HOEDSPRUIT – Following the September tragedy when the elephant Limpopo attacked her carer, Israel Shambira, at the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (Herd) sanctuary, Herd has been enduring one of its most painful chapters.

Herd founder Adine Roode and her team have spoken openly about the events and their decisions after the event.

“Every question we’ve received has come from care and compassion,” Roode said.

Letting Limpopo go

Herd had long discussed releasing Limpopo into the wild, but doing so alone was never considered safe or ethical. Female elephants are deeply social, and isolation causes distress. Releasing her without bonded companions could have driven her back toward humans, risking further harm.

Herd collaborates with the Elephant Reintegration Trust to ensure rewilding is guided by science, social bonds, age, and personality, Roode said.

Before the attack, Limpopo had shown no aggression. Described as gentle and inquisitive, she had never known trauma or separation. Blood tests revealed no illness or hormonal imbalance.

Herd decided to euthanise Limpopo, and it was carried out in a peaceful manner. She was sedated as Tokwe, Lundi, and others gathered around her, touching her gently before she was buried where she fell.

Days later, the herd returned and lingered, a behaviour researchers interpret as mourning.

Supporters asked why no necropsy was performed. Roode explained that the invasive procedure could have distressed nearby elephants. Given Limpopo’s clear bloodwork and euthanasia, the team prioritised compassion over investigation. “We decided with care, not avoidance,” she said.

Remembering Israel

Shambira’s death has also deeply affected the staff. In his memory, Herd has introduced counselling and peer mentorship.

“Carers are trying hard to process Israel’s passing,” said a senior carer at Herd. “The elephants seem to be holding too.”

Despite the loss, Herd remains committed to its mission of compassion, research, and ethical care. A new on-site laboratory to study stress hormones will be built in Limpopo’s memory.

“We can’t undo what happened,” Roode said. “But we can learn from it and continue with empathy, science, and love.”