Remembering Mopane - Gone But Never Forgotten

Last year December, a few weeks before Khanyisa was found and rescued, we experienced the terrible loss of a special young elephant that was loved by so many, far and wide.
Blog link: herd.org.za/re...
We cannot help ourselves but think of the close bond Mopane and Khanyisa may have had now. No doubt he would have become like the brother who we know would have been playing with her and looking out for her. We miss Mopane so much and only wish he had lived to experience the joy with the herd that Khanyisa does today.
Mopane was the first orphan to grace our orphanage, after we completed building in August 2019. He was rescued in December 2017, as a one-month-old, and found alone in the Northern region of Kruger Park near Phalaborwa with no sign of his herd. We were very anxious for him to experience the newly built orphanage.
Lammie was the little elephant calf's sidekick from the beginning too, and they too had the most incredible bond.
Mopane enjoyed communicating with the Jabulani herd through the fence during his brief time at the orphanage. But tragically, just two days after we introduced him to Tokwe, the matriarch of the herd, trunk-to-trunk, he passed away suddenly. Adine and our team of elephant carers did everything to try to revive his body, but little Mopane passed away in their arms.
Mopane had just reached two years old when he passed away. It still feels so surreal that he is not with us anymore, but we like to believe that he watches over us with love, guarding over Khanyisa and all of our team. Mopane was a very warm, loving and happy young elephant, who brought great love and learning to our team, and we know he'd have been a joyful playmate and friend to both Timisa and Khanyisa, the youngest orphans introduced to the Jabulani herd.
We all miss you terribly, "Moepa" - as Adine so fondly called him. R.I.P.

[@TheReis2000]

I did not even know him or followed the herd at the time, but this has me sobbing. Oh, Adine and the rest who knew and loved him, you have losta child. There can not be a greater pain than that. He was loved and will not be forgotten

[@herdelephantorphanage]

You sob along side us, Annemarie. We miss him so much. Thank you for the kind words

[@dorothywestcott2408]

This was before I found Herd. How sad. He seemed so playful and live you Adine. My heart hurts for all of the carers and Adine. RIP Mopane I hope you are having a grand time in Ellie heaven.🐘🐘🐘😢😢❤❤

[@renestewart604]

This made me so sad.

[@michelfauteux4500]

I discovered HERD when Khanyisa was still at the orphanage and subsequently, like thousands of others, watched Phabeni's rescue, arrival and rehabilitation. As devastated as I remain by Phabeni's passing, I can only imagine how you, who devoted yourselves so completely to his well-being, must feel. Now that I know of Fenya and Mopane, I find it even more admirable that you still so wholeheartedly love these vulnerable and fragile creatures that heaven sends you. We can only support you from afar but we hope you know how much we admire and love you too.

[@kathleenm4406]

May the beautiful memories bring comfort to all and bring peace to sad hearts 🙏 and know that you bring love joy and HOPE to all the elephants that you save♥️

[@catherinethomas1276]

Well said. My first time seeing Mopane. I don't know his story.

[@pattysouza2954]

This is heartbreaking. I am so sorry.

[@raider7829]

Mopane was gorgeous! So fun, playful, loving and looked so healthy. 😢 I just cant believe he passes away just like that. Gone. No warning. This is so hard to understand! Losing all these beautiful babies is not fair. Adine and the crew trying to save and PROTECT our elephants from hardship and bad humans and they still pass away. It's just not fair😢😢😢😢😢😢❤breaking

[@OtDawn]

Too sad, God Bless all of you.

[@sbelardo33]

😭😭😭😭 Gone but never forgotten

[@rosadiaz6945]

So sad incredible died 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@adridave1]

I also fostered Phabeni so im a mess with 3 foster babies lost but Adine & the caretakers have to keep going for the herd. Its an extremely challenging and fulfilling task to be responsible for a herd and babies.

[@margm4]

So sad 😰😰🇦🇺Such a cheeky little fellow...you must miss him so much..God bless you all.It must have been so sad to make this video. 💕

[@muriel8408]

The person that puts the thumb down is a horrible one. it's meant you have no empathy for animals or people.😡

[@susaninezforrester8102]

🧡🧡🧡

[@wildcat5196]

I' m sad when I see this pictures 😢. Really he was a special elephant boy. Playful, adorable, happy and maybe a little bit naughty. His life was too short. That's not fair. R.I.P. dear Mopane ❤️

[@juanitacalderon6660]

🙏❤️🐘❤️🥰🥰🥰

[@ceeceerutland7637]

Awwwwh. I’m sure you are all more heartbroken that we are and that you did everything possible, but poor baby, what happened?

