The Camp Jabulani herd has recently welcomed another new member. Only this time, it is not the birth of another baby - but instead the introduction of a vulnerable and traumatised young elephant from a farm in Zimbabwe, flanking Botswana.
The plight of this 18 month old calf was brought to the attention of the Camp Jabulani Team by Nature Conservation authorities when she had been seen wandering alone through the bush in the beginning of July 2009. It is not known what happened to her mother or herd. She arrived at Camp Jabulani on Saturday 29th August, and was in a highly traumatised state. Despite her fear and aggression, she was soon calmed by Lundi and new baby Mambo. The two elephants were in the stable adjacent to hers, and both animals tenderly stroked the new arrival with their trunks.
Camp Jabulani is pleased to advise that the new elephant is adjusting well. Despite being severely underweight, her prospects for a healthy survival are good.
She has been named "Kumbura", meaning "Remembrance". Her arrival is a bitter-sweet memory to Camp Jabulani, as this day marked the 7 year passing of Johanne Roode - the man without whom neither Camp Jabulani, nor the Hoespruit Endangered Species Centre would have been in existence today.
Here is a YOUTUBE clip of young Kumbura being fed fresh fruit pieces by Paul, the Elephant Master.
