Orphaned Albino calf Khanyisa meets Lundi the elephant

We are very excited to share the news that we have introduced little Khanyisa to Lundi, a female (cow) of the Jabulani herd, and it is going well.
Lundi, also known as the "great aunt' of the herd, is a lovely elephant, who often assists Tokwe, the Matriarch, with all of Tokwe's motherly duties. Lundi has a son of her own, Mambo, whereas Tokwe (the Matriarch) has two daughters of her own (Limpopo and Pisa) and has taken on the maternal role in caring for both Kumbura and Timisa, both of whom are orphans introduced to the herd.
For that reason, Adine decided it would be less stressful on Tokwe, and give Lundi a greater purpose in the herd by encouraging a mother and daughter bond between the two, especially given Lundi's excellent level of commitment, responsibility and her caring heart.
During both introductions (we did one a few days ago and yesterday continued with a second one), we have kept Jabulani in their company, which both Khanyisa and Lundi have drawn comfort from.
Lundi and Khanyisa's first encounter started in what may seem a little bit of an apprehensive start from Lundi. We also have to consider this is something remarkable for an elephant cow. Lundi would have felt slightly confused and uncertain that she was not with the rest of the herd, or with the other cows, as the cows tend to keep together. But she has found comfort with Jabulani and her trusted carers in her company.
During the interactions, you can see the evident secretion from Lundi's temporal glands which many associate with musth in elephant bulls and possible aggression, however, it can also represent all emotions, including happiness and excitement, much like humans crying happy or sad tears.
Within a short time, Lundi allowed Khanyisa to approach her and even moved her leg to give her full access to suckle from her teat. This was an exceptionally emotional moment for us all, and how graciously Lundi allowed an elephant calf, different from her own, and of another herd, into her most personal of spaces. We can only fathom the emotions that Khanyisa must have felt, finally finding a natural teat, even though she is not lactating.
Jabulani watched curiously from a distance, keeping an eye on Khanyisa, who occasionally went to him for reassurance, as well as Adine.
The second time they met started with a bit of uncertainty again from Lundi, but she soon had little Khanyisa beneath her suckling. Khanyisa is so brave and her natural instinct to be with her new mama kicks in straight away.
We are taking this integration slowly to ensure there is not too much emotional stress for both Khanyisa as well as Lundi, as they start to grow their newly found and unique relationship. Adine continually consults with our trusted elephant advisors, discussing each meeting and interaction in depth.
Here are a few of the moments from the two meetings for you to experience it through our eyes.
Looking back at the past three months, we are so thankful that we have got to this point. We look forward to every new day sharing in Sunshine's second chance at life.
Please consider donating to HERD, we rely on public funding to cover the high costs of Khanyisa's care:
herd.org.za/do...

[@carmenl163]

I'm rewatching this after Phabeni was introduced to Lundi. What a lovely and natural mom she is, welcoming every little baby. I'm touched.

[@eleanoraquitaine2966]

The souls of these magnificent creatures never fail to move me.

[@AnnariDuPlessis]

That little trunk reaching out to the big elephants is so adorable.

[@oholynightowl2968]

So sweet. We did not see them touching her back once though. I felt so sorry for the little one.

[@m-possible1173]

It is!😁❤️

[@somerandommom5030]

Little Khanyisa has so many adoring mothers now. She is a lucky girl.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Very much so!

[@ShedaKhan-m8x]

She deserves it, she's so loving.

[@shellos8]

Khanyisa is so tiny and so sweet and trusting. It's like she was saying to Lundi "hello, I am little and I don't have a mommy. Are you my new mommy?" So cute.

[@elainebernier]

And may God bless these beautiful elephants. So nice to see men and animals in harmony.

[@merveilmeok2416]

I don’t watch movies anymore. I prefer animal documentaries. Thanks for those people who help the elephants. Thanks Adine. God love you.

[@lorrainecastillo897]

These gentlemen are like angels for these fantastic creatures!

[@jojowhite9296]

Elephants are so social and very caring for each other.

