Brave Little Swimmer Elephant, Phabeni Gets Submerged in the Dam!

Phabeni has been joining the herd not only for walks but swims too! This brave little bull adapts so well to every new outing and adventure. He spent a few dam visits first staying at the water’s edge, on land with Setombe and his allomothers, but has quickly learnt that fun and excitement await him in the depths of the dam too. He has showed great enthusiasm and skill in splashing and submerging in the waterholes with the elephants all around him, just like Khanyisa did when she first started swimming with the herd. Phabeni rolls about under water and flaps his little trunk around, with various allomothers watching over him. In this video filmed by carer, Owen we see one of his very first swims!
Swimming is a favourite pastime of the elephants and Phabeni has quickly learnt to love it as much as his new family. The herd visit several waterholes during the day, for drinks, or swims. Our carers are always close by and watching over the herd, especially with Phabeni among them and needing extra surveillance. The herd are doing a stellar job at caring for and protecting him, even with buffalo and rhinos around.
Watch all the wonderful dynamics in this new scene from the wilderness!

[@userRobn.1962]

Amazing to watch so protective of Phabeni and loving the water, be nice to the Rhinos and Buffalo

[@ravensdotter6843]

I love watching the unbridled, unhurried joy of the ellies when they swim! A lesson for us all to take time for joy.😊

[@lauranebro1111]

Humans have nothing on these great magnificent creatures. They are the best

[@francescaa8331]

They take such good care of baby.

[@Suz9006]

Having a little one in the herd seems to enrich all their lives.

[@bokwood]

I completely agree. It's wonderful to see their joy!!!

[@annedwyer797]

Really fun to see the herd enjoying themselves so much! They're so fortunate to have abundant water available every day, and to have the human crew making sure they're safe.

[@sainjawoof3506]

I cannot thank you enough for sharing these amazing lives with us daily. What you do is all I have ever dreamed of doing, since I could understand the concept. I am living my dream through you guys.

[@maryt2887]

Phabeni is experiencing the joy of being an elephant and the safety and comfort of having a herd. Such a heartwarming video!

[@Jess60927]

What a glorious start to the day to watch all the elephants together with Phabeni in his element playing in the water. It’s amazing to think what might have happened in his life were it not for you rescuing him,and giving him such a good new start in life. Thank you to you all at HERD.🐘🐘🐘🐘💕

[@AlwaysASolution-qj9be]

A unified front of ellies!❤❤Phabeni already loves and feels safe among the HERD thanks to the amazing work of all the carers. 🐘 🐘

[@carrie51166]

I knew elephants were maternal , l just didnt realise HOW maternal. Just amazing to watch these MAGNIFICENT animals in action. Enjoy your day everyone and thankyou for video 😊

[@patdrake8859]

It is so sweet how the herd takes care of Phaben. they are so big, yet they can be so tender with the baby.

[@susanhelms9260]

What a wonderful day for the herd, enjoying a luxurious pool party! ❤

[@NiceLoki]

Bath day at the herd. That was fun watching them all enjoying a splash around.

[@gabriellew6467]

Tranquil outing with the herd, with a frisson of excitement added by buffalo and rhino. ❤

[@poorthing]

Ha ha - my frisson of excitement was more like a seismic (richter scale 10) quake of anxiety, whew!

[@mickeyTX.]

The attention, protection, and love they’ve given Phabeni is beautiful.. I love the swimming hole.. 💙💚🐘

[@SarahICannon]

Wow such a great Family Herd Phabeni has been accepted into. We can see their love and protection.

[@KellyCarver-dr1mr]

So satisfying watching these beautiful gentle souls enjoying themselves. I love all these special moments. 🙋🏼‍♀️❤️🐘👏

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

We really are getting first class elephant behavior lessons with baby Phabeni. In the 70s Wild Kingdom tv show showed Americans African wildlife in the savannah weekly. Thank you HERD. Phabeni is doing great.

[@Go-tee71]

What a gorgeous sounding bird in the background!