[@perveezm8535]

A real boy ellie....you all must miss him so😔

[@herdelephantorphanage]

So so so much

[@smruti.]

Nice explanation about him. Story. Sorry to hear about it.

[@richardkoon8648]

Khanyisa is very brave and confident, for example how she interacts with the herd. But Mopane seems much more headstrong and maybe more playful - a handfull! How much older was he when he passed than Khanyisa is now? Thanks for a great video.

[@AmandaLarsson-b8o]

Mopane will be in our hearts forever. I miss his naughty expression and rolling eyes. 🐘👀💔🙏🏼

[@dang.s]

This is sad. So young to pass. Only two years old.

[@Ducksinarow...]

Most regretful and heartbreaking

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie2]

It's so sad to know that an orphan can make it that long, and still sometimes die. It makes every day with Khanyisa even more special.

[@cindykongabel4038]

I am so very sorry for your loss. Mopane seemed to have been a very playful, sensitive and curious little elephant. Adored by so many. I'd like to think, Khanyisa was sent by God to help heal your broken hearts. Rest in peace dear, sweet Mopane. You are still adored by so many.

[@quadbox]

I have something to admit: I've never been able to watch the RIP Mopane video. I know Sue would have put a lot of work into it and that my grief would have been minuscule in comparison to what all of you have had to endure so I carry some guilt over it. This was such a lovely video - it really made me smile. He was such a rambunctious little sweetheart. My favourite memory of him was when he headbutted Linri in the bum and she yelled MOOO-PAAAAA-NEEE at the top of her lungs. But he seemed rather unfased. I know his life was a short one, but the amount of joy he brought was immense. He is well remembered and will always be well loved. LOVE YOU, MOPANE! 💕💕💕

[@marilynbrainard3783]

Did you ever find out why Mopane died so suddenly? Incredibly sad...

[@doreal]

Right, so it won't happen again.

[@doreal]

I just did a google search, it was Encephalomyocarditis, which may have been passed via traces of rodents' urine on some of the dry feed such as lucerne.

[@magnushelin007]

@J Fl Good news. Looking forward to the vaccine.

[@doreal]

@J Fl So sad.

[@doreal]

@@magnushelin007 Yes! Thank goodness.

[@Buba417]

He was such a beautiful baby. RIP Mopane

[@brendamcmanus9438]

What a special little gentleman he was... Beautiful tribute to Mopane. Very playful, especially with Adine. For those that loved this precious little boy, I’m so very sorry for your loss. You will always be remembered. Forever in our hearts...Mopane. 💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞💞

[@LahainaStrong444]

💐 Darling Mopane at Rainbow 🌈 Bridge now. RIP. Amen.

[@bobbievel2088]

Before my time...can I go back to day one of HERDs posting videos? Found a few months ago, look forward to every video. LOVE 💘 all the ellies but of course the young ones (of any species) grab your heartstrings. Thank you HERD carers and Adine for devoting your life to these orphans. It takes an old soul to appreciate the beauty in all of creations creatures. 👍 big ❤ big love.

[@alvexok5523]

@@LahainaStrong444 yes, that elephant's beautiful soul is at Rainbow Bridge. He has moved on to his next dimension of existence, still harboring a beautiful soul because that part doesn't ever change

[@alvexok5523]

@@bobbievel2088 this elephant was a pure and wonderful being, he has a beautiful soul. Many elephants seem to be so pure and innocent, they are never beings who intend to inflict harm onto other animals, people, or other phants. Asian phants in particular are so friendly and affectionate, but many African phants as well, since Mopane was definitely one

[@christyh5619]

It is too heartbreaking, so so sorry. Precious, yet i cannot watch. Thank you for your work.💜🌾🗝

[@noelearl5545]

I’m so sorry! He was so adorable.

[@Hadria7777]

Thank you to all of the beautiful souls that care so much for all members of our family, animal and human alike. R.I.P Mopane you will live in our hearts forever and may our paths cross again

[@Clodi19]

Never forget ! impossible to forget the 3 real angels at the Herd !! 👼👼👼

[@claritadeluna6609]

I discovered HERD when Khanyisa was just a new arrival. I had no idea there was another baby elephant that didn't make it. I remember Fenya, but I had not heard about Mopane at all. Another poor little baby that could't make it without his mother and its own family heard. How very terrible what some people in Africa do to these poor little ones. What happens to a baby after two years in Rehab at HERD that would cause its death just like that? I understand Fanya and Phabeni, but a two-year old? I didn't know their life was so delicate. Seeing their size and powerful bodies, it is hard to believe they can die this suddenly.

