Tiny Tusker Elephant Timisa’s Five Year Journey with the Jabulani Herd

Around this time five years ago, a very special little orphaned elephant began her journey with the Jabulani herd. Timisa was found wandering on her own, on 19 November 2016 with no sign of her herd. Her mother had very sadly died as a result of a severe drought in the area about two weeks before Timisa was rescued. She was rescued by Michelle Henley and her team at Elephants Alive, who aptly chose the name Timisa, which means courageous.
Timisa was incredibly small and weak when she arrived, weighing in at just 216kg at about 18 months old. Her weight gains were slow in the beginning, thankfully, she hadn’t been alone in the wilderness for too long before being discovered, which gave her a much better chance at survival.
Her early days were not without challenges; however, and in March of 2017, Timisa had to have a blood transfusion due to being anaemic. Setombe was Timisa’s blood donor, which was a kindness repeated with orphaned calf, Fenya in 2021. Due to her age, Timisa was immediately introduced to the Jabulani herd and preferred to be fed her milk in a bucket, rather than in a bottle.
The introduction to the herd was a heart-warming sight, as the elephants trumpeted and surrounded her in a protective circle instantly. Fishan was the first to accept her, followed by Tokwe and soon the whole herd rallied around the little orphan in their welcoming embrace. Tokwe, the Jabulani herd matriarch, took Timisa under her trunk and became her adoptive mother, providing love and lessons on how to be an elephant.
Now six years old and thriving, Timisa has found good friends in Pisa and Kumbura and most recently, Khanyisa! When Timisa first arrived, Pisa (the second daughter born to Tokwe) was not very keen on her. But now the two are the best of friends. She has shown the younger elephants of the herd just how important acceptance and compassion are for this family and has won over all of their hearts, as well as all of ours.
Young Timisa has really taken on the role of big sister with incredible patience, compassion, and enthusiasm. Khanyisa’s arrival has truly inspired a whole new side to Timisa, who now stands taller and with more confidence, embracing the protective nature of her species.
Success stories like Timisa’s would not be possible without the kind support of our wonderful donors and foster parents. Please consider being a part of Timisa’s journey with HERD by fostering here: herd.org.za/product/timisa/.

[@isawa6649]

Fishan is the definition of "gentle giant ". Timisa found the herd of the heart. Thank you for sharing her story

[@herdelephantorphanage]

We absolutely agree!

[@msdramamusic]

Fishan is really special I'm so glad he looked after Timisa. She is a perfect addition to the herd family.

[@herdelephantorphanage]

He's such a kind soul!

[@melodiefrances3898]

@@herdelephantorphanage I really love him ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@SUZANNECARPENTER-ou3je]

It's such a wonderful herd of elephants. They accept new children so naturally with such joy.

[@SweetUniverse]

Omg, this is the sweetest story. 😍😍 Timisa is such an affectionate and playful big sister to Khanyisa. She's an absolute love. ☺️❤️❤️❤️

[@gr8fuldeb699]

I did not know Timisa story. To hear Fishan stepped up to welcome her and Tokwe accepting her as one of her own really shows the kindness of this herd. Adine your program is so remarkable. Timisa probably wouldnt be alive today without you and the carers. Thank you for all you do!

[@marjoriehopkins1630]

What an endearing story! Thank you for telling us about sweet little Timmi. I'm so glad Fishan looked after her! What a sweet combination.

[@brendabrass2715]

Such precious footage of Timi when she was a baby. She has always struck me as independent and strong. What a great sister she's been for Khanyisa. And she's a beautiful ele full of personality. Thanks Adine for a look back❤🐘🥰

[@jmcampbell05]

Adine writes as beautifully as she lives.

[@WaterfallFW]

I think Timisa is one of the most beautiful Ellie’s I’ve ever seen

[@clairetomkyns175]

I agree!