[@DianeLee-je7jm]

So very lovely to watch everyone relaxing, swimming, playing. At their size it must feel wonderful to be somewhat buoyant in that water. Many thanks to all of you carers ☺

[@cemarie5471]

A beautiful day for the family of ellies to have a swimmy festival This video has made my day! I am blown away how they all surround Phabeni and Kanyshia has grown so much

[@Laura-ti8ev]

How lovely is to see Phabeni fully integrated in the herd.😊❤

[@saidahamelin3118]

This is 1 of my most favourite videos, no talking, no people, no motorbikes or cars, just the Ellies. Thank you so much for this, the work you do is astounding! Well done to all your team and of course the Ellies. ❤

[@franceswatts4001]

Thank you Owen for some superb videography.

[@brendamcmanus9438]

I do agree Watching the flow of decisions made by our Jabulani family members 🐘🐘🐘, is so amazing. Especially Somapane on point…the ladies approach with Phabeni & then wow❣️ The Sebakwe & Jabulani pinch 🥳 Bye bye 🦏 Thank you Carer Owen 👏👏👏

[@MMM-no5qb]

Beautifully said. I agree completely. Thank you, Owen for capturing this wonderful scene. I loved listening to the splashing and birds. ❤

[@survivor2117]

I love going back and watching all the young ones journey’s☺️ interesting now you’ve got Lundi, Mambo and Khanisia also Tokwe Limpopo and Timisa now Setombe Klaserie and Phabeni!

[@marionfriedenthal7352]

The elephants playing submarine/snorkeling looks like such fun. Swimming underwater without having to hold your breath. They must get so hot under our scorching sun even with their thick hides. ❤❤❤ Them.

[@sharonott7513]

He's so tiny. Just a few years ago, Khanysia was that little. Love watching the family in swimming. ❤

[@AnitaHowell-i9m]

Beautiful caring herd

[@natasjadirken5633]

Thank you so much HERD for my little every day moment of happiness!This gives me the strength to face another day😘

[@mensahbernadette256]

Baby Phabeni learning how to be brave and face danger head on from the masters ❤❤❤

[@JD-nd1oz]

Thank you Owen for capturing a wonderful day in the life of the Herd. Seeing little Phabeni come into his own oozing confidence is very heart warming. ❤🐘♥️

[@Dnvr8083]

"And I think to myself what a wonderful world." And they deserve it, all of them! Phabeni feels safe and has a happy childhood.❤🤩👶

[@catherinepeloton4446]

As usual ,majestic elephants.

[@mariafont8826]

I see them so happy in the water, enjoying and taking care of themselves, that they make me feel so happy too.

[@ronstihlman825]

It's awesome to see a group of unrelated elephants take personal responsibility for a little orphan. Your team has done excellently with that assimilation.

[@aimeefriedman822]

But my question is...The ORIGINAL HERD that was transported here, HAS TO BE related in some way. They weren't just ALL stray elephants in danger and picked up to unite. I've asked this on a number of occasions and can't wait for a video response.

[@ronstihlman825]

I think you are right about that. But none of them are related to Phabeni. So it is a great thing to see.@@aimeefriedman822

[@ashton1952]

​@@aimeefriedman822a good question, they all seem very tame and know these humans well though. Seems they were all rescued as babies

[@aimeefriedman822]

@@ashton1952 Id say teens and capable of procreating already.

[@Karools_Scribs]

@@aimeefriedman822the older members (older than teens) most likely originate from other rescue centres or other operations like zoos or animal education programs. It’s not uncommon here in SA.

[@bettyfeliciano7322]

Oh such good caretakers of the precious little baby! I’m a bit jealous watching them all swimming and enjoying themselves! Lol. Here in the USA in Missouri it was 26 degrees here this morning! I’m ready for spring! Blessings always to the HERD family! ❤️😊✝️

[@crystalheart9]

The elephants are amazing taking care of little Phabeni and watching over him. He is so tiny I'm always thinking they won't see him and step on his foot yet they always know right where he is. Thank you for the beautiful video of this elephant family. Elephants forever!🐘🐘🐘🥰

[@hazelmaciver4076]

That was one brave rhino, he was determined to stand his ground until the very end , The sight of big bull Jabulani coming towards him made him realise he lost this one ! I just love watching the ellies all swimming in the dam together where they can all keep an eye on the younger ones, thats what families are there for.

