The HERD elephants have been soaking up all the rain, spending the day playing, dunking and getting muddy. They are not so sure what all the humans are worried about…
Hoedspruit, South Africa (13 January 2026) – The Kruger National Park and surrounds are experiencing high amounts of rainfall, rising rivers and in some places, flooding. The teams on the ground are managing the situation, keeping guests safe and closing sections of the park as the waters take over. While the holidaymakers may be finding the situation rather frustrating, the elephants at Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD) are loving the extra water.
Let’s dive in…
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.
They are based near where the weather that is currently of concern to most of us, the humans. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued Impact-Based Severe Weather Warnings, including Orange Level 9 and Orange Level 6 warnings for disruptive rainfall over the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga. These warnings were issued for yesterday (12 Jan) and today (13 Jan), so the rain isn’t over just yet.
But the elephants don’t appear to be concerned. In fact, they are loving the opportunity to take full-body dips in the flooded areas, soaking themselves head to toe.
The HERD team shared that they have had over 68mm of rain in just 2 days and that a sudden thunderstorm did spook the herd into the bush, but thankfully, they returned led by the herd’s favourite wanderers.
The team will be keeping a close watch on the rain, making sure fans of HERD are kept updated on the situation. But also shared the moment we are here to see, the elephants enjoying the flood.
Watch as they dunk, wrestle and soak their worries away below. Brew a cuppa and just enjoy the sight (makes one feel like they are still on holiday).
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