Albino Baby Elephant Khanyisa latches onto the Matriarch Tokwe's Teat

Khanyisa and the Jabulani herd set out for their day in the reserve peacefully, starting with some comforting rumbling between them.
You can see new shoots of green as the rains start to take effect on the landscape. In a month or two, the landscape will green and alive again, so very exciting!
Adine caught a special moment between Khanyisa and Tokwe, the matriarch. This is the first time we have shared a scene with Tokwe allowing Khanyisa to latch on to her teat for a length of time. There were "begging rumbles" from Khanyisa and some "cooing rumbles' in return from Tokwe.
Khanyisa then moved on to suckle from Bubi (though they are not producing milk, it is purely a comforting motion for Khanyisa). She then continued on foraging on the leaves and branches, in Bubi's company.
The little calf still receives her milk formula from us every 2 hours, a minimum ten times per day.
It is is now nine months since Khanyisa was found and rescued from the gruesome snare. What a great morning it was, observing just how strong her bonds are with her new family over the past few months.
Thank you to all our followers who have watched their bonds strengthen every day alongside with us!
herd.org.za/
To Donate: herd.org.za/donate/
Foster Khanyisa: herd.org.za/adopt-an-elephant/

[@mindmyown1]

The entire herd have each individually taken Khanyisa on as their very own. Something no amount of money can buy...

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

It's a baby: nothing else moves a Mother BUT a BABY.... 💕💕🐘🐘🐘💖💖💖🕊🕊🕊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

sooo special. Thank you God.

[@mindmyown1]

@@animalsareloveandhappiness4505 Amen! 🙏🏽

[@CristinaF210]

@@animalsareloveandhappiness4505 Amen

[@CristinaF210]

theres no price on this no you are right, its absolutely priceless, i think they are better than us, but its my opinion. khanyisa ia irresistible for them and us

[@AntonioSantos-vp4ry]

Poor baby Khanyisa, still looking for milk from her adoptive mothers !... Noble Tokwe and the other adult females allowing Khanyisa latching on ther teats like if she were really each one's calf. Precious animals.

[@dianawebb2799]

Antonio, that was a very sweet observation you made regarding Khanyisa. You are obviously a very sensitive soul. This is a very sweet baby that as viewers we all feel a Great Deal of LOVE for her. She is in GREAT HANDS!! Appreciate SO MUCH this AMAZING Organization!!! Thank you! It takes Dedication and Sacrifice from all the staff. A Huge HEART FULL of THANKS!!!❤❤❤

[@mortalclown3812]

I'm just guessing that the act of suckling releases endorphins for both Khanyisa and the allomothers who allow it. It's still an extraordinary thing to behold.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

How many breastfeeding Mummies does Khanyisa have? Tokwe, Lindi, Bubi and all with no milk. Isn't this bonding just so heart-rending. After all the Khanyisa went through, I hope the calf achieves adulthood with no great problems.

[@pibbie807constantine6]

Khanyisa is special and the rest of the elephants know it. they sense the horror she went through and will protect her. My heart is overwhelmed with the kindness the elephants gives, and feel so much gratefulness and respect to the HERD

[@chriskallis8004]

I can’t believe how well the scars have gradually become less prominent & angry looking....when you think of the horrific damage to her face & ears.....it really is a miracle that she survived,let alone have such minimal scarring. Oh how I love this baby girl & her herd of adoptive,loving,attentive aunts & uncles. Following HERD’s story over the past 6 months has been a real privilege. Thank you for sharing so much with so many, for whom this ,is the closest we’ll ever get to wild elephants.❤️❣️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

[@lisalove272]

She was ment to be in this world 😃

[@Buba417]

Well said.

[@littleme3597]

It seems, most of us feel the same way. I just posted above.

[@mariapetras5835]

Well said💝🙏

[@NanaVicki1]

Well said Chris, well said.

[@cherylpryde3092]

I love the innocence and patience of this family. Hope everyone at HERD and beyond are well and safe. 🇨🇦❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@schmim1]

You said perfectly exactly what I was thinking. It’s such a tender moment.