[@meraaicat]

That rhino was hilarious, especially when he decided to try passive resistance lying down, but then had to re-think quite soon! 😂

[@lkrzzie]

These Herd Ellies use that slow, surrounding technique often. Wonder if all Elie herds do that?

[@lillyparis289]

Phabeni is discovering that he is living in paradise with his new found HERD. He also have so many aunties and cousins including momma Setombe watching over him, that his second chance at life will be amazing. This includes his espectacular human family that is over the top in love, care and compassion. Phabeni won the lottery when he sadly lost his family.🥰🐘♥️🍀🌟🍼

[@dlewis895]

THEY OPENED THEIR EARS TO LOOK LARGER TO INTIMIDATE AND WARN THE RHINO AS THEY APPROACHED AND IT WORKED

[@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat]

Amazing. He feels so at ease with the other elephants. Lovely to watch. He's home.

[@JulieRushworth]

Absolutely incredible in such a small time frame

[@user-vi8zp6yp4y]

www.youtube.com/@HettiedeKorteDiplomaat Your comment, "He's home" really touched me and I have tears in my eyes.

[@lynettepieters2890]

They are awesome Ellies, people dont get close to this loving family of ellies. ❤

[@kristenkylemack9477]

What a relaxing day at the water ❤ hole!

[@lisalarosa4546]

I could watch this all day! It's overwhelming to see the family unit between these wonderful elephants! When you go days without filming, I always wonder and think what they're up to!! If I didn't live on another continent I would love to come see them everyday! The majesty of what your whole team is doing is phenomenal!

[@cynthiamoore3250]

Me too ❤😊

[@CANM-hv4ki]

The only reason I don't like weekends is because it seems they only post videos mostly during weekdays.😂

[@wellingtonsboots4074]

Love the protective instinct shown towards little Phabeni

[@DiFinni]

It's great seeing the little guy being happy and the other elephants accepting him. They truly care for him and show their love. Awesome!

[@juliemorrison3746]

My heart is full ❤️watching Phabeni finally submerged fully in the water. 💦 He was a bit hesitant with water unlike most baby elephants who are so funny playing in water. He’s a feisty little one who is finding new found confidence every day with his herd. It’s lovely to watch and Khanyisa is taking it all so well. I thought she might be very jealous but she’s showing she’d be a good mother one day.

[@waitwhat564]

Amazing video. Thankyou. So beautiful to see the family together happy splashing and phabeni loving the water with her loving herd ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Beth-zg6gb]

It always amazes me how those huge majestic creatures seem to know exactly where little Phabeni is underneath them and avoid stepping on him! He really is deservedly the darling of the herd, the little squirt! What’s not to adore?! 💕

[@Renee29forever]

Owen has a real gift for filming.... Many thanks to him! I see so much trust from Phabeni...he seems right at ease wherever he may be...knowing he is protected and loved. Beautiful Kumbura so steadfast and caring..always putting the babies first..and Setombe and Klasserie's strength and leadership to gently guide him. Somopane plays his role well regardless of the heirachy with his gentle intimidation! What a magical sight this was for us! Thank you for the privledge of joining this journey to new beginnings for this precious baby bull! ❤❤❤❤❤

[@debdew7125]

@Renee29forever Beautifully said! Phabeni 🐘 is so precious! Hope you are well. Just popped in to say Hi. Take care🐘💜

[@Renee29forever]

@@debdew7125 debi!! Hi there! Not seen you in a while....you put my mind at ease! Bless your heart for popping in!! We get so busy in our lives...and time differences we are lucky to cross paths! I agree Phabeni is a fiesty little bull and I just couldnt love him more! You be safe and stay sweet my friend!!! Until next time....abundant Blessings! ❤❤❤

[@debdew7125]

@@Renee29forever Thank you. Be well and well blessed. 💜🫂💙🙏

[@juditate111]

For a minute there I thought that Rhino had a death wish, very smart to back off and run for it. I do believe the whole herd would give up their lives to protect Phabeni. A wonderful video showing the love and commitment to Phabeni. I love these elephants.

