Elephant Orphan, Phabeni’s First Day | Playing in the Garden with Lammie & Herman

Little calf, Phabeni is settling in well in his new home at HERD. Lammie and Stavros kept him warm and safe during the night in the nursery, while the new morning sees an exciting new adventure: playtime in the sun of the garden.
HERD's former Ops Manager, Juan attends to the calf's small wounds, keeping them clean and spraying Cyclo Spray onto them (making the elephant look a lot like a leopard). Cyclo Spray is an antibiotic wound spray, for the treatment and prevention of superficial skin infections caused by micro-organisms. It is green in colour, helping us to see where we have sprayed it.
Out in their private quarantine garden, Lammie and Phabeni enjoy the sunny warmth, while our team cleans the nursery inside. Carer Herman is on duty and gives Phabeni his next batch of milk bottles. The little calf is taking his bottles well and his dung has been solid so far. He sure is a feisty one and gives Juan a few head-butts, letting him know who's boss.
Juan decides to wrap the calf up in a blanket again, after getting some sun on his body, to ensure he doesn't lose heat. At this sensitive stage, we prefer the orphans to use their energy to put on weight and for their body's essential needs, rather than to stay warm, since we can provide blankets to do that job. Phabeni is a little fighter and is keeping us on our toes. We hope he stays strong and keeps up that spunky attitude. We have all hands on deck to help him on this journey.
herd.org.za/animal/phabeni/#f...

[@survivor2117]

I am obsessed. Every time a video comes up. I’m disabled and this really brought tears to my eyes and gave me great joy.!❤So healing! Thank you for what you do you not only help the elephants you help people like me😊

[@michaelsteven1090]

Much peace and love to you..

[@mrsjamessmom9044]

The ellies and the crew chase my blues and physical pain away as well. I totally get it.

[@spiralrose]

Sending you love, survivor. Hang in there, and God bless you.

[@dannesys]

I'm also disabled and feel the same way. It's so interesting & heartwarming to see everything that's going on to keep Phabeni safe, warm and back to full health. The doctor's detailed assessment yesterday was fascinating. It helps the feeling that all's right with the world despite all the evidence to the contrary😊

[@susycavaleiro1265]

I feel sorry for Juan,that little " leopard " keeps going for him.Maybe because Juan is making Phabeni look like a leopard. That little trunk is very busy. In a few weeks I reckon Phabeni is going to learn how to open that gate. I have to laugh at Lammie going to the opposite side of the enclosure to Phabeni,keeping out the way. Ja, everyone is going to be very fit with that cutie running around the way he does.

[@Professor-Patti]

🐘❣Phabeni & his little, dexterous trunk is beyond adorable. There is just something so different about a baby elephant. All babies are cute and intriguing, but the youthful majesty of a little elephant is something extra. How blessed are the carers to help & restore Phabeni. 5:15 One of the cutest things on the internet, ever. Thanks for sharing @HERD Elephant Orphanage❣

[@bogdang.7627]

I have more warm feelings for little elephants than for little children. Little elephants evoke the warmest feelings of warmth and love in me. Baby elephants don't scream loudly and are delightfully funny, and only some babies are like that. Maybe it's not normal, but I love elephant babies more than human babies

[@sherricarpenter3]

Phabeni has greatness in him. He is born to be a leader. One day he will be a giant majestic elephant.😊

[@Reismiilch]

he won´t be a leader, leadership in elephants are passed down from the grandmother to her eldest daughter.

