Adine checks in with Setombe out in the bush, after the passing of Phabeni, with Khanyisa, Timisa, Mambo and Lundi visiting too. Every elephant needs a herd and Setombe certainly has one strong and loving herd around her.
Dear Adine, I pray that you and Phabeni’sother carers and his elephant family will feel the love and comfort being sent your way from all of us who are mourning and grieving the loss of the sweet baby boy. He was so loved by so many in such a short amount of time. Please know that we all support you out here in the world from all corners of the globe. Much love to you.
Beautifully said! We rally around Adine & the carers because in the end, they have made the ultimate sacrifice for these Elephants with their time, love & devotion. I have so much respect for everyone at HERD. Best Humans ever! ❤
I started watching this channel when I saw Phabeni and I can hardly hold back the tears when I think of everyone and the elephants grieving at HERD for that dear little boy. I wish you all love and healing.🙏💖🐘💖
Love is the greatest force in the universe, and all the carers and Adine have so much of it to share with traumatised and very vulnerable baby orphan elephants. God bless you all for your pioneering and invaluable work. We stand strongly with you as you kindly share your knowledge and experience. The depth of the pain is a measure of the depth of your love. Sending support and love from a fellow Saffie in the UK 🇬🇧 ❤🎉
I feel for Adine and Setombe. I miss little Phabeni too, especially when I think of all the love and effort HERD and the staff put into trying to save the little darling.
Stavros lovingly, tenderly ushered precious Phabeni out of this world, and Kenneth lovingly and tenderly ushered him into Heaven. And now in these special moments, their spirits are evident and comforting ....
My tears flow as I mourn the death of my cat & our baby elephant, both passing the same day. Adine, don’t listen to any of the negative comments. You are amazing and we all have your back. Seattle USA
I remember when three carers rescued Phabeni They were three happy parents And on the way they baptized the little orphaned elephant. They agreed to call him PHABENI 💖🐘
Agreed. She risked so much to come out of her shell to mama the baby bull, only to lose it -- as well as her standing amongst the other elie mamas. I've thought of Setombe a bit like Rudulph the Reindeer (only valued by the other elie mamas once Phabeni chose her -- just like Santa Claus choosing Rudolph). And now Santa AND her baby are gone. I think Setombe's an AMAZING, but sometimes underestimated elephant 💚
@@dowth3 Allow me to maybe soothe your worries a little. Setombe is not alone in the herd, and is not isolated. Setombe is simply the dominant female elephant in this herd, and has a personality where she seems to prefer a different kind of role other than an Allomother. This is not because the other HERD elephants didn’t welcome Setombe as an allomother. Setombe wasn’t excluded by the other allomothers. Setombe simply wasn’t interested in being apart of that group/role. Setombe seems to prefer the company of the HERD bulls, especially her best friend Sebakwe (the dominant bull), whose company has a calming effect on Setombe. HERD has also mentioned that Setombe is still very close to her daughter Klasserie. So please don’t worry, Setombe is not an outcast or excluded from the comfort from the other elephants. She just processes her grief differently than the other female elephants. Just like some humans prefer space to process their grief by themselves, and then quietly join loved ones for short periods of time, Setombe seems to take a similar approach. But rest assured that Setombe has not been forgotten by any elephant or human at HERD…they are just honouring Setombe’s quiet space. ❤️🩹🫂
@@phripp2868 Thank you kindly for seeking to ease my worry! Since I started supporting HERD only since just before Baby 'Beni came, I lacked this nuanced historical understanding. I take it that you have more history here than I do .... I've only heard snippets here and there about how alone Setombe is without more context. However, I do remember, though, in the video on how Phabeni changed the dynamics of the herd, that Owen and Last both mentioned how happy they were that Setombe, who was alone before without companionship from the other mamas, finally had some female company (not counting Klaserie as she's not a mama), and they made it clear that this was because she was accepting the role that Phabeni chose her for. I've not yet heard which came first - the chicken or the egg? Was Setombe separate from the other mamas because she chose that role, or was it because she merely accepted her status as an outsider amongst the other mamas? I hope that HERD will continue to put out videos with the Carers' perspectives on this and other dynamics. I'd love to hear how the elephants' time in Zimbabwe shaped them. A supporter alluded once to wondering whether or not Setombe had elephant PTSD from the unrest during that time..... As I continue to learn more, I'd love to hear about this, and will continue to check for past videos that may've already covered this. Thanks again for your considered perspective! 🐘💚