[@Daisy-tl2lh]

as I understand it they say these dear ele's are not out of danger until they are at least five years old ..

[@adridave1]

I agree it's complex. I understand Fenya ( her condition was poor ) but I arrived when Mopane passed away. I'll research. In Asia a different species that are prone to herpes virus that Asian elephants are at risk the most. The world lost beautiful happy Luna in Thailand last year and baby SukDee right before Phabeni last month. I've been a mess. I don't know why Mopane didn't make it but will read more. Usually, it's bacterial or viral.

[@luisa.melendezalbizu4459]

Mopane was a precious baby. God has another little four-legged angel with him.

[@SusanAnderson-ru1kc]

So sad to lose such a fun and warm creature. I loved how he wanted to hold Adines hand. My heart hurts.

[@Contessa6363]

Little Mopane and Baby Fenya are watching over all the Elephants and Team at HERD. RIP Baby Elephant Angels 👼❤❤❤🐘🐘🐘💜💜💜

[@mikemike-rf7qb]

12:47 To see his little budding tusks and the future promise of what a magnificent Bull he would've grown to become, Jesus that got me.... it rained hard in my living room.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

ah Mike. It is so sad in every way. thank you for sharing our journey.

[@theresawhitty8124]

Sweet little boy. What a sad thing to happen. The consolation, if any are possible, is he passed away being so well loved and not alone in the wild.

[@sentinel91101]

I am truly sorry for your loss! Our loss really... I'm going to miss this BOYO! I am so Sad about this! PLEASE continue your work and Thank You for your videos!😢🖖

[@gr8fuldeb699]

This is the first time I am knowing about Mopane. I only just found your amazing channel a few months ago and have been binge watching old ones in between new posts. Im so sorry for your loss 😢. Mopane is beautiful.

[@mlight6845]

I found HERD's channel just after Mopane had died. The range of each commenter's sorrow intrigued me. Today I fully understand the effort for each orphan and their importance to the herd.

[@susiematthews109]

RIP sweet elephant

[@ninapearman]

When Mopane grabbed Adine’s hand and walked with her choked me s little. Beautiful angel boy🧡

[@brendamcmanus9438]

Me too @Nina Pearman 😢😢

[@wendyrual7179]

Yes, made me cry...bless him, really wanted to hold her hand RIP MOPANE 💕🙏

[@drkrishangeekalita9955]

RIP baby Mopane. God always takes away the special ones. U will always remain special and unforgettable . May we meet soon.🙏💖💞

[@katiolaniduran]

😥💔😥💔😥

[@fredeemoon6053]

Wow, so very sorry to all of the team and the elephant herd. Must be so hard for you all. Farewell Mopane. You will never be forgotten. Hope you are enjoying your new found life in the elephant skies of the jungle world. Running, swimming , skipping and flying through natures beautiful dream, making loads of new ele friends. May your new found pain free life bring a smile and trumpet to your cute little face for all eternity . 💚💚💚💚💚💚 You will be missed by so many of us , especially your carers , your herd and your loving friend Lammie 💚💚💚

[@donnawilcock5774]

I just discovered HERD a few weeks ago and have been binge watching. Mopane seemed like such a sweet, playful boy. I am sad he died so young, but am so grateful for the wonderful care and love you gave him. Bless you.

[@maheshwarivet]

I can tell that he was a little boy with a beautiful personality. Lammie, the legend, always present! How sad he pass too early.

[@diwatz1216]

What a joyful little soul...he left memories and a beautiful aura for the next wee one, Khanyisa, and a needed friend to Lammie and all of you. 😢💕

[@The-ii5mj]

Also, take comfort in knowing he had a wonderful 2 yrs. That took fortitude on everyone's part. God saw your hearts 💔 & sent Khanyisa to u.

[@KatherineUribe-1]

God bless little Mopane. May he travel the Rainbow Bridge in peace to the Eternal Savanna. The souls of all the great departed elephants will rejoice as he joins their illustrious ranks. Mopane is gone from this earth but remains in our hearts forever. 💕🐘💕i

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Always and forever 💕🐘💕

[@Dune137]

I cannot watch this entire video because I think my heart will break in two. This angel deserved so much more life. God bless his little soul and all elephants, all animals, and all who believe in love and kindness.

