Orphaned elephant Khanyisa's first official swim in the dam

Rewind to the sunny day in July that led up to Khanyisa's first full swim with the Jabulani herd!
We hope you will enjoy this unseen footage of the day that led up to her first swim with the herd. The morning started with the sweetest belly scratch on a large log, in the company of Stavros, one of Khanyisa's dedicated carers, before Khanyisa joined her elephant family at sunrise.
You will get to see the herd as they arrived at the dam to swim, and a very muddy Khanyisa following after Lundi before she soon submerges herself for her first official swim in the dam with her new herd.
We decided to add the rest of their joyous swim in this clip again, as many may not have had the delight of watching it before.
Happy Friday, from all of us at HERD!

[@Franklin5261]

Khanyisa’s blonde eye lashes are so long and pretty. To see her run to her family in the morning is my favorite part. I especially liked it the other day when Kumbura came running to greet her. And just like most children little Khanyisa loves to swim!! I love to see the elephants having fun in the water!! 🥰🥰🥰

[@carolynminter7839]

That's my favorite thing, watching Princess K enjoying the water ❤

[@tinyvr7036]

I love to see her running. Her little spine is growing so fast she's catching up to it nicely. It makes me so happy to see healthy elephants.🐘 Thank you for the share on swim day❤

[@JamieM470]

Elephant playtime! Even the largest, most dignified had a blast :) Little Khanyisa had me smiling the whole time...wallowing around having so much fun, but staying right under Lundi where she feels safe. That was awesome, thank you!

[@suzystone244]

Happy Friday😀 Khanyisa and the herd are part of my daily routine. From Redding Ca 🇺🇸 to South Africa 🇿🇦. This really means alot❤

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thanks Suzy!!! Have a great weekend!

[@frankwolf3860]

Yes, Suzy...Khanyisa and her Herd are part of many of our daily routines...could say, even if only vicariously, we are all part of the Jabulani Herd! With all the increasing craziness all around watching the Jabulani Herd's daily morning and evening videos is my escape from dystopia...so many evenings I imagine myself just quietly sitting on the edge of the dam as the herd comes for their bath...sitting there with Khanyisa in her room softly singling a lullaby to her...and, being able to comfort Fishan, gently massaging his left front leg helping it fully heal-recover from the broken bone... ... ... ... smile now!

[@dianearsineau5827]

@@frankwolf3860 your message was beautiful and i ageee with you.Having a hard time with this virus when your senior citizen. From michigan usa.

[@dionnedunsmore9996]

@@frankwolf3860 wow❤😊 thats pretty cool coming from a dude!😊❤ ur probably married rite?!!😆👊❤

[@katewalsh9258]

@@frankwolf3860 I agree with Frank! I love and cherish my time with the herd. At times, watching them all fills my heart with such joy, and gratitude to those who care for them.

[@saltysouthernmomma9354]

Watching Khanyisa is always the bright spot in my day during this strange covid time. I appreciate you putting these wonderful videos out. Elephants are so humble and gracious. To me, they are a gift from God. God bless you and your team for taking such great care of the herd! 🥰🙏💜

[@thomastammaro693]

Ugh she's laugh out loud adorable. I would be playing with her every second she's awake.. Nice Job guys!

[@spectrumlocalb191]

I would to but dont know if thats allowed. We had The Ringling Brothers Circus in our Spectrum for 30 years and Gunther Geabel Williams always would take me out to play with the Elephants.

[@melaD333]

She looks like she’s getting so big.. until she’s next to the adults! It’s really incredible how tiny she looks even next to Timisa!

[@littleme3597]

Those little legs as she runs to her "people'. She is sooooo HAPPY.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

She is a happy little ele!

[@Buba417]

The unspeakable things this little angel had to endure. She’s a miracle! Love watching her thrive. Many blessings to you all at Herd.

[@HelloKitty-ed5cy]

Watching these gentle giants peacefully enjoying themselves makes my heart sing. They are extraordinary. Little Khanyisa is adorable and it is a joy to watch her interact with the herd. Heartfelt thanks and gratitude to those who care for and protect them..... :)

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Our pleasure!