[@katerinakemp5701]

Lol Miss Muffet has a good choice of comfort milk bars minus the milk of course, lovely how the herd offers this comfort. Our missy aiming for the top and why not.

[@davidt3956]

I liked the early image of Timisa joining the adults to surround Khanyisa, she's trying to act like a big girl :)

[@littleme3597]

Yes, I thought the same thing. lol

[@brendamcmanus9438]

💖💖💖

[@mortalclown3812]

She had the best teachers. :-)

[@rahabvon-horn9152]

Tokwe so lovingly touching Khanyisa, an their talking. How Precious!! Looks like Khanyisa has grown 2 hands taller? 🤔🐘🐘

[@erynporter9951]

It is so sweet to see how they greet each other!!! 🐘🐘🐘Even though they see each other daily, they still act as though they've been apart for days! I love how Khanisya greats each addition to her group by touching them with her trunk or just going over and letting them know she's there. ♥️♥️♥️

[@alison__16]

I can't thank you enough for these extreme close-ups. Even on a game drive or walk the closest you can get is a few metres, but to see them like this, so close, to see every wrinkle of their skin, their beautiful eyelashes and eyes, every little hair on their trunks, it's nothing short of spectacular. It feels like standing with them and being part of their herd. Thank you so much 🙏

[@l-bird]

I think I saw Tokwe smile... It's like each one was saying, "let me hold the baby, let me hold the baby. It's my turn to hold the baby". LOL

[@TheMariasanchez1812]

Tokwe has been wanting this moment for along time. She is now Satisfied!!

[@l-bird]

@@TheMariasanchez1812 So wonderful! Makes me happy for her 😊

[@brendamcmanus9438]

Tokwe glowed like a Mom ❤️❤️❤️ They both were very content & comfortable with each other. Especially when Khanyisa grumbled at Tokwe...😄😁😆😂 You gotta love Khanyisa 💟💟💟 She has such spirit.

[@l-bird]

@@brendamcmanus9438 Absolutely yes! 😊

[@gloriamariasuarezpinto6803]

Creciendo saludable y bien tratada la pequeña Elefantita KHANYISA 🐘

[@kimcrofoot8517]

Khanyisa's little face so clearly shows that she feels loved, nurtured and protected by her human and elephant family. She's growing into a confident and happy little elephant. Wonderful work you guys do!

[@debrahouston2884]

Khanyusa has her choice of moms AND her foraging skills are greatly improving, too! She is quite a happy and lucky little girl... 💞🐘💞

[@angelinachavira9310]

I love how they protect the baby by surrounding her. What a beautiful family.❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@littleme3597]

She is so cute. She has learned , SO MUCH, from her elli family. She would not be alive if it were't for HERD and ADINE, one on one love for K. Little sunshine.

[@HelloKitty-ed5cy]

Every moment with this beautiful herd is heartwarming. We humans could learn a lot from them.. :) I can't wait to see the landscape all green again..

[@Liz_678]

Amazes me every time I watch. Love when they form a circle to protect the babies. Good to see some green!

[@roseaparecida2078]

You are right I love to see that proctetion of baby calf ...me too I glad too

[@zamzamahmed8139]

Beaitiful khanyisa and family elephants & humans. Thank you all the elephant carers. You guys really do the hardest jobs with such dignity and pride. 👍👍

[@senyagwynn8095]

This is so beautiful to watch!! Thank you for sharing and for protecting them!!💜💙🤗

[@jenniferlehman2464]

And that is why Tokwe is such an excellent Matriarch for this herd. Stay Safe and Best Regards from Ontario, Canada, Jenn.

[@jenniferlehman2464]

@@donnaeckhardt6960 It is like giving a baby a soother. It calms them. And it also helps with the bond of any females who have had babies that are teaching her how to be an elephant.if you noticed, she looked like she was asleep afterwards, and Tokwe, didn't move away. Staying in a position to protect her even though Lundi and Bubi were close by.

[@leaupton5238]

What a special moment we were allowed to share.

