Jabulani Elephants

The Jabulani elephant herd are a unique and close-knit family that started with Jabulani, an orphaned elephant who was rescued in 1997, and a herd of elephants that were rescued from Zimbabwe in 2002 – whose fates crossed to form the Jabulani Herd as we know it today.

They live on the grounds of Kapama Reserve, which is close to the National Kruger Park and to the town Hoedspruit in South-Africa.

A Unique herd of elephants

While wild elephants group themselves in matriarchal herds – with male bull elephants joining the herds from time to time and having little to do with the younger members – every member of the Jabulani herd, both male and female, young and old, is an integral part of their unique family.

Five elephant calves have been born to the Jabulani herd since 2006, as well as an additional two orphans, have been introduced, so the intra-herd dynamics have changed significantly over the years.

Integration of Orphan Elephants

The unusual family structure of the Jabulani Herd, the majority of which are orphans themselves, presents a unique solution for orphaned baby elephants in Southern Africa that vitally need to find a second herd to ensure their emotional wellbeing and survival. Unlike wild elephant herds, the neighbouring Jabulani Herd have graciously accepted orphan elephant calves into their family.

Meet the extraordinary HERD

Izindlovu is an official partner of the HERD Trust so all donations received are fully transferred to the Trust in support of the Jabulani elephants.

You can support each one of the Jabulani Elephants by clicking on the pictures below or donate to the Herd elephants fundraiser or the Herd orphanage fundraiser.

Moreover, as we are in close contact with the HERD team in South Africa, you will receive a personal thank you certificate when donating to one of the elephants.