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MADIBA

Madiba was named after legendary late South African president Nelson Mandela whose clan name was Madiba. The clan name represents a person’s ancestry and is used with affection and respect.

The elephant Madiba was therefore named after a very special human being that brought change and peace into a troubled world. At two years old his mother, Mama Afrika, passed away naturally. His mother was the herd’s matriarch and her death caused ripples of insecurity and disorganization.

However, after many months of indecisiveness the herd accepted Mathilda as their new matriarch. Madiba was adopted almost immediately by Roo (M3) who had just lost her own newborn and still had milk ready to feed Madiba.

They are since inseparable and have created a beautiful bond.

Madiba is a very beautiful soul, so gentle and caring. Unlike many other bulls his age he isn’t boisterous and full of cheek. He has a gentle curiosity and seems to have adopted the responsibility to protect his younger brothers and sisters. What a wonderful young elephant. We are so curios to see him grow and develop into a fantastic bull.