[@dionnedunsmore9996]

❤😍i cant really tell shes albino til shes around the other elephants lol (aside from the pink around her eyes and mouth) * looks like shes gnawing on the driftwood a little, do ellies teethe? **aww❤😊its jist so sweet and heart touching to see her herd accept her the way they do, they seem to really enjoy having a baby in their herd. So cool to get to watch. Shes gotta feel loved😊❤ pretty cool *** id gnaw my rite arm off to be able to join some type of organization like this to be able to help care for these guys. I love the elephant. I love em so much actually lol their smell wouldnt bother me at all 😆lmao kinda like when u change ur babys' diaper lol u dont neccesarily like it but u dont want anyone else doing it😉❤😆 I love the elephant!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Her colour is definitely darkened from the mud on her skin, even from the morning! So glad you like the video! Yes you do become accustomed to their various smells :-)

[@sharonj.1240]

I will never get tired of seeing this sweet little elephant living her beautiful life. From an injured baby to a thriving elephant. Such a joy.

[@mindmyown1]

I remember being a kid and loving the water so much it would literally tire me out but had the best sleeps after days at the shore with my folks. I’m sure this tires out little Khanyisa too She seems to love the water 💦 🐘♥️

[@ashipper8223]

Hello from North Carolina in the US. It’s so heartwarming and wonderful to watch these animals living their best lives. Thank you.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Our pleasure! So lovely to hear how far her story reaches!! Thank you! have a super weekeend!

[@paulettemarsh3026]

🇦🇺🐨🦘🐘🦘💓 How do you refrain from touching this cherub constantly💓⁉️ I would have no control over my hands! If ANY of these precious creatures came to me,l would so HAVE to stroke,pat,scratch their itch or kiss them as much as they’d allow me - especially Khanyisa! & clearly, that’s not the way to be a successful Elephant rescuer . Adine,you & your keepers are so generous with these divinals, it’s ALL about ‘them’ & not ‘you’ & ‘your’ emotions. You gently respond to their emotions & contact,but you let ‘them’ decide for how long & how much.Just enough to reassure them that they are safe & loved..That shows pure love,respect & strength on your side🙌🏼 Today at the water was gorgeous..Good Health & Safety to you all..🥰

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you for the lovely message!

[@kelli-kell6459]

With those big white orbs as eyes she looks like she is in a constant state of surprise. Also, I love her long chin whiskers.

[@chamberpaint]

I thought she'd grown so much, having not watched for a week or so....then, how TINY she looked in the water! Still a baby after all. So cute, running to her family in the morning. I just can't begin to tell you how much joy your videos bring to me. Thank you so much💗💕

[@herdelephantorphanage]

thank you very much, Lorraine - we are glad you like them!

[@marshallmajor4971]

Little bit of paradise.

[@mindysmith1168]

Hello from Los Angeles, California USA. I love your videos every day. They make me smile. I 💜 elephants.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Hello Mindy from California! Thank you so much :-)

[@MrTechdeck5]

I love seeing some of the elephants submerge their bodies and then see their trunks sticking out of the water! Khanyisa is definitely a water baby!

[@mindysmith1168]

Lisa Howard me, too. She’s just the sweetest little elephant. Love her so much.

[@gloriamariasuarezpinto6803]

Tokwe 🐘 y Lundi 🐘 las dos Matriarcas disfrutan el momento con la pequeña Elefantita KHANYISA 🐘 y toda la Manada de elefantes de JABULANI

[@veronicaferraro5206]

Look how happy each one of them are...I feel proud of them... you guys should feel escatic!!!! Look how all of your hard work turned out..all your personalities are in each one if these guys...they are sweet and so special..thank you again for an opportunity I never would have had....

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much!! That is such a lovely comment, Veronica!😘😘😘

[@jimmyguitar2933]

Seeing all the elephants enjoying the bath was fascinating to watch. Especially the big adults.

[@ChrissyD22472]

Good morning Khanyisa and caregivers! Have a beautiful day..

[@UMBE4U]

She looks so small between the two adult elephants.