[@sharonott7513]

Phebeni is doing wonderful. He is a feisty little guy. At some point when he meets his herd, the allomothers will have their hands/trunks full. 😂

[@fabienneroure9995]

😂❤Yes they will with this adorable fiesty little sweetheart! ❤ 🐘❤

[@mortalclown3812]

😂 As my Granddaddy would've said, 'This little one is a kick in the pants!' 😂❤🐘❤🍼

[@sherireuther3047]

You said it. Khanisa was more compliant and gentle in her movements. Perhaps he is still learning to trust humans, we have to give him grace for learning. He’s dang cute.🙏🔥❤️🫂🙋‍♀️

[@cynthiadeese3861]

I have a feeling they'll be happy to have him. They are going to be amazing mothers, as always!! I can't wait for them to meet him.I'm wondering if Khanyisa will get jealous. Plus, she'll no longer be the baby of the herd.

[@whitekasimir3752]

Imagine him together with Khanyisa. This will be like two hurricanes.

[@candidaprout560]

Thanks very much to you all 👍. It's wonderful 👍. Hi sweet baby 🍼 hi lammie ❤️ hi khanisa ❤️❤️❤️

[@stevebyrom5974]

If this doesn’t melt your heart then you need to check your pulse Thanks again for all you do to help rescuing the little ones

[@jankent5677]

So glad to see Herman on duty too. He was so wonderful with Khanyisa. With this excellent care team Phabeni is in great hands.

[@JulieRushworth]

Agreed another Angel

[@mariafont8826]

🌟🌟🌟

[@KingofgraceSARA]

You think that's such a great compliment? Don't you ever wonder why these men and women never become veterinarians or even rangers?

[@JulieRushworth]

@KingofgraceSARA that's like saying why did you not train to be a nurse instead of being a care assistant? Just rude of you and judgemental

[@arcticgoddess]

​@@KingofgraceSARAMost people can't afford vet school, and you don't need a 7 year degree to make elephant bottles, scoop dung, walk 20 km a day with elephants and the other long list of daily work, you need CARERS. People who work and care for elephants. They have multiple vets that visit also.

[@abigailmurray4248]

Makes me smile, and so frisky, he’s gonna cause all kinds of mischief in the herd. 😃

[@terryheatwole6153]

Mambo will show him the “mischief” ropes! 😂

[@AntoniGraells]

​@@terryheatwole6153😂😂😂😂

[@tattootali2360]

I cannot wait to see him next to our baby Khanysia ❤

[@IlGattonero13]

Phabeni is remarkably curious and unafraid, assertive and playful - all of which demonstrates his strong spirit and the trust you have earned from him. Thank you for your updates! It’s marvelous to see his progress and awe-inspiring to recognize the patience, expertise, and sheer labor required to care properly for an orphaned animal. You are making this wounded world a better place.

[@cutefan5playsmsp895]

O Boy Phobeni will keep the carers on their toes. So much fun to watch. We all thank you for the updated videos, taking us along to watch baby boy grow.

[@JamieM470]

First chance I got this morning I logged onto youtube to see if there was an update 😊

[@suggraham7964]

Herman and Salv are helping guiding the Baby. Welcome To the Best Life Sweetheart. We got you

[@thomasbrigaitis]

He looks like he contemplates what he's doing. He is happy & ready to take on life He is eating well & that's good Thank you for taking such good care of this fiesty boy

[@ebillie1181]

He is a leader...strong bull, making his mark already.

[@Carycares1817]

Yes boy babies are more protective and fisty. So fun to follow his progress. Pros are taking care of him . What a cutie

[@dmac1306]

Hi is so cute and full of personality!

[@LadyShanghai-wj1kh]

Oh my word, what little angel.

[@terryheatwole6153]

A baby leopard elephant! New species to the herd. 😂 He is going to be soooooooo loved. 🫶

[@catherinebreitfeller669]

For a wild herd baby he’s doing so good with humans. 😊

[@vidyavenkataramanan5426]

so lovely to see these beautiful babies safe at HERD. I see Lammie still has work to do with more orphaned elephants and rhinos coming to make a home here. Kudos to the Adine team, God bless you all .Herd melodies are really sweet!!

[@elainedavis3923]

A truly amazing staff. This beautiful young elephant is doing so well in its new surroundings. It's definitely a wonderful thing to witness. Thank you for the wonderful videos you're doing for all of us. May all of you in return have wonderful blessings throughout your entire life.