[@jamielandis4606]

Phabeni is so small and cute! It’s hard to believe he will become a huge massive bull elephant!

[@marinieto4478]

Me encanta esta gran familia, verlos disfrutar en el agua y proteger al nuevo miembro de la familia phabeni, cada vez más adaptado a su nuevo entorno....❤❤

[@baccibee1]

Wonderful birdsong to accompany this stunning video . Thank you so much 🐘🐘🐘🐘❤️

[@OublietteTight]

Well said 😊

[@meraaicat]

Yes who are these lively little songbirds? ❤

[@berklia]

@@meraaicatI tried to research the bird call with my Merlin bird app but no luck so far.

[@aishwaryavishwanathan2453]

Yes, beautiful bird chirping. 😘😘😘, The herd are so disciplined & take good care of their little one's. Amazing... God's creation... & thanks for publishing such beautiful video 👍👍👍

[@CristinaF210]

its paradise a beautiful dream🥰

[@evameier5387]

I can not stop watching. Its wonderfull! Thank you!!!!

[@catsara9114]

What a joy to watch! The closely knit elephant family and how they have fully accepted their youngest member. Phabeni seems so content and happy.

[@janadogan-qy7ci]

Phabeni loves the water. Because of this channel (which I will never stop watching) I now know the love, loyalty and intelligence of the elephant herd. It amazes me that the elephant mothers surround Phabeni in the water until the threat passes. Phabeni is so blessed to have such a loving family. Thank you for caring so much about the herd.

[@vblackwell3347]

They're all blessed for having each other & their secure lives.❤

[@dannesys]

That rhino held out much longer than I would have done! Scary to have that number of huge ellies threatening him en masse😮

[@lLynne.Garner]

Agree

[@manjum1769]

​@@vblackwell3347gisi

[@debrahouston2884]

Nothing better than a POOL PARTY! with Phabeni + fam!! 😍 💞 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 🐘 💞

[@tenzinyangdroen1618]

So nice to see this grey miniature elephant amidst his protective patchwork family, walking and swimming with them in harmony and peace (the rhinos wouldn't agree to that), learning something new every day and getting better at things learned already. Phabeni seems so happy, he feels: i am where i belong. Thank you HERD!

[@cattailer1077]

Seeing Baby beni splashing contentedly around with his Herd is so heart warming. My 💗can't take it sometimes🥰. I just love these Ellies so much💖

[@melmel007]

Phabeni runs that place now 😂 amazing that such a lil thing can have such power over these giants! ❤

[@katieciccoianni4415]

The whole herd was having a great time at the pool party!!! They looked so happy and content. It was a joy watching them. Smiled the whole time! I'm so glad the allomothers were keeping such a sharp eye on Phabeni. The water was pretty deep for that little guy!

[@dalehoward5416]

I also loved watching the rhino just minding his own business lying in the mud.

[@liaspitters9104]

4:27 😅😅❤😅

[@biplabsarkar6660]

0

[@biplabsarkar6660]

​@@dalehoward541639l

[@hjmack7388]

Incredible moments - skillfully captured by Owen!

[@susancoddington6393]

I absolutley love watching Phabini happily splashing his little trunk in the water it's so joyful to watch 🐘❣

[@mensahbernadette256]

This is so exciting, they are living dangerously with a baby amongst them. Suppose they know who they are❤❤❤ Thanks for sharing and good morning to all ❤❤❤❤

[@cathielamson4616]

When you are the largest animals around, you have to careful where you step, but they always know.