[@cas6227]

She is my baby girl... always follow her... i love how the herd loves and protects her. ❤❤❤

[@susanbarlow1585]

What wonderful people they are ... those working with the elephants. What a great job!

[@gabe-po9yi]

Loved hearing Tigere explain about the rumbles and what they mean. So, a low rumble from Lundi was letting Khanyisa know everything’s okay, there’s nothing to worry about. I’m impressed with his knowledge. It’s critical for people working with elephants to have a great understanding of them, their society, etc.

[@kimchi_b]

Yes the explanation was great!

[@angelaconnor4942]

It was wonderful to listen to Tigere's explanation of the elephants interactions, he is a good teacher with an obvious profound love and knowledge of his charges. Thank you Tigere for educating me further on this amazing channel.

[@dianawhaley4851]

Thank you

[@brendanorris9944]

It melts my heart to see how amazing Lundi is with little Khanysia 💕🙂

[@missybancroft6688]

Lundi was so patient with Kanyisa....beautiful and magical!

[@johnniefinkley2766]

So very precious and sweet. They are so intelligent yet so innocent and vulnerable. I will never understand how anyone could kill or harm any of these wonderful animals 😮😢😮😢😮😢.

[@barbarajustice9499]

Love theses videos watching the calf being around the older elephants 🐘 and learning from them thank you for sharing

[@Jennifer-di4nl]

The more I watch these videos the more I'm shocked at the intelligence and empathy of these magnificent creatures. God bless you for the wonderful work you do.

[@randygunn9499]

You realize just how huge they are from the trunk coming out at you! God there magnificent!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

They are incredible!

[@gr8fuldeb699]

Watching her little trunk reach up and then the crossing of her legs is absolutely adorable.

[@crystalheart9]

That is so cute.🥰

[@lisadunlop1786]

Hello JABULANI HERD! Can you please explain what all the different elephant sounds and body language mean? I know you and Tigere have explained some of them, like the rumbling, but I would love to hear more! I hope others will agree? What a privilege it was for YOU to take us ALL along such an AMAZING moment! And to now see Khanyisa follow Lundi on every walk on the reserve is just a MAGNIFICENT bond that has grown between them…and that she has with rest of the JABULANI HERD! What a PRIVILEGE it was to witness the start of their relationship! Thank you JABULANI HERD!!! 🙏❤️

[@donnajarvis9542]

The patience all of you have is a blessing.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you

[@danopticon]

She must’ve been so scared, trapped in that awful snare and separated from her mother… I really empathize with her, and I’m so glad she’s gaining security and love and reassurance from her many new stepmothers!! Thank you for the work you do. 🤗❤️🐘

[@mariaangelicatoledotorres7194]

Traducir al español.

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thankyou for sharing. Such lovely moments.

[@patrizioganda7736]

You are really doing fantastic work. Keep on protecting these magnificent creatures.

[@AnnaAnnaTT]

The skilled empathic and ever so kind elephant carers are wonderful in the way they care for the elephants They notice so much. They understand so much. They have earned the trust of the elephants. Always they are considering, analysing situations as to what is best for the elephants. Anyone who has not grasped how important these carers are to the elephants is a fool. They reassure the elephants and support the herd to keep things runing smoothly. Yes the elephants are super smart too. I think the elephants do understand and respect the importance of the carers too. Herd is run so respectfully for the long term benefit of the elephants

[@whitekasimir3752]

It is so heart touching how Khanyisa sniffs the two giants Lundi and Jabulani. But then at 4:00 she has to go back to Adine to ask 'Who is that? and for a little caress that gives her security again. But then curiosity wins and she focuses on Lundi again. It is so exciting to our sweetheart.

[@lindawalker8312]

You all must be so proud of Lundi, what an amazing new mum for Khanyisa

[@aimeefriedman822]

I've watched this so many times and I'm still captivated. I know they have seen each other before (at the fence), but Kundil realizes this is the REAL MEET & GREET. I feel her saying, "What exactly do you guyz expect me to do with this Pink Piglet?" Seriously, there's so much communication happening amongst all, without a sound being made. What's so unique about Khanyisa is her undivided trust. She knows this is a big day and she's more excited than everyone. It's like she's saying, "I couldn't wait to meet you, I'll be the perfect daughter, just smell me, you'll see!!"