@@dowth3 You are right, I also remember Owen talking about how Phabeni changed the herd dynamics, and how that was a fascinating thing because Setombe didn’t have much interest before in being an allomother when Timisa and Khanyisa were introduced to the herd. It is my understanding that Setombe has often been a little distant from other elephants in the herd, for whatever reason, except Sebakwe. It’s almost like Setombe acts more like what behaviorists might expect from elephant bulls: more alone, but sometimes form small bull herds in the wild. Carers at HERD have often referred to Setombe as a nervous elephant who is an important disciplinarian of the teenage elephants. Along with the more dominant bulls in the herd, Setombe has been seen playfully sparring with the teenage bulls in the herd. And when Setombe gave birth to Klaserie, this helped to mellow Setombe and strengthen her trust in the Jabulani herd. If you’d like even more history about Setombe, you can find a whole playlist about her over at HERD’s other youtube channel called “Jabulani.” I think you have known about HERD longer than I have. You probably know more than I do. I simply watched, read, and researched zealously about HERD and the Jabulani elephants in a short amount of time. 🤗 I am not an elephant expert by any means. Like you, I have been extremely concerned for Setombe since Phabeni passed away. I know and trust that everyone at HERD is giving extra care for Setombe, but I still can’t help but want extra love and focus to go to Setombe. I care about her *so much*! But I also suspect that I might be projecting my ideals of comfort onto what I expect to see in the elephants’ grieving behaviors. For example, HERD has educated us about how important touch, smell, and hearing are for the elephants, right? So I look in the videos for elephant behavior demonstrating the equivalent of hugs or physical closeness: trunk love, trunks in each other’s mouths, smelling each other to “check on them,” or standing in close groups for comfort. But when everyone is grief-stricken at the same time, the elephants may show different behaviors than what we are familiar with. And our minds might create an informed narrative to explain that difference…because we care. All I mean to say is that even though Setombe is away from the main group of female elephants in the herd more often than not, this seems be due to Setombe’s choice to be alone, rather than being excluded. This could be due to natural reasons, such as a naturally more reactive personality, or sad reasons, like a past trauma. Personally, I try not to guess, because my own human empathy my lead my imagination to conclude the saddest narrative. Who knows…maybe it’s a mutual understanding of dynamics between all the females in the herd: the close female group of Tokwe, Lundi, Limpopo, and Kumbura really want to keep close to the smallest in the herd, while the other female elephants have a mixed role, such as Pisa, and Bubi. For lack of a better way of saying it, Setombe’s inner circle seems to be Klaserie, Sebakwe, and the other bulls of the herd. We may not see them close together or show physical comfort in the HERD videos so far, but these videos are 15 minutes of insight at a time. There are 24 hours of other elephant behaviors that we’re probably not seeing where Setombe is finding moments of comfort from those whom she trusts. ❤️🩹💖
Setombe is still streaming a bit. Poor girl. I'm so sorry for her and for Adine. Adine, I know your heart is broken. You tried so hard to save baby Phabeni. You did everything humanly possible. I hope one day, you can look back and remember the good times with our baby boy and you'll be able to find comfort in those memories. He had so much love from you, Setombe, Stavros and all the Carers in his life. No baby elephant could have been loved more than he was or cared for better than he was. Sending love and healing hugs for all of you.
Your words are so true. He was spoiled in the best way possible, and may Adine find comfort that she and all of HERD brought him and Setombe together so they can be the mother and son to each other, which they didn't have. Phabeni brought so much joy in life, that is why his passing also brought so much sorrow.
YES. And now she's appropriately devastated. I'm so glad that Adine reached out to her -- and that we got to see that! I've been praying for Setombe - that she can cuddle with Phabeni in her dreams.
Calm, quiet, loving, supporting touch and respect. Life can seem so cruel sometimes. These beautiful creatures and the vulnerability they face every day. We are all in mourning for the loss of sweet, baby Phabeni. He is finally at peace. 💙
Thank you Adine; sharing your grief with Setombe brings fresh tears but we are all healing slowly with you. As you often say, “Good girl, good girl.” Love and respect to you, dear lady. ❤️🐘❤️
Aldine, you have a beautiful sould and I hear you holding back tears…and it breaks my heart. Thank you and all your team…you gave Phabeni the best life, short as it was…while he was there. We all miss him…but I know your hurt and sadness right now is overwhelming. I am sending lots of hugs and my own tears as I cry with all of you.
@vc4569 Yes! My thought exactly. I didn't realize I had been holding my breath until that moment when Setombe reached out to Adine and they physically touched. Beautiful!