[@willliam7677]

walking with the elephants...so cool

[@marybarratt2649]

I just adore these lovely elephants, humans should take lessons from animals in every respect. I so love to watch your videos and see the progress of them all. Rumble rumble x

[@Mountlougallops]

Everyone seems to be pretty content here today. Love them all.

[@matthewmangum6320]

The communication between Tokwe and Khanyisa was fascinating. I’m just frustrated because I don’t speak elephant. 🤔 ❤️🐘❤️

[@AlexEs63]

Truly outstanding dedication. MATRIARCH says, 'This one's for me, you guys.' 🙏❤⚘

[@amybeaver4542]

I love how they are so physical always touching one another

[@NanaVicki1]

She looks so good! Her wound is healing and looks well, and her bum isn't all raw. I'll keep praying for you all. She has no fear huh 😊

[@rennierad]

10:21 you really don't get this on National Geographic, you can only find it when you walk with the Herd ❤ amazing shot.

[@cateyes5242]

Safari Live had a part of their drive and you could even see inside baby’s mouth

[@urielgrey]

Thanks for not adding music. This was really interesting to listen to and watch. I liked hearing the birds.

[@pamspencer5377]

I love hearing their caregivers amongst the herd. What a pleasure to be able to see these animals out in their habitat. Thank you

[@lynnclark4208]

Khanyisa looks sleepy . So sweet.

[@sherryburnside9635]

🐘🐘🐘🐘❤😘

[@jlda9474]

Khanyisa is so fortunate to be loved unconditionally by her own kind, wish we humans species had that ability as well!

[@mortalclown3812]

Humans have that ability and utilize it constantly. Not all, of course, but there is absolutely no sense in implying otherwise.

[@debbys-abqnm4537]

Khanyisa looks a bit sleepy in this video released in October, 2020. I just watched a video released in March 7, 2021 and she is bouncing around, bathing, looking 2x bigger. So her human and elephant families are doing a great job!

[@palmaleestephens1906]

❤️

[@herdelephantorphanage]

💜

[@celindacochran6977]

Wow!! That deep loud rumble was Khanyisa? Wow!

[@Kat69nh]

Can not believe how much she has grown! What a great family you have raised. Thank all the carers for me.

[@isawa6649]

What a privilege to see such beautiful moments. Thank you

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Our pleasure

[@lisalove272]

Is Fishan in pain? He sure looks like he is hurting today?? Will the vet come out and check him or give him something looks like his shoulder hurts??? I'm willing to donate for a vet visit as I'm sure others will.

[@patrobles13]

👍

[@leslieclark6237]

I have noticed that Fishan has developed a large bump which is growing on his left leg above where it was broken. Could it be an abscess? Have you had him checked out yet? So attached at this point, just can't help but be concerned

[@mortalclown3812]

@@leslieclark6237 Of course, they keep an eye on him. HERD works hard to care for, monitor and supplement the elephants based on their individual needs; their care for him has been exemplary.

[@mortalclown3812]

You've all saved her. Basic nutrients and shelter, yes, but you've fought just as hard to bring Khanyisa's family to her. One of the most beautiful sights yet. Thanking all of the awesome caregivers at HERD. ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[@aidangm7419]

Timisa looks much bigger now

[@mortalclown3812]

She's grown so much since this was recorded, too! :-)

[@blessings2you435]

*Oh so beautiful. Luvvv to hear their low grumbling talk. Thank you for all you do. It's incredible. ☮️🙏🏽*

[@brandeissports3436]

💜💜💜💜💜💜

[@Tangoisinthesouth]

Love to see how they bond with each other!!😍🥰

[@skyrocketcoast219]

That baby is loved completely by all who know her!

[@chriskallis8004]

Does Khanyisa know that Tokwe & Sebakwe are matriarch & dominant bull, or is she still too young to understand?

[@mortalclown3812]

I'm guessing that, in this video, she's too young to understand. But it's not the kind of thing that would register as a concept to an elephant, regardless of age; behavior is largely instinctual vs cognitive.

