Well Saved
Experience the thrill and majesty of Africa’s largest land mammal, up close and personal. Africa’s elephants are highly intelligent, social and inquisitive beasts.
Whilst staying in Hazyview, you have the unique opportunity to learn more about these fascinating animals. This is a wildlife encounter, for all ages, that should be on your bucket list.
These six elephants were due to be culled, but fortunately were saved by Elephants for Africa Forever (EFAF) and are now tamed and trained. They are now educators and ambassadors of their species, with an emphatic conservation message to share.
Elephant Stories
When Tembo was two, he was left orphaned, as his family were culled. He was then raised by humans, along with another orphaned elephant, Becky. This went well until he became a teenager. Crop raiding and destruction, causing thousands of Rands worth of damage, put him back on the radar to be culled. Due to EFAF’s intervention, Tembo was able to join a new herd of tame elephants and learn better behaviour.
Lindwe, a young female, is not a morning animal, she much prefers a lie in, and if it’s raining she’ll try to stay indoors. Ironically, like most elephants, she loves a mud bath.
A visitors and groom’s favourite is Ziziphus, or Zizi for short. This male weighs about 2.8 tons, has a calm demeanour and revels in routine and order. On walks, he always positions himself behind the same elephant and feels more secure being surrounded by people or elephants.
For intelligence, there is Medwa, who managed to learn five verbal commands within a week , after being rescued from a culling operation. Medwa, enjoys learning new skills and is quick to show them off to the other elephants.
All of the elephants are friendly, but Shamwari appears to really enjoy human company and attention. When Shamwari first arrived at the centre, he had an infection that needed to be treated daily. The treatment was painful and caused him upset, gradually, once the infection had cleared the grooms spent many hours with Shamwari reassuring him and comforting him. They even taught him to play football. One of Shamwari’s favourite things is to spray an unsuspecting target with water from his trunk.
Elephants are known to have large appetites, Andile is no exception. She loves to learn new commands and show off, especially if there is a food reward involved. Mewa and Andile compete to be the brightest of them all. As the latest addition to the herd, Andile seeks out Tembo’s company especially when she is trying to get her own way.
A Day with an Elephant
You can spend the whole day with these fascinating creatures. If you arrive early at the elephant stables, you can wake up the slumbering beasts and help brush them down to start their day. Roll up your sleeves and help with the care and maintenance of the elephants, alongside their carers. Spend the day observing the daily activities and interactions the herd have with each other and their human visitors.
Help collect the elephant feed, muck out the stables and delight in the antics of an elephant bath time. These elephants will reward you for your care, by voluntary approaching you for some attention. Being sociable beings, touch and closeness are part of what makes elephants so special.