[@karengrice2303]

She is such a beautiful sweet girl. She was rescued on my mother’s birthday which made my day! My mom passed away this year at 92. I am so glad she was rescued because she adds so much to the HERD family.❤️💕🐘

[@Go-tee71]

Love Timisa, such a cutie! 💕🐘 "Every elephant matters. Every elephant needs a herd". Yes indeed 🙏

[@evangeline3152]

Fishan always has his eye on Timisa. He is a remarkable bull. Timisa is such an energetic girl, she is a great role model for Khanyisa. Thank you for sharing the older video of her when she first joined the herd.

[@123fluffyg]

The elephants love babies, the more the merrier for them, they all take in the babies to raise. Every elephant matters and all need a herd to have.🐘💕♥

[@jtg8602]

A journey with you is always a journey of love and care.

[@marpro765]

Timisa was such a beautiful baby elie. She's such a gracious, gentle, kind soul.

[@Buba417]

I’m always amazed by how much Timisa has changed since Khanyisa’s arrival. From the very beginning, when she seemed a bit jealous, to embracing the big sister role is a huge step. And she took this challenging step with love, compassion and selflessness. Shes’s a beauty and a sweetheart 💕🐘💕🥰

[@ronnegold7133]

This is a beautiful story of love and acceptance. It surprises me when I hear that Fishan was the first to bond with Timisia. I thought the bulls didn't really have much to do with the babies in the herd. This is why this herd is so special. Love them all.🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@francesfarmer736]

What a great story about Timisa., Fishan is such a special elephant , along with Towke ❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘

[@herdelephantorphanage]

He's one in a million 💚

[@bradjayson4872]

Tokwe ditto

[@Sammy-kn2nb]

It's crazy to see how little she was when she first arrived ❤. She's such a patient big sister to Khanyisa. So many times Khanyisa steals her snacks and Tamisa never gets upset....She just lets little Sunshine have whatever she wants. I love that Fishan is so close to little Tamisa.

[@mchapman132]

Watching her kick up the dirt with such ease, shows how strong even the little ellies are. She’s a sweet young ellie. Her tusks are growing nicely. She looked smaller than Khanyisa when you got her. It’s encouraging to see the herd get along so well, and adopting the little ones who were in such need of love and security. If I were a baby ellie, I’d want Tokwe and Fishan as my parents. Beautiful video, thank you. 💕🐘

[@cathycarsilli3999]

Happiness forever to Timisa and of course all the rest of herd Beautiful elephants Beautiful country and Beautiful people who care and watch over them

[@zildadefatimapereiralima1800]

Ela e lindíssima parece uma jóia preciosa 😍😍🐘❤️💛💚❤️💛💚

[@priscillamadrid1536]

Oh my gosh the stories such as the one about Timisa and the others are heartbreaking but it’s wonderful to see how they have thrived under the care at HERD. Adine and the carers are truly angels and provide such love for these beautiful animals. I read all the time that elephants can teach us humans much and my hope is that we really take that to heart. This world can really use more kindness and acceptance of others.

[@bohemiangardensandgourdfar8812]

So nice to hear Timisa's backstory. She seems like such a sweet and playful girl. Amazing to watch how she uses her feet and trunk as tools to bend the branches. These animals are so captivating and endearing. 💚🐘

[@catalinamorey1281]

Timisa's beginnings were very hard. But today, she has a family that loves her and protects her. 💖🐘

[@tamo9520]

Thank you for sharing her story with us! It's wonderful learning the backgrounds and struggles that these magnificent creatures had to go through. . . . . . How they survived, and all the fears and unknowns that they had to overcome. How they adapted. Not only all of that, but also how their new family accepted them and took over to accept them. It's all simply amazing and so very, very interesting and sooooooo heartwarming! Your organization, . . . "everyone" included, is beyond being true heroes! 💖

[@dorothywestcott2408]

I never really knew Timisa's back story. Fishan is such a gentle soul it doesn't surprise me that he accepted Timmie and kept an eye on her. Tokwe being the matriarch took her in as her own. Now Timisa has a new loving family and a baby sister Khaynisa. This Herd is an amazing group of elephants. First it was Jabulani then Kumbura, Timisa and now Khaynisa. This is such a beautiful wonderful family. Thank you Adine for another great video. ❤️🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐑🐑❤️