[@alienco69]

That sound! 😳

[@myraadkins2280]

This is so sweet!♥️♥️♥️♥️🐘🐘🐘🐘👑👑👑👑😇😇😇😇😇♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@maurasalete2486]

Khanyisa 🐘 Kumbura

[@michelleblake4516]

I adore these girls- they've taught me so much about love n respect in the short time I've been following them- they're truly amazing family member's! Watching how they protect their adopted sunshine baby often leave's me speechless! Its truly awe inspiring : )

[@patriciahayes2664]

How absolutely sweet! 😊🐘

[@bachtran5533]

May God bless you all 🐘🐕🐑❤️😇🙏

[@susanlenk9284]

So special!

[@wildcat5196]

❤️❤️❤️

[@claudiarobinson587]

Just beautiful!

[@patriciaurrutia7914]

Es absolutamente maravilloso el concepto de maternidad y familia que desarrollan... Increíble!!!

[@Hadria7777]

Absolutely amazing, the love they show one another

[@gianca60]

0:09 "C'mon girls let's go shopping".

[@dorisadams9931]

😍💕💕💕💕😘😘😘😘

[@amybeaver4542]

Sunshine is such a good girl 💖

[@joanhall8394]

Her little pink bottom is so cute!!! 🥰

[@beulahcarter8045]

Watching my favorite 🐘🐘🐘🐘 family brings me much joy 💗💗💗🐘🐘🐘

[@Buba417]

Is this the first time Khanyisa suckles from Tokwe? Khanyisa closes her eyes when she touches Tokwe’s teat. That’s so sweet. I guess she feels comfort, protection and closeness. The way it should be for a baby being cared by her mom. It’s very touching being able to witness this moment. On a side note, I’m worried about Fishan’s condition. Looks like his limp is getting worse.

[@Aurinkohirvi]

No it isn't first time. I have seen her do it every now and then with Tokwe.

[@Buba417]

Aurinkohirvi Thanks for your reply!

[@ifeelgoodapp-knowyourwellb2673]

Very emotional...

[@paulalim1476]

It’s been an honor to watch Khanyisa and her family strengthen their bonds. If not for you we would never know just how much goes into integrating a new member of the herd. Many thanx!

[@celindacochran6977]

Was Lundi upset that the four elles were setting off on their own? Poor Kumbura looks chastised. I love this heard! 💖

[@Aurinkohirvi]

It seems to me Lundi said some nice words to Kumbura after she joined the youngsters. It seemed a friendly guesture when she put her trunk almost in Kumbura's mouth. I also wonder did Kumbura say something first to Lundi, her mouth so close to Lundi's head. Khanyisa is Kumbura's precious, she is often right where Khanyisa is. Maybe Lundi said thanks.

[@KatherineUribe-1]

Khanyisa loves the herd, and the herd loves Khanyisa!💕🐘🐘💕 P.S. I noticed a little hole in Khanyisa's right ear. Some of those bushes have long thorns, hard on soft ellie ears!

[@brendamcmanus9438]

I did too... Is that what caused the little hole in her ear?? Poor baby 🐘🐘🐘

[@sheilawells3706]

They are so majestic 😍 to watch. Elephants 🐘 are so family 👪 oriented

[@manohara7073]

I love this matriarch Tokwe. It would be great, if Tokwe or some other female elephants of the Jabulani herd had some new calf/calves. Then perhaps Khanyisa would get a chance to suckle her/their milk along with a new born calf/calves. 🍀🍀🍀🐘🐘🐘💖💖💖

[@mortalclown3812]

There is a law in Africa that elephants in any kind of captivity are not allowed to reproduce. Although the herd at HERD does have freedom, they still fall into that category, so the females are on birth control. Plus, if an elephant is nursing her own calf, she cannot share the milk supply: that's why very few twin elephant births survive, btw. The mom doesn't have enough milk for both and neither thrive. So the idea of letting an orphan elephant suckle a nursing mother couldn't work. ♡

[@daydreambeliever6603]

Wow she is almost as tall as Timisa😮

[@raygarcia8652]

😊🐘🐘🐘🐘🐑🐑 a bonding family👍

[@ErinChanel]