[@fabienneroure9995]

The way he was holding hands with Nadine really touched my heart. He was a determined little fella and it's a consolation to know he spent two beautiful happy years at the Orphanage and he was loved. R.I.P. sweet Mopane. ❤

[@lilmee7469]

He was a real boy. Amazing to see his rumbunctiousness comparing to Khanyisa's girlishness. Amazing. He might have teased his little sis...they meet in heaven one day.

[@bealong8718]

a fiesty boy by the look of it, khanyisa's sweetness would've rounded his fiesty boy behaviour down. I have no doubt ☺

[@carolynsimpson412]

So sad to lose such a young precious baby. He looked so well and happy. He was cared for and loved and wasn't alone.

[@anneargo-davies692]

We do not have so many elephants in the world that we can lose even one. That he was loved and cared for makes the pain of his loss even more hurtful. Hopefully we learn how to prevent such a loss in the future.

[@xxmissyxx6604]

RIP Mopane 😪😇 he seemed like a beautiful little boy. I loved how he would hold Adine's hand with his trunk ❤🐘

[@dsoutherland1747]

Mopane, in his short life on this earth, received devotion, care, and companionship. He surely loved his world. To pass peacefully was a blessing as he did not succumb to poachers nor predators.

[@KaDClair]

That must have been a complete shock to all of you after caring for Mopane daily for 2 yrs. He’s so lovable & adorable. Lammie must have felt the sorrow as well. I cry😢 for every animal.

[@skipbellon2755]

Sometimes comfort at the end is all one can provide... you guys are great.

[@lynnclark4208]

As I watch this I can't help but wonder if the herd isn't extra protective of khanyisa because of Mopane. Just a thought.

[@imadielariel3109]

Lyn Clark, perhaps it is so, and I have no problem with it. She is at the age Mopane died of the virus and there are many dangers for a baby elephant and a big one too! This made me so sad, made me cry. Must have been such a shock. He was such a lively and brave little one. Every elephant is so beautifully unique. Bless your heart all of you at HERD. So sorry for the loss of Mopane, and if only he could have been Khanyisa's little big brother. I think they would have gotten on famously. Sending love to you all. 👏💕👏💕👏💕🌹

[@susanvaughan4210]

Oh, what a wonderful little character he was!

[@ForeverWinterandHope]

💔 R. I. P little baby boy. I'm so sorry that he died.

[@Jkatz9y]

So very sad .... goes to show that no matter how robust, how well these baby orphans seem to be, they are always fragile.. RIP Mopane

[@herdelephantorphanage]

So very much so!

[@bealong8718]

Oh my goodness, can you imagine Mopane and Khanyisa together, he would have been the best big brother, so sad xx

[@sharihorting4560]

Dearest Adine and Carers, The work you do is equally rewarding and heartbreaking 💝

[@tjlance492]

Such Sadness Precious One , now you can be free ! You will be remembered with Love 💖

[@matthewmangum6320]

So precious. I loved 🥰 the segment of the video when Adine is checking the pads of his feet. When he was looking for Adine over the fence. His eyes are so expressive and demure. Thank you for sharing this video with everyone in the world who loves Elephants. 🐘🐘🐘

[@matthewmangum6320]

I’ve watched this video several times and Mopane just wanted out of the fence. He’s saying, “wild elephants weren’t meant to be kept in fences.” You can see how much he was loved and will be missed! RIP MOPANE! Your spirit lives on through the peoples lives you touched. 💕🐘

[@wendyfoulis3836]

I'm so sorry about Mopane. It touched my heart also when Mopane reached out to Adine's hand. Those snares have maimed or hurt so many baby elles'. She will be missed . Reset well little Mopane. You are very much loved,

[@juliehillman8743]

Mopane was a joyous, playful soul. To lose him so young is really sad. Take comfort knowing that the little man knew he was loved by all. RiP Mopane 🙏❤🙏

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you for your kind words, Julie. ❤️

[@pelosuttogo]

What a special, playful, friendly and lovable little elephant you were, Mopane!!! No wonder everyone loved you so much! It breaks my heart for you, especially now that one of your "offspring", Phabeni, is in big trouble...😢

[@sharihorting4560]

A grim reminder that even though sweet Khanyisa is growing so big and strong, she is still quite a fragile baby 💕

[@valerieelisebethcooper83]

🌈 🌹 ❤️. Love, light and abundant blessings for your arisen soul in Paradise, sweet angel xx

[@michelleslatton8941]

So sorry for your loss his spirit will live on in your hearts and never forgotten God bless

[@lilysangwong340]

Beautiful Mopane! Now you are in God's Arms. Thanks for all the love and care you gave him.

