As the youngest, most vulnerable in the herd, Khanyisa is never far from a mother or allomother, and on this windy day, it’s Bubi, Lundi and Tokwe who are all close by.

Bubi and Khanyisa enjoy digging in the soil, with the calf helping herself to trunkfuls of the mineralrich earth for eating and supplementing her diet. Bubi reaches for big patches of grass enjoying the last of the grass that flourished in the reserve in the summer, thanks to the rain.

We have always been told that Bubi was born in approximately 1993, but we believe she may be a few years older, looking at her body size. Bubi had a tough start to life in Zimbabwe. She lost her mother to poachers, so was orphaned at a young age. She was part of the original herd that was rescued and brought to the Jabulani reserve.

Lundi is close by Bubi and Khanyisa while they forage. Born in approximately 1989, Lundi is also one of the original elephants that were rescued from Zimbabwe. During the turmoil of the situation there, she bonded with Tokwe, and the two have remained inseparable ever since.

In 2020, Lundi took on the adoptive mother role to Khanyisa, a rescued albino calf, and is extremely protective, patient and kind with her.

Tokwe soon joins Bubi and Khanyisa and is in a particularly playful and loving mood as she lathers Khanyisa in attention and greets Bubi with a trunk to the mouth.

Born in around 1988, Matriarch in the herd, Tokwe is part of the original herd that were rescued from Zimbabwe, in 2002. Her authoritative presence helps the herd feel settled, calm and harmonious as she continues to be a major force in guiding, protecting, teaching, and caring for others in this mixed elephant family.

The care of Khanyisa during the day among the elephants is very organic and instinctive, based on who wants to look after her at what time of day, and who may already be looking after her. The females communicate with one another, no doubt; but there is no set schedule, their babysitting appears to be fluid but also based somewhat on routines. Kumbura is always keeping an eye on Khanyisa but she does take time for herself during the day, when she can see others are around the calf.

Lately Klaserie likes to step in in afternoons. Lundi is often the first elephant Khanyisa follows and stays close to in the morning or whenever she can keep up. Bubi steps in when there is a gap but will also hang around in close proximity when not following after her own son, Zindoga. It is very fascinating to watch these dynamics and how they change over time.