Dear Adine, don't feel sorry. You have done your best for Phabeni. Remember he had a short life but he enjoyed that short life with,you, other carers and other elephants of the Herd particularly Setombe. Remember your purpose is that of a messenger. You through your experiences helped to increase knowledge about elephants for so many people. Both you and Setombe cared for Phabeni because God wanted it. So don't grieve. Phabeni helped you to reach out to so many people all over the world. Lots and lots of hugs for you. I pray to God to give you the strength and determination to carry on with your work.
You can tell the Setombe is picking up on Adines emotions because she started secreting more as they were interacting. All the joys and sorrows that come with conservation. Though all the little ones are gone but not forgotten. Peace and blessings to all.
when I lost my mum I grieved for three years because I loved her so much . Healing takes as long as it takes . And then comes a time when it is ok , you don't forget but it's ok . we grieve so much because we loved so much . I remember finding beauty in that . Sending you all the love in the world . Lean deeply into that glorious herd 💚
She deserves it so much she is the saddest mum for a long time ! she is in the nothingness ! it’s the worst 😭 She can’t understand !! where is my sweet heart ?
@@Clodi19 Agreed! I think she's not sure about (or not used to) Adine extending a hand to her, but she eventually stayed put for Adine which I think is a very good sign ... but she'll need more to be able to trust it. She seems wary of Lundi, Limpopo and Adine. Maybe she sees them as too aligned. This seemed so promising for both their mama hearts!
For sure! I'm still watching his videos, and praying that heartbroken Setombe can see her baby in her dreams. I'm also concerned for poor noble and honorable Stavros and his broken papa heart.
So very sorry for Adine and Setombe. So amazing how the other ellies are watching over her. Praying for the Lord's comfort for Adine, all the carers, Setombe and the herd at such a great loss. We all grieve so much because we loved so much.
Losing Phabeni is a sorrowful painful loss for all of us who knew him. I can imagine how Setombe, Adine, the Carers and everyone who knew and cared for him daily feel. It will take awhile. One can almost feel Setombe's emotions.😢 I think the other elephants feel it too. They are so supportive. We love you all.
Hi Adine, I feel your pain and sorrow for little Phabeni but you couldn't have done anymore. Setombe will heal over time and you never know that in your sorrow another poor little orphan may find it's way to you and, you will care for it in exactly the same way!!💯💯🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️🐘🐘🐘🐑🐑🐑
You will all come through this very painful time together but it will take time of course. You are a close, loving family (Elephant and human) and it shows. Lean on each other. Sending all my Love and Hugs to the Marvellous Team that is HERD. ❤❤❤🙏🏻🙏🏻
To Phabeni’s two mothers, Adine and Setombe, you’ll continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I just lost my beloved mother, but there’s nothing worse than losing a child.
Setombe is very intelligent and is processing Phabeni's absence, which will take time. As hard as it is on us humans to lose a family member, etc., it's harder on the animal souls who grieve the same loss. I've seen this and am experiencing this currently with one of my pets. Many head/tusk rubs to Setombe and many hugs to Adine and the carers during this difficult time...
I agree. I've seen animals actively grieve for 4 months sometimes. It's gut-wrenching ... and it's what they -- and we do, and should do -- when we're appropriately devastated like Setombe is and like the Carers and Adine are💚
Grieving for our baby, I thought what do I do. Then I found the 100 sweet moments when the princess was a small baby. It helped me to laugh at her. Life throws us curve balls and all we can do is grieve the way we can.😢
Setombe’s amazing in sensing Adine’ sadness and tears. Obviously she is sharing in their mutual grief by secreting, which I didn’t see on her face until she saw Adine. 💔😢. It took Setombe awhile to gather in her emotions but she finally reached out to acknowledge and appreciate Adine’s love and support. 💕💕💕
khanyisa helps us all feel better I know loss very well, im sure all of us here do too its life, I hope and pray Adine and Setombe two grand ladies feel better hopefully with time, time doesnt heal pain i learned that BUT it helps us deal better we learn how to deal with our pain. sending hugs and kisses to all of you hoping you all feel better😘♥
Dearest Adine, You did every single thing that you could for precious Phabeni. You did nothing wrong. Setombe has to heal just like you and she needs some space. She would have known that Phabeni was not well, and she has no doubt that all of you were heroic in trying to help raise and save little Phabeni. I wish that we could give you hugs. Praying for you and sending love.