[@Aliceinjonesville]

sings... “Splish-Splash I was takin’ a bath...”. 🎶. 🙌🏼😍

[@coralrault2275]

Love it. Can she get any cuter! 🥰. Loving the herd and beautiful scenery as ever.

[@bea-ftloa1142]

A new video ‘to me’ & so much fun to watch! First, Khanyisa running, ears flapping, to meet her family is a delight & to see her discovering & having so much fun at the dam, it’s a blast.. Glad the eles can enjoy that dam as they please, free of danger! ♥️♥️🐘🐘🐑🐑

[@PaulatenBosch]

Everyday I have to watch a video of Khanyisa! 🐘 😍 Thank you for sharing & caring! 🙏🏻

[@KatherineUribe-1]

Itchy baby Khanyisa! She's so smart.💕It's amazing how quiet ellies can be when just walking along. Khanyisa is so happy with the herd, gaining confidence. She looked to be having great fun in the water! I'm so proud of every little step she takes! Yea, Khanyisa!💕

[@palmaleestephens1906]

Little peanut Khanyisa.🥰❤️

[@Hyndsberry]

Listening to the birds and the elephants rumble was so pleasing along with splashing in the water doing their thing. I felt I was looking out the window and feeling I was in Africa with them. I don't get the opportunity to get out much. thank you for limiting the talking and making this a wonderful experience.

[@jmgalante30]

I LOVE ELEPHANTS EVER SINCE IVE BEEN WATCHING HOW LOVING AND PROTECTIVE THEY ARE TO THIS SMALLER LITTLE ORPHAN.💜

[@emmah9482]

I loved this video so much as always. thanks for all the work u do to all the ellies. There's no better feeling than happy ellies 🐘😁 xx

[@rennierad]

That's the best watching her run to her elephant family. ❤ 4:08

[@pondgazer1]

It amazes me that these massive animals can be so careful with the little one. She runs freely among them but doesn't get injured or stepped on by accident. Such a lovely video! So inspiring!

[@elainerhode2298]

Love how they all seem to like swimming. I think swimming makes everyone feel like a little kid.

[@lindafromcalifornia1155]

What I really enjoy about this, is that I am getting to watch this special little ellie grow up and thrive. Thank you for letting us join you on this journey together.

[@cynthiajacobsen7781]

every time I watch this video I am in love

[@cheryldodd-marko9787]

Wish all elephants could have this life.....🕊🇺🇲💕

[@sherryburnside9635]

Thank you so much

[@amycastor2872]

These videos are my favorite. I watch all of them.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

great!! Thank you!! :-)

[@barbarastowe1534]

What an awesome experience to view all the elephants enjoyin it g a playful day at the waterhole, Khanyisa is so cute playing in the water. I have a smile on my face everyday when I get to watch another video. Thank you all for sharing these beautiful videos with all your followers..

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Such a pleasure - it is so nice that they are appreciated so much! Thank you, Barbara

[@rachelb.2014]

I could watch this for hours ❤

[@jax33881]

Loving Khanysia from Greenville, South Carolina, USA. Watch everyday.

[@SuseV8]

Super cool to witness these moments in Elephant Life ! Not just 'following the Herd' ... "Being the Herd"....!! You were so right when you captioned " Khanyisa " was in her 'ele-ment' ~@~@~ and in her 'eleph' ment ! haha ~ Your sharing of your *hard work*, Money, LOVE and Dedication to these FINE Elephants and other animals that live in your vicinity is *Truly Inspiring*. God Bless you in More ways than you could EVER Imagine ~ From *our Heart to yours* ~ Suse & Crew Vancouver Island BC CANADA ~*~

[@biancajansen1266]

❤Hugs❤from the Netherlands🥰💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@lindadustin9975]

2020 year of the Elephant, praise JESUS the creator.

[@dionnedunsmore9996]

Is it really the year of the elephant?? I mean in the Chinese calendar thingy??

[@davasuba9311]

Thank you a lot....i was thinking to ask you to post sun shines bathing or swimming video....here it came....my birthday starts in fifteen mins...hope this year will be my best year...my wish came true..thank you for giving me surpriseee😍

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Well - happy birthday from all of us at HERD.... may you have trunkfuls of laughs, hugs and beautiful memories made in your new year ahead!

