏽🫶🏽🐘❤️

[@roses9339]

Prayers for Setombe. Cheers Rosemary Western Australia 73yrs

[@michellesartori6695]

I don't know what time 5 hours ago was in Western Australia, but I'm watching this at around 3am in NSW. I recall our previous interaction on the death of Phabeni. I feel so bad for Setombe, and although I have never lost a child, I do know those who have. Grief is a horrible thing! I wish for her to know that she is loved through this awful time! Take care now.

[@roses9339]

@michellesartori6695 it's 6.05am now. Let's hope Setombe finds peace again very soon. 😍

[@user-jo5ml8et1z]

I wish humans understood animals feel the same emotions we do, including grief. RIP Phabeni and I pray Setombe recovers quickly. 💔

[@Playwright62]

And she moves away to continue to mourn in private. To witness this half a world away is an honor.

[@dowth3]

AGREED ❤. No grieving parent should also have to feel isolated from support. Setombe is more reserved and quiet than the more extroverted females but her pain is palpable and real. I pray that she remains a focus ❤. It IS an honor to witness. Thank you for saying that! 💚🙏🏻

[@Playwright62]

@dowth3 I am a new supporter of HERD but volunteered last year at the Phinda Private Game Reserve in SA. Thank you for the history of Setombe.

[@dowth3]

@@Playwright62 Ah ... well, bless you for your service to the animals! 💚 Some think that Setombe suffers from a bit of PTSD from her experiences in Zimbabwe, and she's been less a part of the adult females at HERD. Her daughter, Klaserie, and dominant bull Sebakwe are roomed together at the homestead. Wee Phabeni chose her as his mama, despite being led to Lundi at first. This changed the dynamics of the female herd. There's a great video on how Phabeni changed the dynamics. Only after being chosen by him did the other females rally around her. I say all this only to highlight my concern that she is isolated again -- only now it's while she's mourning, since Phabeni's passing💔. She is the focus of my prayers now. Welcome to the family! 💚

[@Playwright62]

@dowth3 Thank you so much! At Phinda, I helped a wildlife scientist do his master's research on the contraception of female elephants, and he talked about ptsd of elephants who had been traumatized and how careful they need to be when they need to tranquilize them.

[@dowth3]

@@Playwright62 💚

[@rexanderson5024]

I hope she over comes her sadness and adopts another baby .