What a morning! One we will never forget! This final introduction in the initial integration of Phabeni into the herd was full of interesting elephant behaviour to read and had no shortage of chaos. Phabeni had already met several of the elephants but this was his first time with Tokwe, Khanyisa, Fishan, Kumbura, Limpopo, Pisa, Mambo and Zindoga. It was his first time with all of the elephants, with no barrier, trunk to trunk. Here's what we can deduce.
Setombe: A complete surprise! Setombe is claiming Phabeni as her baby. Never in a million years did we expect her to do this. She has never shown interest in calves in this way, only her own daughter, Klaserie has ever received her affections and undying support as a mother. But it is clear that Setombe is ready to be a mother once more. She is showing us all a completely different side to her personality, one that we haven't seen outside of her relationship with Klaserie. Time will tell if Lundi competes with her to take on the role of mother or whether Setombe makes her stand for the new baby.
Klaserie: She is typically rough with babies, but it all comes from a sweet and caring place. She is ever curious and so overly keen to engage with Phabeni, offer him support, by standing over him , even if she knocks him over with her trunk. She is no good at letting him suckle but boy will she keep trying.
Sebakwe: This dominant bull in the herd, and best friend to Setombe, is offering great calm to the new dynamic, stepping in to seemingly settle everyone down, the way Tokwe does. Bulls of Sebakwe's age aren't typically still faced with calves since they leave the matriarchal breeding herd in their teens, but this is no ordinary herd and Sebakwe will likely be a role model in the life of Phabeni.
Somopane: This big bull is happy to settle into the background when there is a lot of activity but he is also equally prepared to be the amazing mentor and disciplinarian that he is and step in to put bulls in their place. We expect Somopane will play a big role in the life of Phabeni over the years.
Tokwe: Solid like a rock. This incredible matriarch showed her amazing fortitude and dependability in this first introduction to Phabeni. She responded with enthusiasm but was sure to keep a watch over everyone at all times, and to offer support on the sidelines. Tokwe is always ready to take in a new baby and will likely be very attentive to Phabeni's needs over the coming months and years.
Khanyisa: Well, she sure got her kicks in today. Between not wanting to leave Adine's side and wanting to knock out the new baby, Khanyisa didn't really seem to know what to do. This is totally new to her. Not only is she no longer the smallest in the herd, and the apple of everyone's eye, but she also has to learn to socialise with the smallest elephant she has ever met. We don't doubt that she will adapt and in time welcome Phabeni. She simply needs to get used to him and to be able to safely suss him out. Once the herd and Phabeni are walking in the bush, there will be less intense activity around the new bull and Khanyisa can more calmly get to know him the way she got to know and love Timisa.
Fishan: Fishan is always a loving father figure for the young ones in the herd and showed his interest in Phabeni in this introduction beautifully as he joined the females, walking up and down with the little calf on the move. Fishan will likely give Phabeni great support in the homestead an din the bush over the next months and years, and be a constant in his life.
Timisa: Like Khanyisa, this young female was ready with her back-kicks, as she tried to navigate the introduction to a new baby. It must be very confusing and will certainly take time to get used to, but Phabeni isn't going anywhere. Timisa is good at offering friendship and companionship to other youngsters as she did with Khanyisa.
Kumbura: This amazing allomother will show her stripes clearly in this moments with Phabeni, now and in coming months. Not only was she engaged in getting to know Phabeni here, but she was clear on stopping Khanyisa from hurting the new baby. Kumbura has the kindest heart and is always ready to protect the youngest and most vulnerable. No doubt she feels she has a responsibility to keep Khanyisa in line.
Limpopo: Like Klaserie, Limpopo wants to be on the scene, part of the chaos, immersed in the experience. She is very excited by Phabeni's presence and does her best to touch and smell him whenever she is allowed to. Left to her own devices, Limpopo would squeeze his little trunk until he screamed, but fortunately the other elephants are there to keep her under wraps. She comes from a place of love, and just wants to welcome Phabeni with bells and whistles.
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