[@davasuba9311]

@Lakesha Goodwin Thank you lakesha 🙏

[@jenniferlehman2464]

Happy BIrthday To You, from Ontario, Canada, Jenn. I wish you Many Blessings and Joy for the year ahead of you. Stay Strong, Believe in Yourself, and You will do many Positive things.

[@coralrault2275]

Happy Birthday Dava. May you have a lovely day x

[@leaupton5238]

Happy Birthday from California! 🎂

[@conniewrightsman9122]

Some of those ellys sure can stay under a long time!

[@M.C.Blackwell]

Best day ever!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Absolutely!

[@nathondrake8830]

these are the luckiest elephants on earth.

[@jenniferlehman2464]

That must have been amazing to witness Adine!! Wild calves coming to you when you were out with Tokwe, Khanyisa, Sobokwe and everyone else!! Have a Safe Weekend!! My warmest regards, from Ontario, Canada, Jenn.

[@Catbgone]

Love her beautiful eyes. They really stand out. So bright!

[@jayneterry8701]

As she was scratching her belly on the log I was marveling at how big her eyes are! While you were talking it looked like she was listening 😊 And what she was thinking? Hitting the water she played joyestly but still keeping one eye on mama Lundi 🐘💞

[@ariesvirgo4393]

Love to see khanyisa having so much fun 😘

[@theresamcmullen4841]

I experience heaven when I see things like this. Thank you.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Wow, thank you 😘😘😘

[@bhavaniramji]

khanyisa reminds me of my childhood so cute

[@nomikikonst2040]

thank you for pointing her out, HERD! i was looking around for Khanyisa and i didn't see she was between Tokwe & Lundi. Khanyisa is still tiny

[@samunknown9396]

Which elephants are happy - take water treatments!))

[@lucreziavilante5993]

She is such a happy baby! This was so nice to watch, after all she's made it to her first swim! Hopefully many, many more to come!

[@pisces3786]

She's not really pink anymore! Her color has darkened up😄

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Lots of help from her muddy adventures too - she was covered! Which is really great. So she definitely looks darker in this video! Her skin has definitely darkened though since she was rescued.

[@aliciatorres2794]

i wish i was there!! Sending love from New York! God bless this baby elephant

[@debrahouston2884]

Nothing like a belly rub or a back scratch! Right, baby girl?! 🐘💞

[@jenisecoronado5555]

That was amazing, thank you! The expression "and a good time was had by all" comes to mind! That little "Cutie K" was enjoying herself immensely!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ClaridgesSeven]

Sweet little Khanyisa 🤩! You've grown so much, thank you team @HERD! If you are no longer breeding the herd, are you then going to release Khanyisa in the wild once she's old enough so she then have her own family 😳 @HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa?! 🙏😇

[@Globally1201]

LOL!!!😂🐘 SHE'S HAVING A TERRIFIC TIME SWIMMING WITH HER GIANTS FAMILY OF LOVE!!!😃🐘🐘🇿🇦🙋💜🇺🇸

[@karolendvay7561]

Meisekind had the time of her life, as they all had. Great to see how Lundi and Tokwe garded her on both sides, she must feel protected and loved by all, and elephants and human. You're doing great work!! ❤️🇳🇱

[@monicavargas4713]

Gracias por las imágenes, muy bonito ver a esos animales disfrutando del agua y bien cuidados.. 🥰

[@lelandlee5008]

HOW COULD YOU NOT LOVE THIS ELEPHANT....ALSO HIS / HER EYE'S ARE WHITE?...NOW I SEE CLOSER I NOTICE THE EYE'S ARE THE SAME COLOR AS THE SKIN....EARLY IN THE MORNING HUH? HELLO FROM SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA...EVERY TIME I WATCH THESE VIDEO'S I GET TEARY EYE'D AND WHAT A SMART BABY YOU SAY "GO GO" AND HE TROTS LOVE IT...