[@shirleyleichliter4487]

She's so little I love her thanks so much caregivers I love you too what a blessing ❤😊

[@dbbdvm]

Timisa is STUNNINGLY feminine, a beautiful elephant. ❤

[@beeohel6787]

I have noticed that Adine and the others animal carer's have lovely soft voices now I know why The elephants 🐘 and the carer's are sedatives to each other 🐘🐑👫🤗

[@cindycuevas9328]

That's wonderful that the herd accepted Timisa so quickly. She shows she enjoys her adopted family. Too bad human step families can't integrate this easily. Thank you for sharing this beautiful video and story of Timisa's early life.

[@elpirata5468]

Love, compassion and a Little help from science Heals all wounds Thankful to all who support

[@volkerkalhoefer3973]

Milk and cookies = power food 😎

[@Beruthiel45]

So thankful that Herd exists and nourishes a unique family of beautiful and loving elephants, who are teaching us how intelligent and wonderful they are. Including their human friends who have made their lives possible. Thank you, and gratitude too to Mum and Dad Tokwe and Fishan, dear and kind adoptive parents. Such compassion in the elephants' hearts. ❤

[@virginiaspinelli-buser4420]

Yes, that is so beautiful. Every elephant needs a herd! That is family, and families are a "forever love". Virginia Colorado, USA

[@sharondavis8003]

Love watching the magnificent JABULANI herd take on the new rescued elephant babies to teach them how to survive & thrive. Tamisa reminds me of Khanyisa in so many ways in their cuteness. Love 💕 them all. 🐘🐘🐘🎀🙋🏼‍♀️🇺🇸

[@CristinaF210]

little timisa I love her so so and i think she has the most beautiful face with these big eyes just so beautiful, so thank you for telling us her story, all of them all of the stories of these beautiful amazing Herd people💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@Contessa6363]

I Love Timisa! She's so cute. She has a very kind facial expression and temperment! ❤❤🌹🐘🐘🌹❤❤

[@marie-clauderecchia4531]

Timisa had great mentors with wonderful Matriarch Tokwe and Fishan who helps a lot with the youngsters It is also great that they are sharing the stable in the evening Now Timisa has learned a lot from them and from the Herd, thanks to Dr. Rogers, dame Setombe she is healthy she can share her experience and games with her little sister Khanyisa plus her best friends Kumbura and Pisa Just love it 💕 What a wonderful Team at Herd, Humans and Ellies !

[@marybarratt2649]

Nice to hear Timisa's story whilst watching her using her feet to forage. She is a lovely girl.

[@kerrytatum4822]

I adore watching her splash in the mud puddles! She is so precious.

[@terryford7459]

Is really is such a joy to see how they respect and accept each other providing a LOVING FAMILY ❤️

[@sallyo100]

Timisa is lovely and such a wonderful big sister to the baby ellies in her unique and loving family.

[@brendatenorio5721]

Couldn't agree more. Every elephant matters. Every elephant needs a heard. And we, the public, the elephants are so fortunate for HERD.

[@dbbdvm]

Such a feminine little girl, lovely and sweet Timisa.

[@eadams902]

Timisa is soooooooooooo beautiful. Her eyes are gorgeous :-)

[@michaelgoetze2103]

Interesting that Tokwe and Fishan were her first protectors. In the video where Khanyisa irritated Timisa for over ten minutes it was Tokwe and Fishan (and Limpopo) who came running to diffuse the situation when Timisa called for help.