[@thefairyqueen369]

Just stunning to watch these majestic souls give Khanysia her place in the herd! They can smell and sense her injuries, I wonder what goes through their minds, perhaps memories of their own ordeals. Animals on this planet have such a tough time just like humans do but thanks to people like Adine and her team, we can change history one animal at a time!

[@Cruller]

Special Thanks to Tigere, for the interesting explanation about Lundi and Khanyisa. 👍 👍

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

I learn from the elephants all the time, many things. Thank you, God.

[@melodybecker2309]

What an experience watching the bonding!!! Thrilling🐘

[@LindaJohnson-rf7kz]

I have goosebumps and tears. Elephants are sooo amazing. I have no more words🥰😍😍🥰🥰

[@aussiegardener1773]

It's Feb '22 now ... seeing Khanyisa then and now. She has come a long way and her personality has grown immensely. I love following your channel. God bless you for all you do and that you share all this with us.

[@audreybee5061]

They really are one of the worlds most gentle giants ❤️❤️

[@geraldcullen6737]

What a privilege to be around such a beautiful mammal

[@elephantastic3975]

Such an amazing couple of days! Khanyisa’s tests coming back negative 🙏🤩 then the positive introductions with Lundi. Amazing how patient and welcoming she is, she invited suckling so quickly, wow. Jabu also so gentle and patient, not always the case with bulls and young calfs but he’s such a sweet soul. Your videos are the highlight of my days during the pandemic, so happy I found your channel. ❤️

[@dstuart9690]

How beautiful! These videos are the highlight of my days! I could watch these majestic creatures all day...especially the babies. I’m obsessed with how adorable they are! Thank you!

[@AmandaLarsson100]

WOW! I watched this on Instagram @herd-elephants / @jabulainsafari . If you want to find out more and have an Instagram account, please follow them. They also have specials by @skydrumfilms behind the scenes @hesc and SO much more. I hope I've got the spelling right for the above accounts but the logos are the same. Tiger - Tigere and the rangers also have their own accounts for amazing footage of Jabulani Safari wildlife. Thank you for this wonderful Blessing during Lockdown.

[@cal-qw8ov]

She must be one in a million,a precious little thing that needs looking after even if it means the rest of her life...

[@KatherineUribe-1]

Very special moments. What a privilege to be able to watch this relationship begin and develop. Elephants are amazing creatures!💕

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Couldn't agree more!

[@TheBollysongs]

@Shoenheim oh wow, thanks for posting the link. Elephants can be evil too 😯😯

[@melodiefrances3898]

This is amazing. Lundi is so patient. She let's the baby explore her with her trunk. ❤❤❤

[@andradavis7201]

im just glad that they have adoptive for elephants to that is so wonderful because im adopted i wish i could donate but my husband and i are disabled but it warms my heart ...thank you so much for what you do you are angels for our fur babies

[@nancy-katharynmcgraw2669]

🙏🙏🙏

[@54725472777]

Lundi is so beautiful and nurturing.

[@gr8fuldeb699]

I am constantly rewatching these videos. Its so beautiful to see the love that is given to Khanyisa. Jabulani came over to make sure she was ok is unbelievable.

[@katiolaniduran]

What amazing animals & their ability to show compassion. Glad little Sunshine is starting to meet more of the herd & good to see her doing better 🐘🤍🐘🤍🐘

[@archanair4792]

Thank you all for all your efforts! Hats off!

[@ermelindaward2395]

Elephants are such wonderful animals.

[@itsjustme.7059]

The baby is reaching its little trunk up to have a sniff is so precious.

[@dizziechef9502]

She don’t get milk but gets contact and comfort

[@poppykok5]

Elephants have ALWAYs fascinated me beyond simple explanation...I hope & pray Lundi will quickly accept little Khanyisa as her own...Just imagining how & why this innocent little calf became orphaned, just stabs at my heart...

