Overview
Meet the five giants ambling towards you in the cool of the early morning. The elephants know they’re in for a treat as you’ll get to share their favourite cubes with them and then indulge them with a brush down. It’s during times like these that you’ll really see how deep the relationship between these amazing creatures and their handlers goes. Meander with the elephants as they enjoy their breakfast ramble and meal. End the morning as five of the gentlest creatures you’ll ever meet enjoy a swim in the dam and will have plenty of incredible photo-ops.

About Elephant Whispers
There is no other place for African elephants except the wild, and Elephant Whispers is no exception. The five elephants which make up the small herd at Elephant Whispers each have their own individual quirks and distinctive personalities and the incredible bond between each other, and the team of humans who have dedicated their lives to caring for them, is incredibly moving and humbling. This amazing place is called Elephant Whispers because of its founder, one of the world’s truly unique people, Zimbabwean Rory Hensman. When he acquired two young orphaned elephants, Jumbo and Miss Ellie, he soon realized elephants are incredibly intelligent and responsive to human interaction. Soon those who were critical of his unique methods which proved African Elephant didn’t need to be tamed by means of submission were stunned. His patience, trust and respect earned Rory the title of ‘Elephant Whisperer’. As a result of his loving care, which he taught to the team, the elephants at Elephant Whispers now feel so safe and cared for that they generously extend their warmth towards guests. As they have only ever been shown kindness and love, all five elephants are completely safe for humans of all ages and even disabilities. The largest and oldest elephant in the herd is 34-year-old Tembo. Standing over 11 feet high, this gentle giant, and protector of his herd, towers over humans and the other elephants. The youngest member of the herd is 17-year-old Lindiwe who stands nearly 9 feet tall.

The Code of Ethics at Elephant Whispers
Elephant Whispers runs on a strict code of ethics. The welfare and emotional health of the elephants is of paramount importance to the team. Elephant Whispers’ goal is their safety, health and contentment. As a result, the animals’ gentle nature is respected as is the dynamics of the herd. And method of interaction which involves ‘breaking the animals’ spirit is considered animal brutality at its worst and is not engaged in at all. Instead a bi-lateral ‘ask and reward’ technique, based on mutual respect, is the only approved way of working with the elephants at Elephant Whispers. The elephants are never chained. Their movement is not restricted in any way. In fact, if the elephants wanted to wander off into the bush and not return, they can. The elephants stay at Elephant Whispers out of choice. Their dignity is respected at all times and will never be trained to behave in undignified or ‘theatrical’ ways. Time spent with guests is limited. Roaming freely, feeding and interacting with each other is most important. Breeding isn’t undertaken at Elephant Whispers and the male, Tembo, is given a six-monthly GNRH vaccine to prevent pregnancies.

Adopt an Elephant
What a precious gift, for yourself or for someone else – being part of one elephant’s life for a year! Adopt one, or more of the herd, contribute to their care, and get access to your elephant’s Facebook page, an adoption certificate and profile, regular updates on your elephant as well as a voucher for 2 to visit Elephant Whispers.

Community Involvement
Elephant Whispers is also very involved with the community. Entokozweni Crèche, Alexandria Lower Primary School and Rindzani High School as well as the Hosanna Community Projects and Hospice have all benefitted from the generosity of Elephant Whispers in one way or another and continue to do so. Children with cancer have, thanks to the Rotary Club’s Camp Quality have had an encounter with the herd which brings a measure of joy to their lives. Then there are those people who have been blind from birth and have no ‘picture’ in their mind of the sheer size, power, and distinctive physical characteristics of the majestic African Elephant. A guided ‘touch experience’ with the elephants opens up a whole new word for them.

Research for Elephant Health and Safety
Dr Kruger with students from the University of Western Kentucky in the USA is conducting ways to help local communities live with wild elephants, especially when it comes to crop safety, and the herd at Elephant Whispers is part of his research team. Another part of his research is the vital role elephants play in seed dispersal.