Watch the start to a new day with Phabeni at the orphanage, as he meets up with the herd. Together, the elephants head out into the greater wilderness, with the little bull wrapped in a red blanket moving between the giant legs around him. Phabeni stays close to Setombe and Khanyisa also joins the little pack of elephants around the bull. Carers Owen and Last share insight into the herd dynamics and how things have changed since Phabeni joined his new elephant family.
Bubi and Setombe were both outsiders somewhat before Phabeni arrived, with Bubi often walking at the back of the herd rather than with anyone. She got on well with Fishan but was not often around the other females. Dominant female, Setombe similarly kept to herself, and only really spent time with Sebakwe, the dominant bull, or her daughter, Klaserie. Since Setombe stepped in and adopted Phabeni - surprising us all - she has gained new followers. Bubi has been spending more time around Setombe, keeping her company and helping to look after Phabeni, creating a new relationship and bond between these two older females. A bond we could never have expected. Setombe is also often accompanied by Kumbura who is helping as an allomother to Phabeni. Setombe is hardly alone these days!
We will continue to share insight into the herd behaviours as the weeks go by, but one thing is for sure, Phabeni has united many lone hearts in the herd and certainly captured ours too. It is simply amazing the impact new babies have in a herd.
14 апр 2024
