In a heartwarming scene at the “HERD” elephant orphanage and sanctuary in South Africa, Khanyisa, a rescued albino baby elephant, is happily settling into her new family.
Adine Roode, the sanctuary’s founder, worked tirelessly with her team to integrate Khanyisa into the existing elephant herd known as the Jabulani herd.
If you prefer not to read the full story,
Skip ahead to watch the video ->
Recently, Khanyisa and the other elephants from the Jabulani herd found respite from the heat by indulging in a sand bath. The little albino elephant wasted no time and gleefully joined in, with Kumbura and Bubi following suit.
Meanwhile, six-year-old Timisa playfully explored the sand mound while Limpopo strolled towards her, and Khanyisa found a cozy spot for a nap.
Inspired by Khanyisa’s relaxation, the 15-year-old Limpopo also decided to rest, despite the challenge of an enormous elephant sleeping on the ground. Curious, Khanyisa approached Limpopo to investigate, with Timisa joining in to check on the sleeping giant.
As the group enjoyed their sandy respite, Limpopo’s younger sister, Pisa, couldn’t help but feel jealousy or irritation towards Khanyisa, whom she often saw as a bothersome younger sister.
This resulted in Pisa playfully knocking down Khanyisa. However, the determined albino baby elephant eventually found her way to join Timisa.
Not one to back down quickly, the 12-year-old Pisa, who aspired to be a leader like her mother, Tokwe, engaged in a playful rivalry with Khanyisa over who was closer to Timisa.
Witnessing the playful competition, Lundi, Khanyisa’s adoptive mother, stepped in behind them. Eventually, Khanyisa and Timisa started playing together, even practicing their playful sparring.
With her cleverness, Khanyisa gained the upper hand (or rather, trunk) and thoroughly enjoyed bonding with her friend. Meanwhile, the lively albino calf joined Kumbura on the other side.
Lundi, always kind and caring towards the young members of the herd, assisted Tokwe with her matriarchal duties.
Amid the sandy playtime, Allomother Kumbura took a moment to dust sand on her body, a clever technique to keep pesky flies at bay. Timisa happily joined her adoptive sisters while Khanyisa rested under their watchful presence.
Bubi, another beautiful elephant, joined in the sand bath, appreciating the protective layer it provided to their skin. It was truly a relaxing day for the elephants of the Jabulani herd as they cooled down and rested together in the comforting embrace of the sand mound.
Watch the video below:
Read more Elephant News.