In the heart of South Africa, amid the vast wilderness, a special initiative is flourishing: HERD (Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development) Trust. Founded in 2021, HERD Trust is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehabilitating and protecting elephants displaced or orphaned by human-elephant conflict. Their work includes direct care of elephants as well as education and development of local communities.
One of the most remarkable aspects of HERD Trust is the Jabulani elephant herd. This herd, consisting of 16 elephants of which 11 are orphans, is the beating heart of the initiative. The herd started with the rescue of Jabulani in 1997, and a herd of elephants from Zimbabwe in 2002. Together they grew into a close-knit family that continually welcomes new members who have lost their families to conflict with humans. Together they spend their days in happy freedom, wandering and grazing in the wilderness, accompanied by their devoted caretakers, many of them from Zimbabwe.
But the uniqueness of HERD goes further. In addition to caring for adult elephants, HERD Trust also focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating elephant calves. Founded in 2019, HERD Orphanage provides a safe haven for orphaned elephants, where they are cared for 24/7 by dedicated caretakers. These little ones are gradually integrated into the herd, giving them the opportunity to grow up in a natural environment with the support of their peers.
"Every elephant needs a herd..." - This is our motto and it defines what we do. - says HERD.
The strength of elephants' family bonds and social dynamics is essential to their well-being and survival as individuals and as a species. We work with experienced and knowledgeable conservationists, caretakers and veterinarians to rehabilitate orphaned elephants and release them back into the wild, ensuring that every elephant has a herd.
HERD Trust is more than just a place for elephants; it is a promise to local communities to provide education and development opportunities. Their online community brings together a global audience to share the value of elephant conservation.
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