[@jayelove1504]

I love you mission....every since I can remember, elephants have always been my favorite animals, especially African elephants....hopefully one day, I can meet you and perhaps go on an outing with the mission.....I live in Texas 💜🥰

[@socratesaristotle101]

The elephants have the most beautiful eyes and their eyelashes are a dream😄

[@TaterChip91]

Lundi was thinking, "uhh, guys...I don't know if you noticed, but what am I supposed to do with a ze..." 《-Blanket falls off the calf-》 Lundi, "WHAT THE F JUST HAPPENED!"

[@willalopez987]

The babies feel safe walking in between the larger moms aunties and don't worry about being walked on or smashed by larger elephants that is real love and feeling safe i love them

[@quadbox]

So exciting, but also nerve wracking to watch her wee body wedged between two gigantic elephants! 😅

[@colabama]

And yet,little one never gets squashed.Very lovely.

[@kennethmarks1625]

Claudette :but they are so gentle and very careful and Protective of her-- that makes it adorable and a joy and shows the sensitivity of the "gigantic" ones --who as we know of the Jabulani herd have gigantic Souls!!!

[@janparish7895]

Another precious memory. Meisiekind meeting her new Mama. Her sweet little trunk reaching out ..... 🩷🐘🩷🙏

[@marianneritavanvliet4554]

See this for the first time ohhh what a precious moment Lundi shall be have a mom who care for her and watch for khanyisa in herd Khanyisa have a human mom Adine and a elephant Lundi and also Kumbura.

[@QuietBloom]

Wow, her beautiful rumbles just went right through me! What a sweet video. Thank you.

[@laurelbozman6997]

Its so beautiful the work these people do with the elephants. Fantastic

[@daffodilunderhill7066]

Thanks for sharing the wonderful work you are doing. It is joyful to watch Khanyisa slowly gaining a new family.

[@Arpege92]

God bless these men for taking care of such beautiful creatures.

[@BrianCarnevaleB26]

Yes, thank you so much. You will be Blessed for helping the animals. Makes me cry for some reason.

[@cherylanderson9126]

Such a privilege to see them up close, closer than ever before for me. Magnificent animals, caring, tender with baby. Thank you.

[@candy2325]

Awww her little trunk waving everywhere 😫😍 she’s a cutie.

[@sweettoothmarie7304]

Kudos to the caretakers! 👏👏👍

[@catherinekennedy8358]

That’s the sweetest thing I have ever seen . Made my day. 🥰

[@aliciaacevedo4554]

Like Adine beautiful.

[@normamccafferty3053]

Very interesting. How wonderful of Lundi. ❤

[@sarahstrong7174]

I love the way they purr.

[@theresaprice310]

I love this one khanyisa has an Elle female mother friend females elephants are protective of the babies anyway every morning they stood at the fence watching her waiting trying to touch her this is sooo beautiful and Lundy is allowing her to suckle they’re conversing khanyisa will never forget her thank y’all for caring for these dignified gracious creatures I look 👀for them every day 🙏🏾❤️💕❤️

[@missj.d9187]

That little baby is too cute for words!

[@georgiewalker1069]

This brought tears to my eyes … such a moving event and amazing to see the interaction between them. Loved hearing their rumbling. It must travel right through your chest when you are so close to them. Incredible devotion by the keepers and Adine 💫💫❤️

[@ingridvalentova5716]

Beautiful baby girl...love her 🙏💜

[@debragonzales218]

These great animals are of God's creation.they need to be protected, loved and respected.

[@Robert-mn8gc]

AMEN 🙏 2 THAT . God is always watching how we treat everyone & animals included

[@laurelflint3153]

I'm enjoying these videos very much, thank you, for sharing them! It would be wonderful, to be able to hear the elephant manager, Tigere better. It was almost impossible to hear him. Perhaps give him a mike, when you ask Tigere a question please.

[@allyshivers3082]

You guys are amazing

[@viviennebroderick5149]

She is such a precious wee girl

[@seadahlia7936]

I never get tired of watching this!