[@palmaleestephens1906]

Sweet Phabeni!❤️🐘

[@Patricia-vd9xh]

Love Phabeni’s spirit. Feisty. May his physical and emotional health improve. Thank you all at HERD for caring for him. And that means Lammie too.

[@JamieM470]

I can't wait to see what the little pink princess thinks of her new green-spotted brother! Keep fighting to get strong and healthy Phabeni! You're going to love your new life!

[@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63]

Fiesty litttle guy. He looks like an alpha personality type. The adult females are going to love him.

[@davidnierzwick2775]

He's a tough little guy!

[@dorothywestcott2408]

Phabeni 🐘 certainly has a lot of spunk. He is so adorable 🥰. He is going to keep you all on your toes. Thank you for keeping us updated on this little bull 🐘. Phabeni 🐘 soon you will meet your new family.❤️🐘❤️

[@acg6gc419]

This little guy is funny😂😅

[@jbenko13]

Thank you for your dedication and ardour Papa Stavros! 💜As well as to Joshua, Tigere, Juan, Herman, and the entire team at HERD! I'm already in love with this new little ellie! May Phabeni grow to be as big and strong as Sebakwe and as resolute and loving as Fishan 🥰

[@rebeccacadle1199]

I think he is going to be the newest Naughty one 🤣 He is Beautiful baby boy❤

[@clairetomkyns175]

For sure, he'll rival Mambo from Day 1!

[@carolynehrensberger2162]

Skin looks lighter. Dehydration easing? Doesn’t seem as itchy. Certainly curious and enjoying interacting with everyone. Becoming familiar with his environment and becoming more confident. Nice to have a cozy blanket. Such tremendous support from the team!

[@luzmartinez6888]

🙏♥️🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@jamesfreeman2258]

Where's Adine?

[@ASGotthardt]

She was on travel in Germany with her daughter when she received a call that a baby elephant had been found in a lady's fenced in yard. There was no sign of the mother or herd and the park rangers wanted to shoot it. The lady, thankfully, was having none of that and reached out for help. Adine immediately called Tigere and he, Stavros and Joshua grabbed what they needed and rushed to the rescue. Adine worked to change her flight home, while also calling in Juan, former Operations Manager, to help out until at least she could return home, but she has since returned and he's stayed on to help her where possible.

[@lynnell5993]

This is going to be fun. He's healthy and appears to be very smart as he uses his trunk on the cement to imitate the broom sweeping water. I do indeed anticipate him giving Khanyisa a fun run for her money and in a few years will be giving Mambo a challenge for his Mischievous crown. I see a "bad moon rising". Look out Herd. He's a rising star. Watch out carers because i think you'll be doing a lot of running after him. Bubi should be his adoptive Mama. She has the spunk to match him!

[@mortalclown3812]

All of the hard-won lessons from saving dear Khanyisa are now invaluable in caring for this precious baby elephant. How beautiful to witness and contribute a bit to help. It gives us hope re: the big picture, Adine. Thanking everyone at HERD with all of our hearts. (Cannot wait to see him put on some kilos. ) 🤎💜💙💚🙏

[@katrinaward5769]

Lammie is thinking here we go again! Another baby to take care of🤞🏼🇬🇧

[@ftc22]

Phabeni is a rambunctious, playful, smart young elephant. I think he will stand out in the herd. I can't wait to see him and the other elephants together. I totally love Phabeni and his little " big" personality. Phabeni is a winner!

[@donnahehl9947]

Oh so sweet. Mambo definitely is going to meet his match!!!

[@mariacorazonvalera9980]

Lammie has sparkles in her eyes. A blanket for Phabeni.

