Elephants

The Ambasador Herd

Remarkable individuals – Ambassadors for a magnificent species

Tatu

FEMALE, 19 YEARS OLD

Tatu is the oldest female in the herd, having come into human care due to drought operations in Mabalauta in 1993. She has spent most of her life since then with Moka at different elephant tourism companies. Tatu acts as a matriarch for the whole group. Tatu is also a very smart individual learning quickly but also coming up with her own ideas in the teaching sessions. The handlers encourage these ideas, which keep these sessions stimulating for both elephant and handler.

Doma

MALE, 50 YEARS OLD

Doma is a male elephant with a rich history across Zimbabwe. Born in Gonarezhou National Park, he later traveled through Matopo and eventually to Victoria Falls. These varied landscapes shaped his calm, wise demeanor. Known as the “gel” of the herd, Doma is the second oldest elephant and commands respect from humans and elephants alike. His composed nature makes him beloved and trusted. Elephants gravitate toward him, drawn by his steady leadership, nurturing presence, and deep ability to connect across generations naturally.

Detema

MALE, 19 YEARS OLD

He came into human care from Hwange NP in 2006 due to the drought operations there that year. He likes to be on his own when out in the bush grazing. Being a young male, he spars and play fights with Laduma, another young bull. As you can see from his photo he can be quite a poser and the handlers find him a very gentle elephant to be with. Although sometimes bullied by certain other older elephants, he is always able to seek sanctuary with the carers.

Kariba

FEMALE, 18 YEARS OLD

Kariba came into human care from the drought operations in Hwange in 2006. She is part of a younger female subgroup with Masuwe and Hwange, and has a particularly strong bond with Hwange. She is very good with all the handlers. When a new handler arrives, they initially interact with her under the guidance of a senior handler to help build confidence and trust for both elephant and handlers – Yvonne is one of her favourites and she taught Yvonne how to do dress up with her hat! Like her good buddy Hwange she really enjoys the close interaction of the teaching sessions and is keen to learn new things.

Hwange

FEMALE, 19 YEARS OLD

From Hwange National Park as her name suggests, coming into human care due to the same drought operations of 2006 as many others in the herd. She associates closely with the other 2 younger females Masuwe and Kariba, having a particular fondness for Kariba. She likes her food especially the supplementary game pellets we give! So we have to make sure she gets just the right amount for a balanced diet. She enjoys the teaching sessions and picks new tasks up quickly.

Moka

MALE, 46 YEARS OLD

Moka was orphaned in 1988 in the Zambezi Valley during culling operations by Zimbabwe National Parks to control elephant populations. He was deeply traumatized, and some effects remain today, though handlers work gently to help him heal. Moka is known for loving his food, especially fresh green elephant grass each evening. He learns new tasks quickly and often teaches handlers new tricks. Though solitary and protective of his space, he browses peacefully with Doma and Laduma in the bush most quiet days.

Masuwe

FEMALE, 19 YEARS OLD

Masuwe also came from Hwange during drought operations in 2006 and was then involved in an elephant tourism company. She is a fast learner, enjoying the teaching sessions with the handlers, although she prefers the senior handlers most. She also is part of a tightly bonded subgroup of females with Hwange and Kariba. This group of females are also particularly fond of Doma who is very protective of them.

Mainos

MALE, 23 YEARS OLD

Mainos came into human care during drought operations in 2006 from Hwange National Park. He likes to hang out with Doma when out in the bush browsing. He suffered an infection in his left tusk in 2012 and had to have it removed. This is why Mainos is minus one tusk. He is fond of the handlers and very much enjoys the teaching sessions, picking things up quickly, although he prefers the more senior handlers. He does also like to play with the younger males – although sometimes can get a bit rough at whoch point Tatu often runs in to give him a scolding.

Laduma

MALE, 19 YEARS OLD

Laduma came into human care from the drought operations of 2006 in Hwange National Park. He likes to hang out with Doma and Moka, a favourite of the old timers, although he still play fights with Detema. He takes great interest in the teaching sessions and gets excited when his preferred handlers are working with him. He is a young and vigorous individual, always taking on new tasks with great energy and a playful nature.

Elephants

The Ambasador Herd

Tatu

FEMALE, 19 YEARS OLD

Doma

MALE, 50 YEARS OLD

Detema

MALE, 19 YEARS OLD

Kariba

FEMALE, 18 YEARS OLD

Hwange

FEMALE, 19 YEARS OLD

Moka

MALE, 46 YEARS OLD

Masuwe

FEMALE, 19 YEARS OLD

Mainos

MALE, 23 YEARS OLD

Laduma

MALE, 19 YEARS OLD

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