[@shirleymorris7760]

Interesting how 2 bulls have been first to connect with new orphans: first Fishan with Timisa then Jabulani with Khanyisa. Not surprisingly, Tokwe stepped up to mother yet another little ele. It's great to see Timi all set with staunch friends, an adoring little sister and an amazing herd at her back. And, of course, Adine and her awesome team of Carers!🙏❣️♥️❣️🐘🐘🐘🐑🌿

[@mary-anneswanson8445]

Jabulani herd is special. They are so accepting and protective of all their members . Even Fishan when he got separated was was surrounded until the herd was sure he was in no danger. Timisa could not have a better home or herd than Jabulani and she shows her feeling of being part of the herd by taking on the role of big sister to Khanyisa:) Sweet Timisa you have grown to be such a precious and pretty girl

[@ranjanamalaviya7445]

What an incredibly beautiful story. Pretty little Timisa is just so playful and shares this great bond with sweet Khaniysa. Am amazed at how wonderfully they gel with each other and how the baby in distress is immediately cared for by them...in this case matriarch Tokwe and gentle Fishan! Keep growing well Timisa!

[@allisoncompeaux3981]

Great success story for Timi. She is a pretty young girl!

[@Dune137]

I love Fishan so much. I love ALL Herd elephants but some are a bit more dear to my heart because of their character. Fishan is such a sweet guy. And Timisa is a sweet and cute girl. God bless all elephants, animals, and good people.

[@brendatenorio5721]

Fabulous history of Timisa, herd, staff care, photos, videos, narrative!

[@bruceanderson5538]

What a very very loving portrait of a Jabulani Sweetheart. Very moving.

[@57Pinky_Promise65]

Elephants matter 💖 Timlsa has such beautiful eyelashes plus a beautiful face. She's found so much love for the rest of her life with a wonderful family. 💕

[@postulatedspace]

Timisa is the prettiest girl.

[@lindasuggs2393]

Oh what a beautiful and entergetic little girl she is now! So greatful for this video spotlighting her and her journey into the herd! I did not realise all the intervention and special care to get her to where she is today! She owes her very life to Adine and the carers constant love and attention. We all thank you for giving this baby a happy and protected life! I'm so greatful to her elephant family for making her one of their family's little ones!

[@brendanorris9944]

Thank you for sharing Timisa's story with us 👍 Ir makes me so proud of the AMAZING elephants in this herd

[@bea-ftloa1142]

Sweet Timisa is 6 this month, right? You’ll have to give her a bucket of sweet potatoes or something she likes; she’s been a great sister to our ‘meisiekind’ & just love her! I’m so glad she was found before she got trapped in a hateful snare! That would have been even more devastating for her. Oh, HERD, to you & her original rescuers our forever thanks!! 🙏 💖

[@summersands8105]

It's really fascinating to watch the dynamics of the herd. You can clearly see how the young are protected as they move through the bush. You have 2 lines of elders, side-by-side and the young and vulnerable in the middle.

[@sharona1112]

She is BEAUTIFUL, her eyes are full of kindness.

[@alison__16]

I follow Elephants Alive here on KZbin too, they're doing incredible work and I'm so grateful they were able to rescue and help little Timi. ❤️❤️❤️

[@debbieschultz9768]

Timisa is so adorable, she’s so young. All of the elephants have a big place in my heart 💜

[@quieteagle920]

Wonderful to see how well Timisa has thrived under your care. TY for all you do for these Elephants!

[@AnimaltestedLoveapproved]

Timisa is a beautiful elephant ,Love her!! Loved hearing her story! Thankyou ,Thankyou Fishan !!💕💖❤

[@relax2dream164]

What a joy to see all this Timisa footage I have never seen before! It’s so sweet Fishan was first to adopt her and the special bond can still be seen today. There is much information here that I never knew about Timi’s integration into the herd. Thank you SO much for sharing! Thanks for the captions too! ❤️❤️❤️

[@dewdan11dnd46]

💞✨Speaking of Timisa, here, is a true valiant heart. A story of resilience, overcoming many obstacles, against the odds. I recognise the fundamental philosophy and role of HERD, as it comes through nature’s restoration and upholding. Thank you everyone at HERD⭐️

[@pacoshuman7642]

Timisa is a beautiful girl...beautiful.