To HERD: This is such a beautiful touching video. We can feel and see the pain expressed over the loss of Phabini. Love, hugs and prayers from Atlanta, GA, USA.
As you were talking to Setombe, Adine, I thought of all the elephant lives you have saved. Setombe and all the herd's lives. Fishan! when his leg was broken. Timisa when she wouldn't take bottles. All of them were saved because of you Adine and the wonderful carers. Then I looked at darling Khanyisa. Because of you she lived. I can only thank you. I won't mention them all but they are all alive because of you. As you grieve maybe spend time alone with Setombe and say all you want to say. Go to Khanyisa, that little miracle that you saved.
Adine, you're a TRULY WONDERFUL WOMAN!! Seeing you spending time with Setombe made me cry because I know how hard you & the caretakers worked to save baby Phabeni!! I'm very sorry for your loss!!😢 Khanyisa is growing so fast! I watch all your videos and can't THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR MAKING THE HERD ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE!! Sincerely, Sheila from the 🇺🇲 R.I.P PRECIOUS Phabeni 💔🌈🕊🐘💞🐘😘🐘💕💖
Dear Adine, it hurts so much to hear and see you crying, it hurts so much to see Setombe grieving! I remember all the time how you cried when you talked about the little sunshine that left us so early, it breaks my heart! I pray for God to give HERD another baby to calm your hearts and that he will be healthy, strong and bring joy to everyone! Amen, amen, amen!!!
We appreciate that it is still very hard for everyone. Thank you for continuing to include us and send these videos. The really close video showing us their skin and helping us to imagine what it must feel like is amazing. And, Setombe is a very beautiful girl.
It is still so heartbreaking to see Setombe’s and your grief Adine. I myself am in tears every time I think about all of you. It’s a good thing Khanyisa has been so good and affectionate. She seems determined to prove that her own amazing survival and good health is due to you Adine and that you must never forget that, just as she never will. Khanyisa knows how hard you worked to save her, and therefore also knows how hard you worked to save Phabeni. I think she has explained that to Setombe, which is why Setombe reaches out to her for comfort.
It breaks my whole heart to see them in such deep morning…and even more difficult is it to know Adine can’t explain Setombe what happened and that it was nature’s or God’s decision to claim Phabeni so young….I myself started to cry as Setombe walked away from Adine and Adine whispering I’m sorry……
What magnificent tusks for such a mature cow. Setombe's tusks look like they've never been used though we know they've performed arduous tasks for years. I absolutely love that she and her daughter are always near each other, even as Klaserie certainly doesn't need mamma anymore. Family is family.
Good morning Adine and Setombe, yes hello from the other side of the world 🌎 yes I'm still mourning for the lost of Phabeni, I still have tears in my heart, I know he's in a heaven, I truly feel for Setombe and Adine the mothers of the baby our prayers go out to you two and all those that cared for the little one God bless for all that you all do love you all 😊
Es conmovedor ver a las dos mamás compartiendo su dolor. Phabeni eligió a su mamá Setombe y ella fué muy feliz al ser escogida. Adine dió todo su amor al pequeño. Ellas estan ahora muy afectadas. Phabeni era muy especial, con caracter fuerte y decidido. Todos nosotros nos sentimos afectados por la perdida del hermoso cachorro. Todos estamos en duelo ahora. Les amamos de 💖
C'est difficile d'accepter une telle injustice, je partage cet immense chagrin et ressent toute cette peine qui me fend le cœur. Beaucoup de courage à vous tous, à Setombe et toute la famille à deux et quatre pattes 🙏
Une nouvelle fois, nous pleurons avec toi,Adeline. La grande force de setombe me touche particulièrement. Elle ne peut rien dire. Elle mange. Ce qu'elle doit à la vie... Seulement ce regard qui nous vient du fond des âges. Merci a vous tous
Well said Danielle. "Only this look that comes to us from the depths of the ages". Profound and empathic. Thank you for sharing that phrase. I know that look.