[@yashny]

Awww... Khanyisa looks so tiny here compared to her latest swimming video ❤️❤️❤️

[@joette5333]

wish I could help but just got evicted, disabled elderly post COVID healing has stalled but this is the USA wa wa wa b-czar must go! thanks for the diversional joy

[@debrablasus9087]

Instead of chemicals for bugs. Mud works wonders.😂😂😘

[@chrisoden6842]

Little. Sweet. Baby.

[@bigdreamarts5047]

💗

[@herdelephantorphanage]

💗

[@meilinpang6562]

😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘

[@the_ele_fan9255]

What a beautiful little girl she is💕💕💕 I cant get enough of her 😘😘 she is such a sweetheart💜💜💜 wish I could spend atleast a day with this sweety and the beautiful herd once in my lifetime🐘🐘💜

[@AnimaltestedLoveapproved]

Awww special special day!! . Me...smiling ear to ear😁 ❤💖💖

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Awesome!

[@AnimaltestedLoveapproved]

@@herdelephantorphanage 😄💖

[@leslieclark6230]

12000 views, and only 1000 likes? Come on people!

[@theannamueller]

Little K was smiling from ear to ear as she was wallowing in the water.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Absolutely!

[@dreamingvertebrate7162]

Khanyisa is fast becoming an ELE-gant swimmer!

[@AmandaLarsson100]

What a delightfully delicious little water baby. (How wonderful for Adine and the Jabulani Herd to come across other 'Kruger' wild Elephants). It's fabulous to see such an abundance of joy. Khanyisa showing us how it's done without a care in the world. ❤🐘😊

[@brendabrass3725]

The videos are wonderful to watch. You have a wonderful team of dedicated people 🤗

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you so much Brenda!

[@RocioHuescaD]

Greetings from The Netherlands

[@chichitex1252]

What a dear little being!

[@kelli-kell6459]

Do baby elephants teeth with their teeth and tusk? Looks like she was rubbing her mouth on the log as well. I like when they find a large something or other to rub a certain part of their body on, it looks so cute especially when the giant ones do it.

[@angelagagnon1008]

The entire herd was enjoying the water, lovely to watch!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

IT is always a treat to watch them enjoying the water on a hot day!

[@shonagiffen4913]

Aww so adorable Khanyisa having a bath in the dam incredible footage x

[@robmckay5700]

Do the aunties ever spray mud on the babies?

[@jacy717]

She’s having such fun! Big smile!

[@veronicaferraro5206]

I always feel like I am right there..except I can not touch them...

[@janparish7895]

Another wonderful memory! There are so many and no doubt there will be many more to come. Love You Meisiekind 🩷🐘🩷🙏

[@Liz_678]

So sweet the way the herd watches out for her at the dam. A day at the water/mud Spa😊. They all enjoyed it. Little K is still little next to the others🥰💕

[@herdelephantorphanage]

So true!

[@debrahouston2884]

"She was in her ele-ment"... 😏 Y'all are too funny! 🤭

[@herdelephantorphanage]

haha! we had to pop that one in there!

[@debrahouston2884]

@@herdelephantorphanage Good one👍 You all are def'ly "my kind of peeps!" Much luv to all...💞💞💞

[@xxmissyxx6604]

I love watching these video's of the elephant's everyday, they make me so happy 😊 I had to look twice for Khanyisa in the dam as she looks so tiny in between Lundi & Tokwe ❤🐘 She was really enjoying herself

[@herdelephantorphanage]

It was so great to see her so very happy!

[@carmpsgerman7266]

Kanisha and jabulani herd famous all over the world

[@herdelephantorphanage]

It is amazing how many people from so many countries care so much! It is so awesome!

[@ЮрийАга-л6у]

привет из россии -я люблю эту малышку !!! спасибо вам что вернули ее в природу...

[@JasmineDev]

I am addicted to elephants.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

A healthy addiction!!

[@heavenly3735]

Lundi cannot move without Khanyisa itching onto her.

[@carolyoung3793]

I love every moment of khanises progress she is one happy baby xx

[@MountbattenMusicVideos]

God and planet Earth gave you Elephants to protect them and made you in the heart and soul the wealthiest people in the world, to take care of each one of these so beautiful vegetarians and make sure each Elephant lives a life in peace and harmony until oldest possible age.