[@kismypencek6185]

Hugs to all caregivers. Poor baby

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you

[@debbiemckay1055]

Mopane was a very special elephant. So sad he passed.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

He certainly was

[@johnnyllooddte3415]

a day and a 1000 years are the same in heaven.. it wont be 2 hours (100years in heaven) and yall all will be back together,, young and healthy together forever.. all our pets, friends and family are watching anxiously from above waiting happily for that day..they wont even miss a meal or a treat... in the meanwhile they are having a wonderful time in the loving arms of a loving Savior.. Merry Marry me CHRISTmas.. blessings to yall all

[@lunkis3233]

Mopane was so adorable ❤️ 🙏🐘 An Amazing little elephant 🐘🐘🐘

[@odilefrappierdemontbenoitd7282]

It is so sad , why GOD .?WHY ? He is a GOD’s ANGEL now .....i am so sorry for you dear Adine , all my love ❤

[@janshiff9942]

God bless you Mopane , we love you always . ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@deejohnston2150]

He was just such a happy, loving, baby.

[@carolleenkelmann3829]

What did the Post mortem reveal? I worry everytime I see Khanyisa that this also could happen.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Hi Carolle - you can read about it in the blog link herd.org.za/remembering-mopane-gone-but-never-forgotten/

[@cherierohrer6835]

What happened?

[@dang.s]

Video description states he died suddenly. Didn't say why. Probably some kind of illness.

[@palmaleestephens1906]

I watched an earlier video some months ago that described his symptoms and the diagnosis. From what I remember, they determined or surmised it had to do with something wrong with a food supply.

[@susangalpin4967]

😪❤

[@JamieM470]

He was so happy and spunky....and obviously he knew he was loved. Sweet spoiled baby. RIP little Mopane. May God bless and comfort the broken hearts he left behind.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

He was very happy and full of beans! We miss him so much - thank you Jamie

[@jweber297]

Sad. You gave him the best time after he was alone. And the happiness he felt with you all gave him a lovely grateful heart.

[@vojaro5669]

This news is so, so sad. I didn’t know that this had happened. What a friendly, beautiful little boy he is. Did they ever figure out why he passed so suddenly, so young? He seemed to be just PERFECT. I’m so sorry for your loss and for the loss of such a sweet baby.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

THank you so much. He passed away from a virus encephalomyocarditis. You can read more about it in the word content x

[@palmaleestephens1906]

😢 As someone else here posted, I can’t watch. It’s too sad for me. I did watch an earlier post some months ago. This may be the same one.

[@cynthiagonzales9131]

So cute!! Oh they would of been such good friends.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

no doubt the best of friends

[@LchanOtakudom]

Poor little guy... I’m so sorry to everyone who knew this little one so well. Rest In Peace, little boy.

[@lisafreebairn7736]

He was a little sweetheart. This is just too sad.

[@CristinaF210]

i didnt know this i just found your precious channel one month ago i have been binge watching every single video completely mesmerized i all my life LOVE elephants, i donst tell many this bc sometimes people dont believe me, but i went to circus one at 7 years old and asked my mom not in the mood to EVER come back didnt like seeing elephants tigers in the seventies this was normal doing tricks and so on, in my teens i strted helping in any way small way i could to ban 100% ALL animals from ALL circus, I know i know its crazy of me to think this especially back then, but you know i never lose hope, now at 53 years of age i know many circus stopped this cruel endeavor and have no animals ive watched circus who gave me WAY more entertainment with just people than any other, u see one you see all of them so i know the good people who come to this channel think like me, but i hope this channel reaches more of the others who need information many people dont know you must torture animals in the circus to make them do stupid tricks, so.... excuse my bad english and my rant thank you all at HERD you are all phenomenal, and of course our little princess Khanyisa is beautiful RIP Momopane❤❤❤❤❤

[@isawa6649]

So young. So sad. So sorry for your loss.

[@theresahart212]

💔😢😢 such a happy boy truly heart breaking

[@anaazcoaga2220]

I so sorry. That happened it's very sad

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thank you

[@virgiltibbs9906]

Roam free little man.

[@cynthiamasse9596]

I was not with you then...his video are so comical...he was so playful...mischievous and I am so very sorry he could not be with the herd today...😇😇😇😇😇😇🙏

[@frixux]

Sadly Africa ecosystem was fragmented by colonial power. Only one Scottish man hunt around 1000 elephant. How this thing can be right? .

[@Kymcook73]

His personality was everything! Funny! Rest in heaven sweet thing.

[@luisa.melendezalbizu4459]

What happened to Mopane? Why did he die?