Baby Elephant, Khanyisa Sleeps at Tokwe's Feet | Sebakwe Chases Timisa | Calm at the Dam

All kinds of elephant antics take place in this series of scenes! Just when you think the herd are enjoying quiet time under the tree, with Khanyisa sleeping at the feet of Tokwe, the Matriarch, Sebakwe causes some trumpeting and outcries as he chases after Timisa, no doubt in an attempt to mount her. It doesn't happen often but has been witnessed by our Carers, as Sebakwe shows interest in this still very young and sexually immature female. Of course, his efforts are thwarted as the herd have Timisa's back and chase after Sebakwe, to intercept. It's amazing that they herd will do so even when it's the dominant bull - no one is let off the hook in this family!

This is of course a completely blended and unique herd and unlike wild herds where males leave to form their own bachelor herds. As rescued elephants, they have accepted one another as one herd but still carry out typical social dynamics. Pisa is first to run after her friend, Timisa, with Setombe, Klaserie and Zindoga trailing to step in! You can hear the trumpeting before we lose sight of them on camera.

Sebakwe does back off, thanks to the herd and Timisa's quick dash. Lundi, Kumbura and Tokwe stay with Khanyisa - Jabulani, Mambo and Limpopo are certainly the coolest, least concerned elephants in the herd and go about their afternoon in the shade, enjoying a tree scratch (Jabulani) and a sand bath (Limpopo and Mambo). At this time, Fishan and Somopane are off grazing at nearby trees, choosing not to be with the whole herd and enjoying quiet time. With Sebakwe around today, it's no wonder!

Sebakwe will go beyond to protect his herd but obviously has instincts and urges that are natural to him as a bull. Even though the herd are on contraception and the bulls do not go into musth, these instincts remain. The effect is just not as aggressive as can take place with a bull in musth. It is the law in South Africa that elephants under human care cannot reproduce so while many females gave birth early on as they settled into life in the reserve, they no longer do procreate even if mounted...

We will be sharing more about our long term reintegration plan for the different elephants in the herd shortly, should you have any questions.

Kumbura and Khanyisa enjoy peaceful moments foraging together and then later, at the waterhole, Sebakwe keeps away from Timisa, who stays close to the females in the water: including Bubi and Tokwe, Kumbura, and a splashing and submerged little pink elephant, Khanyisa!

Видео Baby Elephant, Khanyisa Sleeps at Tokwe's Feet | Sebakwe Chases Timisa | Calm at the Dam канала HERD Elephant Orphanage South Africa