Israel was a gentle soul who cared so fiercely and loyally for the elephants at HERD.
Hoedspruit, South Africa (19 September 2025) – The HERD family is heartbroken after the sudden passing of one of their own, long-time elephant carer, Israel Shambira.
This week, they released a statement honouring the most incredible man and elephant carer that he was.
On Saturday, 13 September, while the herd was out in the bush in Limpopo, the firstborn to matriarch Tokwe, unexpectedly turned on Israel as he rested under the shade of a nearby tree. Despite his colleagues rushing to help, nothing could be done. It was a tragic moment no one could have seen coming.
Israel was part of the family at HERD. He was one of the original carers who arrived with the elephants over two decades back in 2002, when they first came from Zimbabwe. He had been by their side ever since.
“He was a man of faith, known for his daily prayers in the vegetable garden and his unwavering dedication to HERD. Trusted, dependable, and deeply respected, Israel was always ready to assist beyond his duties,” shared the HERD team.
Israel had a peaceful nature about him and he led with love in what he did.
“He often walked with Sebakwe, another elder of the herd, in quiet companionship at the close of each day, symbolic of the wisdom and calm he brought to our community,” the team adds.
Everyone trusted him, and everyone loved him.
The team have not yet shared updates as to what could explain Limpopo’s unpredictable behaviour that day, or what their next course of action will be.
“HERD Advisor Brett Mitchell, from the Elephant Reintegration Trust, has been called in to provide guidance. He will remain on site in the coming days as we carefully assess the situation. No decisions will be taken hastily, as the implications of this event affect both carers and elephants profoundly.”
It is an impossibly difficult and heartbreaking situation to deal with for everyone involved. The team has started by raising funds for Israel’s wife and their eight children, who need all the support they can get.
“Israel leaves behind his wife and eight children, and HERD has launched a fund to help support his family through this devastating loss.” says the team.
HERD, based in Hoedspruit, is home to the Jabulani herd of 16 elephants. Many of them are orphans who’ve been given a second chance at life.
Carers like Israel have been the core of this work, showing up every day to give the animals safety, care, and love.
Israel’s legacy lives on in the elephants he cared for and in the people he worked alongside for over two decades. If you’d like to help his family, visit herd.org.za/donate and use ‘Israel’ as your reference.
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