Elephant orphan finds a herd at Shawu

The internet has been moved to tears by the heartwarming tale of Phabeni, a 6-month-old elephant orphan, who found not just a mother but an entire herd to belong to.

The story unfolds on November 14, 2023, at Shawu’s Hills Wildlife Estate, bordering the southern part of the renowned Kruger National Park.

One morning, the Shawu team discovered a lone elephant calf on the property, sadly separated from its mother and herd. Rather than leaving the little one to wander alone, the proactive Shawu Hills team swiftly reached out to the Mpumalanga Parks Board. Together, they sought assistance in providing a new home for the elephant alongside HERD.

Guided by officials from Nature Conservation at the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency, including a dedicated veterinarian who played a crucial role in rescuing Khanyisa – a rare albino elephant calf found trapped in a snare with severe injuries in January 2020 – Phabeni was transported to Kruger National Park’s Phabeni gate.

Here, the HERD team eagerly awaited his arrival. In a touching gesture, the calf was named Phabeni, which translates to “shelter” in Sotho.

After months of efforts to familiarize Lundi with Phabeni, she has finally embraced him as her own. This heartwarming development has not only touched the HERD team but the entire nation. An uplifting video captures the joy of the HERD team as Phabeni seamlessly integrates into the group of elephants, marking a beautiful chapter in the ongoing story of wildlife conservation.

For more information, contact Lindi Le Grange: lindi@bluegrass1028.co.za or call 074 444 0178. Visit our Instagram at @Shawushillsestate or Facebook @shawus hills wildlife estate.

About Shawu’s Hills Wildlife Estate
Shawu’s Hills is a place apart. As sanctuary, a beautiful window onto the untamed world. Looking across the Crocodile River to the guarded wilds of the Kruger brings a new peace that only those who know and love the bush have experience, We know just how precious it is.