THANK YOU ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lesleybonham1791]

All these females mothering Kanyisa none seem to mind her latching on at all, sooo caring of little miss sunshine 🌞 love n god bless to all 🐘🐘💕👼🥰

[@markwaleedTV]

wow so cute khanyisa 😅😘😍 you enlighten my day ❤️

[@kalimera527]

😂😂😂

[@lunkis3233]

It is beautiful to watch ❤️🙏🐘

[@lindafromcalifornia1155]

Thank you for sharing these moments with your ellies and Khanyisa. Those of us who watch your channel have grown very fond of this herd and of Khanyisa. I know I am hoping soon their will be a viable vaccine so that some of us will be able to travel to Africa.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Our pleasure, Linda

[@IngridBeifallWiderspruch]

Was für intelligente und Empathie fähige Tiere. An fremden Brustwarzen als nicht zugehöriges Elefanten Baby zuckeln zu dürfen ist eine großartige Erlaubnis, besonders der klugen Matriarchin. Danke für diese wundervollen Momentaufnahmen.

[@Mariki6002]

Cuteness overload‼️❤️❤️❤️

[@lisalove272]

❤ 🐘 Sunshine!!!

[@CristinaF210]

Tokwe is such a sweet lady, wow just wow, what a priceless beautiful images, im always teary when watching your beautiful channelthank you for all you do

[@kaytinsley4338]

That's awesome 😊.

[@harbingerjitkaur923]

She is so lucky having so lovable fsmily thats why she forget wt sm cruel ppl done vth her live a long happy life my baby

[@jadkiss827]

2:48 ....😂 just stripped that whole branch

[@gabe-po9yi]

That was really sweet of Bubi to come over to offer her teat when Khanyisa kept rumbling. Did Sebakwe come over to see why the baby was rumbling?

[@patricialease18]

I think Khanyisa is a hungry, sleepy little girl.

[@mortalclown3812]

She isn't hungry. Suckling for comfort is different. At the time of recording, the carers still followed her with bottles for regular feeding. ♡♡

[@Kim-lc3fv]

It must be a bit frustrating for Khanyisa that she can never get milk out of these obliging teats...

[@Hadria7777]

Yeah I was just wondering this same thing, unless it's like a human baby sucking it's thumb just for comfort, maybe?

[@janparish7895]

Hi she is bottle fed regularly and the suckling is purely for comfort. 😊👍

[@Kim-lc3fv]

@@janparish7895 yes, I know that. I still think it would be frustrating. 🙂

[@janparish7895]

@@Kim-lc3fv OK, yep understood 😊👍🏻

[@dixiee3554]

Khanyisa - such a big girl climbing that hillside. Fishan makes Lundi look small. Though I know elephants communicate with sounds lower than we humans can hear, it's always surprising to hear those very low rumbles coming from Khanyisa. Thank you, HERD, fir another marvelous video!!💜💜💜

[@AvinashSingh-vj3rk]

Nice

[@minervinaminerva9679]

CHOVEU ÁGUAS DOS CÉUS CELESTIAIS AÍ ?

[@mortalclown3812]

They have watering holes and, yes, they have seasonal rains which are more generous in some years than others.

[@murphysmom1387]

How is the baby being fed if the adults don’t have milk?

[@anthl7910]

Amazing family

[@quadbox]

I cannot believe Khanyisa makes those deep rumbling noises!!! I thought it was Tokwe making that noise at first. I had to keep rewinding it to listen and had it not been for the caption I wouldn't have know thought she was capable of such a powerful noise. 🤯😂

[@brendamcmanus9438]

@quadbox 🔘Me too 🔘

[@katnip6289]

Poor elephant bull Fishen still having problems with his right front leg.

[@lorenacostilla7999]

Water

[@leilabarrera3824]

Thank you for sharing this heartwarming video that melted our hearths .God bless you .

[@jlda9474]

Adine does an Ellie know what to eat and what not in the bush?

[@mortalclown3812]

I've tried to look this up. :-) Since they're herbivorous, I wonder, too, if things like oleander - that kills horses, for example - grows there. Good question.