[@quadbox]

I have such a soft spot for Timi and seeing these photos and videos of her when she was 1 1/2 is terribly heartbreaking. She must have really been missing her family so I am so happy she was accepted into Tokwe's herd.

[@suzieclip802]

Timisa you are a sweet little girl with such a BIG personality in a little body. Happy 5th year at HERD 🐘💕💚

[@melaD333]

😊 it was great learning more about Timisa! She’s so precious and I’m really grateful you were able to save her and given her a new family.

[@elainepeterson2438]

The Jaboulani heard shows how important the Adult Elephants are to teaching the young how to live in this world. And each generation passes this knowledge on to the next

[@lunalupus63]

Beautiful story of how Timisa came to the Herd 💖 She has such pretty eyes 😍 Fishan is such a sweetheart, looking after the little baby from day one. Every single elephant is this blessed herd is so amazingly full of love and compassion 💖🐘💖

[@simeon2851]

You guys are angels.

[@hqlion]

Have to say great work by everyone and also the caring elephants of the herd in coming to care for Timisa. Amazing.

[@donnadavid4028]

It strikes me, The way timisa uses her trunk looks like a human hand... these guys are amazing I see something new every time I watch. It's very nice to hear their stories❤

[@mariaestervieira7141]

Timisa!! Outra lindinha!!❤❤

[@Bevie8770]

I enjoy this video about our TIMISA AND WHEREAND HOW SHE CAME TO BE APART OF THE HERD ELEPHANT FAMILY! THANK YOU Fishan and Towke!

[@gemzoey1313]

So beautiful to see her story! Thank you for sharing this! She is beautiful!❤

[@Aurinkohirvi]

Elephants Alive who rescued Timisa have their own channel. Go subscribe there, they only have a few subber so far. They've started recently add videos. They study elephants, collar them and track where they go, undo snares, rescue snared animals. When an elephant herd broke out of the nature park, they hired a helicopter to drive the herd back to safety in the park. So interesting stuff, useful organization.

[@dadams9158]

Good lord how I love this herd of elephants. All them, every one. 😍🐘🧄

[@Aurinkohirvi]

Wonderful Timisa-video! She came under nourished but is the image of a healthy and energetic kid now. She and Khanyisa are so important to each others, to have someone near your age. Kumbura, Timisa and Khanyisa are like a family within the herd. It's nice to watch how they have glued together.

[@kelleywickenhagen2944]

✌💞🤗 in our world. Thanks HERD for your compassion & dedication to SAVING these gentle giants .

[@user-gv4rg4gg9t]

¡Gracias!

[@herdelephantorphanage]

Thanks, so much for your donation.

[@laylam3042]

Thank you so much for this video about perfect Timi. Knowing Fishan and Tokwe stood by her and loved her from the beginning makes me love and admire them even more. Setombe surely did her share as well in helping Timisa survive. ❤ So many people and elephants involved in saving this beautiful, special girl.

[@ronascott4449]

Thank you for sharing this with us! I enjoy learning about how they joined the herd 🐘.

[@AniFam]

Timisa is such a gentle and friendly one~💞 I’m sooo glad to see that she has grown well~ Thank you for sharing this video~🤗

[@melokc7257]

Beautiful face she has. Those eyes!

[@debrahouston2884]

Love hearing, learning each of their stories...Timisa, like the rest of this herd, is sooo fortunate to have been found, rescued and adopted into this beautiful family! You all are DEF'LY my heroes + extended family! 💞🐘🐘🐘💞 ps: Timisa has the most beautiful eyes! 😍🐘😍

[@patricialease3654]

Beautiful little Timi, beautiful herd and beautiful video. Timisa is a lovely ellie.