[@alison__16]

Wonderful to see our little ellie-leopard doing so well. His appetite is good and he's drinking beautifully. He'll soon be running around with the broom and 'helping' to clean like Khanyisa used to with the rake 💙😁

[@michaelsteven1090]

Feisty Phabeni!

[@JulieRushworth]

Phabeni is adorable, and seems so at home already, wonderful care with compassion and love, love to all especially Phabeni and lammie ❤

[@kp8381]

He's a funny little fiesty guy for his age. Our little pink princess had a much harder hill to climb to get to feeling better. I'm glad this little baby is healthier, despite being dehydrated/malnourished when they found him. The carers, Juan are so great with him. Thank you. 🩵🐘🩵🐘🩵

[@lucycarin]

Your efforts are a joy worldwide….🎉

[@userused3199]

It's so wonderful to have a baby in the nursery again. He is a fiesty little bundle.

[@massimodalmiglio7528]

You all are doing a fantastic effort. Day and night. Fantastic people. Thank You ❤

[@cherylbush9780]

It still amazes me that someone so small can grow to the height and weight Elephants do.💞

[@jamesreynolds5045]

The dedication you all bring to your elephant's welfare, and especially for your newest charge Phabeni, bring tears of joy. Thank you all!

[@teresasmith8946]

What is Lammie thinking? If she thinks like me anticipating a day with my grandkids "im going to need a pill" The fabulous nanny Lamb still giving her gift!!!❤🐑🐘🍼😊

[@bruceanderson5538]

ELEPHANT simply rules the roost. Thank you HERD🐘🙏🐘🙏🐘🙏🐘🙏🐘

[@catherinethomas1276]

Phabeni is perky and as happy as can be expected on his first 24 hours, hes very feisty and im sure he'll settle well. He looks incredibly small but hes lively. Stavros is so kind and a real soldier ! Herman is awesome with cleaning the nursery and areas and his knowledge of baby elephants and experience with khanyisa has put him in great stead for caring and being attuned to phabenis needs as well. All of you at HERD are beautiful people and i respect you thank you

[@dianamarie5663]

Everything is clean and comfortable for the baby with his skilled carers.

[@terryheatwole6153]

I now believe in love at first sight.

[@sueillidge]

Phabeni has self confidence in himself having survived on his own without his mama and herd. He probably experienced many difficulties during that time in order to survive his ordeal. He sure is feisty and a clever little ellie. So looking forward to him meeting the herd and little Khanyisa. Tokwe, Lundi and the rest will help him so much to grow and integrate. Thank you to all those at HERD for giving this baby a chance ♥

[@chrisman234]

So happy the elephant is doing better and now player outside, bless the gentleman who is caring for the elephant.

[@njgurl6004]

He is a survivor, similar to Khanyisa! He is so cute when he stretches out his body when he's anxious. Feisty is good! He mostly realizes he is safe. Ty, Herd! 🙏✌️🙏

[@susanhelms9260]

Phebeni is fiesty little charger. Hes getting accustomed to his surroundings. Hate that he lost his mom and herd but he is in excellent hands with wonderful people at HERD and ultimately will be with a very caring herd of elephants to call his own. ❤🐘❤️ Beautiful to watch this charming little fella.

[@teddy2669]

love this fiesty little guy, strong spirit Hes also had to be strong being a baby out in the wild alone. Thank you for the wonderful workof the amazing carers. Just wonderful 😍

[@barbaratyler2183]

Good to see such a hearty appetite

[@normafig924]

His a strong little guy for sure god bless they are the guardians of the present thank you for watching over these magnificent animals

[@Nawlins5]

Khanysia is going to have one little annoying baby brother for sure! He’s a little feisty boy. Nice to see him taking those bottles so well.

[@BlackSwan-qj8qs]

amazing that baby survived nights all alone in the wild -- so wonderful for him to be safe

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

Phabeni is a strong little baby with a will to live. Great to see his early progress. He loves his bottle. And gives Lammie a challenge.