[@mariacicarelli6238]

I received YOur postcard Adine thank you touched every cell of my body love your program admire the love for the elephants I love them too God Bless you and keep them safe

[@SKaufman75]

I could watch them swim ALL DAY❤❤❤ Beautiful pieces of Gods gift 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@Kim-lc3fv]

Such a cohesive herd. They communicate and coordinate so well without words. ❤

[@laurenwood9084]

Phabeni sure enjoyed his swim. I love seeing Khanyisa's pink skin coming up out of the water. Sweet stuff. Thank you for all that you do. Love from Maryland USA.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@KimberlyRyan-oh2sx]

Watched this several times to make sure I could watch each elephant 🐘. This brought me so much joy. Thank you Owen for filming and Herd for sharing it with us🎉

[@anitasyvalahti1730]

Birds chirping in the background 🎶🎶🦜🦜. Allomothers do amazing job, keeping little Phabeni safe. And of course lovely carers. Very brave little Phabeni . Very relaxing video🥰. Thank you, Cam for the good video. I send love and Blessing 🤗❤🙏🕊.

[@francesomeara6602]

What a doll he is! Karissa was a doll, but has a much different personality. He is a great addition to the herd.

[@janparish7895]

This reminds me of Khanyisa's first swims. The same loving care and protection. Wonderful video - Thank You! Well done Phabeni! 💙🐘💙🙏

[@debdew7125]

@janparish7895 Phabeni 🐘 is so cute splashing around surrounded by his protective forever family! Hope you are well. Take care my Elephriend 💙🐘💜

[@janparish7895]

@debidew7125 Unbelievably Cute! I'm good thanks my ElePhriend. Hope you are too! 🤗 Take care 💙🐘💙👍🙏

[@CristinaF210]

Kumbura is an incredible elephant, im so proud of her its beyond her caring nature, she absolutely LOVES her baby elephants and i think little phabini is a little wild baby elephant ahahahah he took to the water like a pro its absolutely incredible to witness this Mr Sebakwe is such a magnificent fella, just wow

[@lindawilliams2211]

He is all of theirs now. Their baby. Love this great family. ❤️ 💜 ♥️ 💕 💙 💖 ❤️ 💜 ♥️ 💕 💙

[@jolandahuisman8007]

Absolutely Enjoyably, they all having a blesse at the pond cooling down. I was phabeni please not going to deep.. but he has a great Mom and Nanny's team around him to keep him safe 🫶 beautiful video thank you for sharing ❤️

[@lynnej7219]

He is such a resilient little boy ❤

[@lauranebro1111]

Cheeky as,lol

[@michaelhalahan]

Young El. Phabeni has had a remarkable effect on the herd, pulling it together for security of it's smallest member. Also glad he is not Wrecked up like Khanyisa was and recovering from the steel snag trap now a few yrs ago. He is free to move around as he likes with the herd. Happy Scene, Happy Video.

[@MA_808]

It was so smart to let Phabeni into the herd so soon after he was brought to the orphanage. It seemed like he was very unhappy and not strong. He has improved so much and he is clearly a happy guy now.

[@teresaa96289]

Meeting Jabu really turned him around. There was a noticeable change in his demeanor with that first introduction.

[@MA_808]

@@teresaa96289 You are right!

[@lauranebro1111]

Elephants surpass humans in humanity.

[@Topper_Harley68]

A mosquito surpass humans.

[@missingcasey]

@@Topper_Harley68Thanks for the giggle. I needed that. And I agree with you about humans. Top of the evolutionary chain and destroying each other and the planet…. It’s interesting to think about what elephants everywhere would say if they could talk human speech …..or when our science reaches a state where humans can read elephant thought. (Not that I wish that--I don’t want any science to hurt any animals.)

[@missclaire4820]

Kumbura always took such good care of Khanyisa , especially in the water watching her closely her trunk constantly touching. She is such a wonderful caring elephant 🐘💕

[@Dnvr8083]

She is a real guardian angel!😍

[@steventrompeter9883]

You want to know where the little one is,just look for Kumbura. Hope someday she can have her own. 🐘

[@fabienneroure9995]

It's very heartwarming. ❤ She kept a good eye on Khanyisa especially when Khanyisa was sideways in the water. I'm so happy to see Phabeni enjoying being with the herd.❤

[@paddlefoot5692]

She sure is! I just adore Kumbura.

