The Scary Moment Khanyisa Gets a Fright at Seeing a Rhino & the Whole Elephant Herd Come Running

[catbyte]

"There is nothing quite like the force of a united elephant front when it comes to protecting their herd! Especially the youngest in the herd.

On a walk back to the homestead in the evening, Khanyisa spies a rhino close by and screams, ears out, tail up! She bolts in the opposite direction of the rhino and the herd who are all following her home run after her to surround and protect the calf. This instinct also protects the whole herd as they gather together and offer more potency to their shield against any threat.

Bulls like Sebakwe and Mambo, but even bold cows like Bubi, will roam about on the outskirts to show their displeasure to outsiders and try to scare off the threat. Here Mambo does just that and flaps his head about, causing his ears to make a thunderous clap that is also used to scare off whatever is causing the elephant's alarm.

Our carers try to calm the herd down and continue onwards past the rhino to the homestead. Because Khanyisa got such a fright and reacted with a scream, it alarmed the herd more than they would regularly be in the presence of a rhino — even one so close to their homestead.

Fishan moves speedily across the plains to get home - he is walking so well in this warm weather - but Bubi makes sure he is safe by waiting for him. Bubi and Lundi both display their concern with head shakes and turning around while the herd are on the move but Jabulani and Tokwe kindly check in on the humans, coming in close to Adine [human carer] and the other carers to make sure all is well and no one is left behind.

Adine manages to film the rhino in the area before heading to the orphanage to check on Khanyisa. The calf is surrounded by her favourite things: Lammie and Nungu [her sheep friends], Stavros [her human keeper] and sweet potatoes, as well as fresh marula fruit treats. Lammie takes over lookout duty before Willinton arrives for night duty!"

Note: For those unfamiliar with Khanyisa, she is an albino orphaned calf who was rescued and taken to HERD Elephant Sanctuary in South Africa. The Jabulani herd of rescued elephants living at and near HERD have embraced Khanyisa and have welcomed her into their family.

https://herd.org.za/elephant-orphans-2/about-khanyisa/

On edit: I forgot to mention that Fishan has miraculously survived a broken leg and it is now a bit tender but getting stronger every day. He is a very lucky elephant and it's a testament to the skills of the doctors caring for the herd.

[sprinkleeninow]

1. My God! They are of magnificent beauty!! ♥️

[Bayard]

2. "Carers"

I like that.

Great video. Thanks for posting.

[abqtommy]

3. Thanks, I do love the elephants. nt