What a heartwarming moment! The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Phabeni is moving quickly through these steps in his development and gradual integration into a new family. The little bull recently met Jabulani not only across the fence but directly, trunk to trunk in the elephants’ homestead. Watch as Adine and carers Stavros and George join the elephants, uniting Jabulani and Phabeni by the stables over a pile of bana grass. Phabeni is so brave and coolly, curiously, reaches out his little trunk to meet Jabulani, his soon-to-be big brother. Jabulani was also the first elephant Khanyisa met directly, with no barrier, as the bull showed the greatest interest by visiting her at the orphanage fence, just as he visited Phabeni.
Jabulani is a very relaxed and friendly bull, even as a calf he was calm and collected. He lets Phabeni happily walk right under him during this first introduction as the little bull explores the environment around Jabulani. The team are on hand in case there is any stress or panic between the elephants, but the entire morning goes off without a hitch!
We are so impressed by Phabeni and can’t wait to introduce him to the next elephant in the herd!