2019, Hoedspruit, South Africa 

Orphaned elephants face a difficult path to survival, but the elephants pictured here are part of a remarkable effort by the HERD Trust, South Africa’s first dedicated elephant orphanage. Established in 2019, HERD provides the necessary nurturing, treatment and care for young calves in need of rehabilitation, giving them not only a place to heal but also the rare opportunity to join an accepting herd.

Today, the herd includes 16 elephants, known as the Jabulani Herd after Jabulani, who was rescued as a four-month-old little elephant, found stuck in the mud of a silt dam, abandoned by his herd, was accepted by Tokwe, the Matriarch of the elephant herd rescued from Zimbabwe. They enjoy a sheltered homestead and the attentive care of a dedicated team, ensuring their safety from wild elephants and poachers. Each day, they roam and forage across the reserve for up to 12 hours before returning at sundown after a mud bath or swim in the waterhole.

This photograph was taken during my stay at Jabulani Safari, which operates in partnership with HERD. Guest contributions play a vital role in supporting the herd and help make it possible for visitors to witness these elephants thriving, a powerful reminder of the importance of conservation and the extraordinary bonds that form when animals are given a second chance