[@susanmorris5520]

This was such an awesome video and it was so great that you were able to get Timisa to your Orphanage and give her a blood transfusion and also to give her milk in a different way too. It’s great that she wasn’t so bad off when you found her but still if it weren’t for you, she definitely wouldn’t have made it. I just love to read about Fishon being there for the youngsters and he is always still there for her and also Khanysa too. He is an awesome elephant with an absolute heart of gold.❤️🐘 He is definitely a gift to these youngsters no doubt. I also love how this Herd has been willing to take in two little female elephants into their Herd and love them and also to nurture them too. They really make me respect them even more every time I read more about them or watch newer videos on them. You know, I have said this many times before, human parents surly can learn a lot from these adult elephants on how to raise a child right. You can tell that these youngsters love and respect their elders and parents too. I’m always so impressed when I watch these videos and I also get tears in my eyes because it is so awesome how wonderful these elephants are with each other and also thwir Carers too. Such appreciation and respect too. Thank you Adine and Carers for taking these elephants into your hearts and Orphanage and also for taking such great care of them. Yes, a lot of who they are just comes natural but however, it’s because you love them that they know how to love back and they never turn thwir backs on a young one who needs them. God bless you all at HERD and also the Adult elephants too. I give you all the utmost respect and the elephants too and may I say, keep up the awesome work and I send the them all lots of love and hugs too. Sue(Florida, USA)🙏🏻❤️🥰👼😘😍🌴🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🌸🦋😊❌⭕️❌⭕️

[@lesleybonham1791]

Timisa had a tough start in life but it has totally turned around for her which is wonderful. She is a lovely happy little Ellie and she has definitely been accepted as family by the herd she is sooo lucky. Thanks for all you do for the herd n sharing her story 🐘💕🐘💕🥰👼

[@janeeastmids4265]

Adine you are amazing! Lovely Timisa ❤❤❤

[@batwoman8194]

I love this sweet baby girl🥰🥰🥰❤❤❤❤ very joyful and happy! So happy that she got them and and all herd has her!!!! My heart melted when Adin tell. How Fishan was taking care of her!!!!!!💋🥰❤💋🥰❤💋🥰❤

[@bradjayson4872]

So Timi must remember her first year 1/2 and what happened to her Mom, and possibly her whole herd. It makes me feel so sad sometimes being human, cause in my bones I think it was humans that harmed her Mom. Yet Adine and company saved her. Thank you.

[@wykeishacraft6820]

Happy Friday everyone i pray the the care takers and the herd continue the bless contents that's continuing good and gooder everytime i watch videos . Stay Safe with a happy weekend God Bless you all

[@lindaredwood-kahn2729]

Wonderful story. Imagine having Fishan and Tokwe as guardians. Sweet Timi was so little and adorable. So glad she found her new family to welcome and protect her. 💜💙💜🐘🐘🐘💙💜💙

[@hattiethorpe5957]

🇦🇺🦘🐨💘🐘🐘🐘💘🐑🐑 Thank you Adine for Timisa’s story. Such a successfully happy journey for Timisa after the tragic loss of her Mummie & Herd. Each rescue success must give you & your team great joy. I don’t know how you cope with the emptiness & loss, of those precious souls that don’t make it. I admire your strength & courage to not fall in a heap {as l would!} with such sadness..💔 ❤️‍🩹🤜🏻🤛🏾 🙌🏻🙌🏾 🤝💖

[@Clodi19]

Thank you very much Adine ! a beautiful vidieo on adorable Timisa journey ! I did’nt know how she was rescued ! its age ! and how much you have had to fight to help this baby to stay alive 🐘 a big trauma for Timisa who knew her mum for long months 😢 now she is a beautiful gift 💝 for you all ! thank you again ! nice weekend to the team !!! ❤️🇫🇷🎈 12:38

[@marypalmer8648]

I can not love this video enough.. I love this little girl ..

[@renestewart604]

Timisa is such a pretty young lady

[@voiciray]

What a cutie ❤🐘❤️ Wonderful to be an elephant. Grow up constantly surrounded by the loving care and attention of all the adults around you, and as an adult to have so many cute babies around. Luxuriating in mudbaths on sweltering days before relaxing under the shade of an acacia tree, exfoliating by scratching against the bark of a tree, taking a dip in water or just digging a hole for the joy of it. Absolute fun. Eles know how to celebrate life!