[@richardsmith7783]

That little baby is so so sweet! and the big elephant is so caring

[@tcmichigan8066]

Awwww she is so awesome ty for Khanyisa to be able to meet the others as she can finally have friends thatt are other elephants and a mother and family. Love them all and thank you for EVERYTHING you do thank you for sharing. Please givee Khanyisa a hug and loves for me please and thank you all.

[@prometheuspredator7971]

You all are amazing. Thank you so much for saving this precious baby girl. She is an absolute doll as well as with all the elephants. It makes my heart so happy to see her and new momma becoming acquainted wirh each other. Watching their love for each other blossom. I so greatly appreciate you and all your staff for everything you do to take care of these beautiful and amazing creatures. Thank you for posting the videos about her and the rest of the elephants. You guys are amazing! God Bless to everyone.

[@bea-ftloa1142]

Love 💗🐘🐘💗

[@phuongvo3051]

I couldn’t stop crying when I watch this video ,,, she needs her mommy and she found it ❤️

[@woodspigs]

Wow Khanysia was so small when she first arrived

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Only four months old, sadly 🌿

[@mae8861]

Gentle giants beautiful

[@mortalclown3812]

I'm watching this again in late 2022, realizing that others besides Lundi took over the mothering of Khanyisa. This was quite beautiful- hard to overestimate the bravery of Baby Girl meeting so many new circumstances with trust and fortitude. Respect to the humans who oversee it all.

[@HelloKitty-ed5cy]

Oh Man... I cried from start to finish... Huge respect and admiration for the humans who care for and protect these wonderful animals. The Momma elephant Lundi just broke my heart the way she accepted the baby... Thank you for sharing..

[@skipbellon2755]

This page must have been missing from my childhood book called, "Are You My Mommy?"

[@benjamindover7399]

It breaks my heart that people kill these magnificent animals for their teeth.

[@JLRiason]

How did you pick which elephant you were going to try to be her mom?

[@jocquemorrison9785]

Awesome, beautiful to see again. Thank you to all her caregivers. ❤️

[@AvinashSingh-vj3rk]

Nice video ❤️

[@windinthefirtrees8020]

Lundi is such a good mama, humans take note of this!!

[@marybeth8550]

thank you for sharing these beautiful moments of compassion and love

[@kettlebellyogini]

Best moments of my day is spent watching your videos. It’s truly magnificent

[@SweetUniverse]

She's beautiful. ❤ You all are 🌹😇😇😇

[@sistagalsistagal8136]

This is so beautiful to watch yet sad to know that people can be so evil that they kill these beautiful creatures.

[@sheilamore3261]

Yes it is a blessing these people are helping the baby elephant with a mama God bless y’all for being patient and helping that is absolutely wonderful yes these men work very hard to make sure everything‘s OK I think that’s awesome🥰

[@bubbybearist]

love to see the [positive interaction among the elephants...wonderful.

[@lovepet4565]

How can anyone kill for " sport" ? Any Elephant?

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Something we will never be able to fathom

[@lovepet4565]

HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa where can I donate money to help your Elephant 🐘?

[@shelbell1279]

I pray for change!!!! There's no need for it. Maybe if we all pray and these video get out there it will help 😍😘😍😘

[@jackieraulerson2005]

Perverts

[@lovepet4565]

Johnny Rock if I met Don con jr? Id sic my 115 lb dobe on him

[@lucreziavilante5993]

Khanyisa is in heaven, under Lundi, eyes closed, just taking it all in! Lundi is also absorbed with love, and giving the baby a musthy welcome, from her heart to Khanyisa's. Just beautiful, my heart is full!

[@whitekasimir3752]

"Khanyisa is in heaven, under Lundi, eyes closed, just taking it all in!" - I thought about that, too. Maybe at that moment she remembers her own mother, who she sadly lost.

[@lucreziavilante5993]

@@whitekasimir3752 isn't Lundi such an angel to meet Khanyisa's needs in that way! They are so emotionally intelligent!

[@shirleyleichliter4487]

I knew when when Lundy moved her leg forward she was going to take on khanyisa as a mom