[@michaelhalahan]

One could see how strong it was on first morning as vet examined him. 1)low rectal temp Ind. of low blood S.(2)low BP(3)dehydration of fluids(critical for mobility)--After all that , wanting to play, chase Sheep--engage in life, even under that handicap. A fortunate turn of Natural life for this engaging Y El.

[@snowbird7614]

Yes he is making wonderful progress. He is a special little guy!!

[@chrisreynolds3351]

What a lively, funny, fiesty little chap. Think he's giving the carers a good workout too!

[@martydornbos643]

How in the world did this baby last so long all by himself. What a warrior we have here. 😮

[@lisadianas6227]

What a feisty little bugger...love him to the moon and back

[@cathielamson4616]

Thank you for another video. He is so cute!

[@Cody-zd2ye]

Never had the urge to squeeze a baby elephant so much as I do with him ❤️❤️❤️

[@AniFam]

I’m sooo glad to know that Phabeni’s first night went well! 👍 He is safe now with the HERD team! Thank you for sharing this video~🤗

[@SheLikesSteel]

This little guy is extremely friendly for being a wild animal

[@franceslynch8815]

I can't get over how playful phebeni seems and his funny little runs at everyone. Herman is his star guy, following him for more bottles. The meticulous care and love you give to baby phebeni shows in his confidence and playfulness. Wishing you all love and thanks for this special heartwarming scene❤

[@kimchi_b]

What a little character he is!

[@lakrids-pibe]

He's so full of energy. I'm happy to see that.

[@sharonj.1240]

Happy for this update. I think we are all anxious for little Phabeni to settle in and get strong. Stavros and Herman are old hands at this. Everyone at HERD plays such an important role in these early stages. He is so full of life and energy...I know it is a lot of work, but must be very joyful to have him around.

[@mariafont8826]

Esta preciosura se convertirá en un majestuoso elefante. Son las cosas buenas de la vida...

[@ginangan8892]

What a brave and independent boy,good job guys,thank you

[@janetgeller7272]

Little “charge and bump”boy will come up against the immovable legs of his new gigantic elephant family some day soon. 😊

[@aprilsmith3683]

Ag my moeder... Onse klein olifantjie dra 'n "ouma japon"... Simply delightful... He has a playful attitude towards his environment and those within it... Lammie the hero thinking... "Been there...done that...got the t.shirt" 🇿🇦🩷🐑🩷🐘

[@RanmaChan]

Phabeni is so adorable with his blanket, like a superhero elephant!💖💖💖💖🦸🏻‍♂🐘

[@jknetsYT]

Phabeni you are blessed to have found this new home. You will be loved and cared for 🙏❤️ I'm sure Tokwe and the allomothers and bulls will guide you, educate you, discipline you and love you. I can't wait for the day you meet your HERD. ❤️

[@paulsamora1348]

Phabeni seems to have a tremendous amount of energy, Lammie is going to be sleeping well keeping up with this calf. Wonder if the HERD has picked up the scent yet? Happy Thanksgiving to all

[@cynthiadeese3861]

I've wondered that as well.

[@michaelgoetze2103]

Probably. Would love to see their reaction.

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie2]

I bet they have! Curiosity will definitely get the best of them. I wonder who will be first to visit him? Wasn't it Jabulani with Khanyisa? Happy Thanksgiving to you too!

[@paulsamora1348]

@@GuantanamoBayBarbie2 I believe so.

[@DianaBamaRN]

@@cynthiadeese3861me too. I remember they did so almost immediately when Khanyisa was brought in. They rumbled to her and she rumbled back!

[@beatrixjansen6297]

It's like seeing Khanisa all over again. Phabeni is a feisty one.He can defend himself So happy that Herd is helping him. Baby elephants are so precious.💘💘💘

[@sheilagadde5975]

Hello, to Herman! BLESSINGS...and Happy Thanksgiving to All of HERD.

