Young Elephants, Timisa & Khanyisa Show Great Interest in Orphan, Phabeni!

So many unexpected scenes fill this video today! This is the last video we will be sharing of the introductions between Phabeni and the rest of the herd, as the little bull has now moved on to walks with the elephants in the wild. Now that he knows them all so well! This will give him plenty of time to bond with some of the elephants he didn't spend as much time with during the introductions.

One thing is clear and that's that Setombe is taking Phabeni in as her own. No other female stands a chance at taking on the role of his mother with Setombe around. The eldest and dominant female in the herd, Setombe is being truly amazing in her affection toward Phabeni. She is blowing us away, day by day, and she continues to show up and support Phabeni with fierce, determined dedication.

In this third introduction, Khanyisa and Timisa really surprise us too! Both young elephants shower Phabeni with attention, their curious trunks making sure they make the most of their time with this new baby. This was the first time Timisa showed interest in the bull, but Khanyisa has been growing in her attitude toward the calf, and now seems totally smitten. Perhaps the three will be the best of friends out in the bush!

Matriarch Tokwe is also very present in these moments, keeping a watch over the action, as the original mother of the herd. At the end, Phabeni heads back to the orphanage for a milk bottle and some warmth and down time with Lammie and Spotty, and the herd head out into the bush for their wilderness walks with the carers.