Setombe in her devastation reaching out to Adine, (who seems to connect more easily with the other mamas), was particularly beautiful. She is an AMAZING elie!! I think Setombe can be overlooked because she's independent and not outgoing, but she's gracious and grand .... and appropriately devastated. She has a rich history --- she just doesn't need to share it, but I believe that Phabeni knew it, and it's part of why he chose her. What a connection they had! 💞💚
There is so much sadness for Setombe and Adine. It is good to grieve together. This loss is so sudden and immense. I could hear your tears, dear Adine; your heart is heavy, and it’s hard to go on. You did all you could, together with the carers and the Herd. They must have known something was wrong with Phabeni. The tribute they gave him was so special. Don’t look back but celebrate his little life. He was happy and not alone in his last hours. You gave him a new home and a family, not just a herd but the whole word loved him. You learned from Phabeni and now know what to do when the time comes for a new baby. You see the elephants move on and forgive you. They know you did all you could. I deeply sympathize with you; tears are flowing here as well. A big hug from me, and thank you for this beautiful and emotional video. ❤
Body language speaks loud. I believe Setombe said she's just not ready to talk about Phabeni yet when she pulled away and she also said she doesnt blame you when she reached out her trunk. Im sure she could feel your pain also. Time will help it, slowly. Forever remembered but less painful to be spoken aloud. Life must go on. Hugs to you both.
Dear Adine, the moment Setombe touched your extended hand was electrifying! I think Setombe appreciates and understands your gesture at this time. Please do this again often when you greet Setombe, I think this will become the special bond between you for healing both of your hearts and souls. Sending you big hugs, with love. ❤💜 ❤ 🇨🇦
It is so very hard and heartbreaking to see Setombe without Phabeni chasing after her. I cried tears, watching her walk by Khanyisa knowing that Khanyisa was so diligent and looking after her little brother. That little feisty bull brought so much joy to all of us! My heart breaks for all of you… But we will grieve and move on together! We will heal… There is a special part of my heart that will always belong to Phabeni. He brought me to the HERD… Such love.
I remember Kenneth using his body to help keep wee Phabeni's wild little trunk out of the way so he could feel the baby bull. Such wisdom and care he showed the baby. God bless his spirit and his family 💔💚🙏
I keep thinking of the delight we all felt when Setombe immediately claimed Phabeni as hers. Everyone was astonished. Phabeni relearned trust and felt belonging after the trauma of being rendered an orphan. I take comfort in knowing that he was able to have that before crossing over.
Wasn't that amazing! The humans were shocked, but Phabeni knew what he was doing. I loved the video on how he changed the dynamics of the herd by choosing the less obvious choice. Animals have a wisdom bigger than ours.
I know there are no words to help all of HERDs sorrow. I just hope you all can feel the love and support the whole world has for you, as well as all the prayers.
Ah Adine a battle lost but you need to keep your courage and strength as you know as light follows dark you and all at herd have many battles and joys ahead. BLESSINGS.
Poor Adine..... Lots of love to all of you❣️ You did all you could do for Phabeni.... And you still do everything for all the other elephants....thank you so much for that!!! A big hug from Germany to you dear Adine❤️🐘❣️🍀
Setombe's sweet expressive sad eyes, my gosh,, I'm crying with you, Sweetheart,. So so sorry. All the other eles feel the grieving too, and Adine. This grieving is very palpable. Love you all so so very very much.
Our deep sorrow is shared by many far and wide over the loss of our dear African prince, Phabeni Beni. Bless you Adine, Setombe, the entire HERD family and your wonderful carers. We are healing together, one day at a time. Somehow the passage of time somewhat eases our grief although our beloveds will forever remain in our hearts. Blessings and love to all from California.
I send love to Adine and all our HERD family, and our Meisiekind, beyond all odds, lives on with our love for our dear Phabeni and all our Ellie family! He will always be in in our hearts ❤. Love from Maryland U.S.
Such a sad time for all who were enchanted by the little bull both humans and elephants. He made an enormous impact in such a short time to many thousands of us and to the herd. I miss him beyond words as he was very special. Like all of us the herd must be in mourning and especially Setombe who opened her heart to him. I have held back from saying this before but I know now I will never forget Phabeni. My heartfelt thank you to everyone at HERD who gave him the the best possible chance to survive. Without a shadow of doubt he loved his human family and simply adored his elephant family, as they did him.
They are both feeling the loss of phabeni, Adine and setombe will get each other through the pain, love 💖 to all at herd and the brilliant work you all do, big hugs from me to all of you
RIP Phabeni. Our little man. You will be missed dearly. By Everyone. Thank You Aiden & All of the carers & friends For What You Do. You all are in my prayers.🙏🏼🧡
We are all grieving over the loss of baby Phabeni.....it amazes me that Elephants feel loss and pain just like we do. Adine , that was a beautiful gesture for the orchid you put on his resting place. May God Bless All of You for everything you do everyday for those beautiful Ellies 🙏❤️ RIP Phabeni now and forever more......