[@ginamilite1256]

So precious so sad lost his way thankfully you found him gorgeous gina

[@carlajohannes9987]

He is just such a spunky boy!

[@pattysouza2954]

I love the way he goes after his bottles. They are extra yummy and he was starving. ❤

[@suehancey8355]

He certainly loves his bottles😊 and already showing quite the character.😂

[@catherine59226]

It’s so nice to see him hungry and feeding very well! We already love him so much! 💙

[@lisacooper1201]

😂💜💜💜🐘🍼🩵 I LOVE YOU BABY PHABENI!!! 🥰😍😘 YOU'RE A VERY SWEET, STRONG WILLED BABY BOY!!! AND THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT HAS KEPT YOU ALIVE ALL BY YOURSELF IN THE WILD!!! 🩵🐘🍼🩵🐘🍼🐘🩵🤓🫶🏾🙋🏾‍♀️🔥🙏🏾👑✝️📖🔥🕊️

[@katharinecox5200]

Such a hungry boy. He is so trusting and lovable.

[@melissaporter885]

What a feisty little boy! He's going to be quite the handful once he meets his new herd and especially his All Mothers.

[@sharoncarthy3764]

Yeah, the mothers . . . they'll teach him some manners. 😁😍😘😋

[@marialinacirone2529]

Que hermoso es Phabeni!!!!! Ojalá crezca sano y feliz !!!

[@fmtoll]

That feisty attitude will help him survive and become strong. He really is adorable.

[@matthewmangum6320]

Phabeni is so feisty, that’s a good sign. Also, his stools are firm, that is great! He’s looking for his herd, I hope he’s socialized with a substitute mother soon. It’s great to be on another adventure with a baby elephant and the HERD. Thanks again for everything that you do to save these precious babies. ❤️🐘❤️

[@mariacicarelli6238]

Amazing team that is whay always donate wish I could give more

[@lilyd1010]

Phabeni is SO smart, feisty n inquisitive. It's wonderful. I could picture him wandering away from his herd n mommy "just for a minute" to go adventuring n getting separated ...(smile)... he's going to be a happy handful for our wonderful carers/HERD/Jabulani. TYSM everyone!!

[@gloriamariasuarezpinto6803]

Phabeni hermoso bebé Elefantito 🐘 muy bien atendido por el Doctor Veterinario Rogers los señores cuidadores de la manada de elefantes de JABULANI, Mamá ADINE La oveja 🐑 Lamie y demás personas ,Será muy afortunado👍

[@anitasyvalahti1730]

He is so tiny, adorable. Also spunky and curious. he is so cute, when participated cleaning 😍. Milk tastes great 👏😊🍼🍼. I hope strength to carers ❤❤. For little Phabeni that he grows and gets better 💕. Lammie is good friend 💕. Lots of love there 💓🕊👋.

[@mopsolina]

Hello lovely baby boy Phabeni.Blessings to you and your kind humans.

[@sitikhusriyah6373]

I need longer video about him, ❤ phabeni..

[@hb4196]

there is an hour long video and another long one.

[@sitikhusriyah6373]

@@hb4196 i know thank you, but i have watched the video..

[@suziematthews5520]

Thank you for taking such care and kindness with this beautiful baby..🐘 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤GOD'S GOODNESS AND GRACES ..🙏 😘😍

[@monkeyorchid4081]

Oh my the baby is adorable and so spunky! Glad to see that there is that fighting spirit in this little body hopefully that will continue!

[@carolenolan8460]

He's a Fiesta little guy isn't he? Personality so different than Khanysia....he's fun to watch!

[@terryheatwole6153]

Very different from Little Miss Sunshine….I am so grateful he was not physically injured as much as she. 🫶

[@kp8381]

​@terryheatwole6153 I commented on that as well. Our baby K had such a big hill to climb physically/ mentally to get healthy. I'm so glad this little spunky guy is in a much better position. 🐘🩵🐘🩵