HOEDSPRUIT – A senior elephant carer has died after being gored by a female elephant named Limpopo at the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD) sanctuary on Saturday afternoon (September 13).

The incident occurred shortly after 15:00, while the herd was out in the bush on the reserve. According to HERD, Limpopo had pushed down a tree, prompting three carers – Stavros, Godknows, and Joshua – to go and fetch additional staff to help clear the road.

During their absence, senior carer Israel Shambira, who was seated under a nearby tree, was attacked by Limpopo. Despite immediate efforts by his colleagues to save him, Shambira died at the scene.

HERD described the attack as “entirely unexpected and unprovoked.” Limpopo, born at the sanctuary to elephant Tokwe, is the first member of the herd who did not experience trauma before arriving at the facility. Many of the other elephants in HERD’s care were rescued or orphaned.

Shambira had worked with the herd for more than two decades and was remembered as a man of deep faith and quiet dedication.

He arrived with the elephants from Zimbabwe in March 2002 and became one of the sanctuary’s most trusted carers. Known for his daily prayers in the vegetable garden, he was respected for his reliability and willingness to help beyond his duties.

Colleagues recalled how he often walked alongside Sebakwe, one of the herd’s elder elephants, in peaceful companionship at the end of each day, a ritual they said reflected his calm and wisdom.

“We do not know what went through Limpopo’s mind or why she did it,” said Elephant Manager Tigere Matipedza.

“Just this morning, everything in the bush was calm, with no signs of agitation among the elephants.”

Brett Mitchell of the Elephant Reintegration Trust has been brought in to advise on the situation. HERD said no decisions will be made in haste, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on both the carers and the elephants.

Shambira is survived by his wife and eight children. HERD extended its condolences to his family, saying his absence will be “deeply felt” by his colleagues, the elephants, and the wider community.