[@mdkawsar4318]

Kjl😅iioo

[@lb1460]

My heart is so touched watching how beautifully these ellies care for baby Phabeni.❤🐘

[@cathycarsilli3999]

So good to see them all living such a beautiful life

[@barbarajustice9499]

The more that I watch them the more I love them I have learned so much about them I have watched you for at least 4 years thank you for sharing

[@jamielandis4606]

They are not just a “herd,” they are a family!

[@shell6927]

I love how that tiny little speck has those giants at his beck and call 😍

[@Go-tee71]

Unreal how well Phabeni has seamlessly integrated with the herd & has been so well accepted by them in such a short space of time! The females are babysitting him without any hesitation, while Mum Setombe has a well deserved break. 🥰🙏❤️🐘

[@Tora_74]

This is soooo adorable, so humanbaby like. All the adoults are concerned drinking, little one just splashing around! :D Such a sweet one.

[@mrsjamessmom9044]

I just adore watching the Ellies swim.🐘😍

[@juliesong4123]

Watching them makes me want to take a swim too! Phabeni living his best life! ❤🐘

[@shawnakenton9682]

I am soo thrilled with how quickly Phabeni has joined the herd! I'm also so thankful he was saved before he could be severely wounded like other unfortunate ellies like Khanyisa was! I think it's miraculous how quickly he's become part of the herd! God bless everyone involved with helping these wonderful beings! God bless all these ellies as well!

[@minbh7965]

These videos are so soothing!!! They help me alleviate anxiety and stress and allows me to restore my being to state of normalcy. Appreciate the video making of this lovely herd of elephants!! 💯 % for this channel and videos and the cause thereof!!

[@robbiwouters]

Owen has filmed this precious moment with great skill ❤

[@brendamcmanus9438]

Thank you Carer Owen 👏👏👏

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie3]

And thank you to all who donated old cell phones for their cameras! ❤

[@ls-l1518]

​@@GuantanamoBayBarbie3 Do they lack cell phones?

[@franceswatts4001]

@@GuantanamoBayBarbie3 I have old cell phones - do they still need them?

[@user-vi8zp6yp4y]

Wonderful, thank you Owen!!

[@renee1503]

Aren’t they just so wonderful !!!!! Thank you for sharing. ❤❤❤

[@Someday-u2e]

Such happy and content elles. Not a care in the world. Thank you for all you do for them❤

[@sandraguidemann8924]

Thank you for these beautiful pictures and also for your explanations and repeating the names of the ellies . Despite I am watching for some years it s hard for me to distingish the individuals. So your subtitles help me to learn more and feeling close.

[@mopsolina]

They are the most beautiful submarines.

[@CCal-tc5iq]

Phabeni must sleep like a log at night after being out with the herd all day. Or is it just half days that he's out and how do you manage to lure him back home from his great adventure. He must have such sweet dreams. And it's too cute to see him running out in the morning to meet the herd.

[@lkrzzie]

Yes! Seems Khanisha was more willing to return to the nursery. Phabeni has to be escorted back by Setombe or Lundi. Hahahaha.

[@caroldennis607]

It's amazing to watch how the whole herd of elephants has taken to raise and protect the little elephant. Elephants are such a loyal family. ❤❤❤❤❤🐘🐘🐘🐘😊😊😊😊😊

[@candidaprout560]

Hi all of you 🍀 hi all elephants 🐘❤️. Phabeni ❤️. And my sweet khanisa ❤️💕

[@lauranebro1111]

They are all beautiful

[@jamielandis4606]

An elephant in the water with only their butt showing is adorable and cute!

[@laurenurban3942]

That’s pretty cool watching the little Beanie integrate into the herd. Seems like those female elephants are desperate for any baby they can get…..and that’s awesome for the little orphans that are just happy to be back in a herd.