Swimming elephants on a hot day in Africa with pink baby Khanyisa fully submerged!

Together with Jabulani, we recently hosted an elephant workshop at the lodge, in the Greater Kruger region of South Africa in our reserve, with wildlife vet, Johan Marais as well as our team of Carers and Elephant Manager, Tigere!
Discover more about Jabulani: jabulanisafari.com
Here Head Ranger at Jabulani, Jason Botes took our workshop guests to the waterhole at midday to watch the rescued Jabulani herd swimming. Amazingly many other animals had the same idea as the buffalo, giraffe and white rhino all enjoyed a drink and dip!
The other animals often move off when they see the big elephant herd coming and at times when other animals are too close for comfort, some of the elephants will slowly walk after the animals to chase them away. They are much more protective with calves like Khanyisa among them.
What always warms our hearts so much is to see how allomother and fellow orphan Kumbura treats Khanyisa… she is so protective and outright stands right over her when the calf is swimming and follows her into the depths to make sure she is safe.
Limpopo also joins in on babysitting as the two cows ensure that Khanyisa can frolic and submerge herself safely while they remain on lookout. It’s one of the most endearing qualities about elephants and especially this rescued herd, how they protect their own, and in this case, those they’ve accepted as their own.
Bubi likes to be by herself and enjoys a good thrashing in the water! Setombe is as beautiful as ever and is joined by bull, Mambo who is always looking for a chance to spar with Setombe, the eldest female in the herd.
Peaceful bull, Somopane stays close to Timisa while in the water, which is so special to see… how the older bulls mix beautifully with the youngsters.
The rhinos on the banks stay close to the water, waiting for their turn and Ranger Jason even has to reverse to give them space and let them pass.
Listen to the comments from our wonderful guests on the vehicle! We are always so thrilled by all your questions and do our best to answer them here on socials, although we have a small team behind the scenes.
We love your interest and sharing information with you, and this elephant workshop was one intimate and first-hand way to do so! Thank you for those who joined us! We can’t wait for more fun at next year’s event!