Elephant Conservation
Jabulani currently looks after 15 elephants, and contributes where possible to the high costs of caring for Khanyisa, the albino elephant calf presently in the care of Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD) during her rehabilitation and phased integration.
Why Jabulani Needs Funding
With the onset of global travel bans and COVID-19 Lockdown in South Africa, their responsibilities remain the same in caring for and feeding these special animals.
They have always relied on tourism to their Jabulani Safari lodge to help cover the costs of providing exceptional care for the rescued elephants, to feeding, protecting and caring for the herd that has come to be such an incredible story of survival and love in Africa, as the herd continues to thrive and to accept new orphans who have lost their own herds.
It has always been part of their business model that every guest staying at Jabulani contributes to the expenses associated with caring for the herd. However, these funds only become available for use after the guests have stayed at Jabulani. This presents an entirely new challenge with both local and global travel restrictions in place and not being able to welcome visitors to Jabulani.
The conservation of elephants has become more and more vital in recent years as the poaching epidemic started to rise dramatically, compared to previous decades. The detrimental effects of the human-elephant conflict, including poaching, can be seen on the ground with the increased number of displaced or abandoned elephant orphans. Khanyisa at HERD is an example of this, having been abandoned after a vicious snare used by poachers trapped and brutally injured her.
The increased threat of poaching has especially been looming over them during the COVID-19 Lockdowns that have caused many people to lose income and jobs, and to seek out other means of making a living. The reported poaching attacks on wildlife have been increasing during this time. Our responsibility to support the rescued Jabulani herd and HERD orphanage continue, but so does the need to keep the orphanage and Jabulani herd afloat and ready should the need arise to take in other orphans or elephants in need. The resources to do so, however, have dwindled with the block on tourism and fundraising remains a vital and the key way to maintain our work in elephant conservation on the ground.
Where the Money goes
The funds raised will go directly to ensuring the valued and essential elephant carers’ continued employment, as well as that of the rest of the vital team on-site, the support for the herd through food, veterinary care, stable maintenance as well as anti-poaching contributions in the reserve.
This Jabulani herd’s journey in 2021 continues. They are relying on the kindness of people around the world and ask that you help play a part in the conservation of elephants.
Read more about the Jabulani Elephants and their Care team.