Gobisa means “to bend something” – he was brought in to “bend” the attitude of the younger bulls who needed a father figure

Named after our farm manager Vusi Gumede who helped save this baby elephant

Named after our guide Victor Nwenya and changed to Victoria when we found out later she was a female

Named after Lawrence and Francoise’s loyal house keeper

Bafana means “Boy”

Named after our first game ranger Brendan Wittington Jones who went to join Lawrence in Iraq to save the zoo

Ilanga means “Sunshine and he is one of our bigger bulls in his prime

One of the original 7 and our current Matriarch in training

One of the original 7 and known as our entertainer

Our late Matriarch named after Francoise “Frankie” her nickname

Is named after Susanne Simonsen, a dear friend and who’s own family is a part of the Thula Thula.

Named after our Elephant Safari Lodge Head Chef who first found the baby elephant and ended

Named after our Elephant Safari Lodge Manageress

Named after one of our very first guests, Jurgen Simonsen who has since brought 3 generations of the Simonsen family to Thula Thula and holds a very special place in all our hearts

Stands for Enfant Terrible and was introduced to the herd in 2001 after being saved by Lawrence Anthony

Named by Francoise his name means Hope & Faith

Named in honour of Nana’s family who all have a kink in their tails

Tonic was named in remembrance after one of Francoise’s dogs.

Born on the 24th December, Natal means Christmas in Portuguese and is also the original name of our Province in South Africa

From Andrew Ruhan, A friend of the Anthony family, born on the same day 11th of Sept

Named after Promise Dlamini who has been a ranger at Thula Thula for many years

Extremely striking elephant with classical looks. Magnificent would best describe Shaka

Named after Isabella a Family Friend who worked for Zululand Observer Lawrence’s Mom’s newspaper company

Named after Lawrence who’s nickname was “Lolo”

Named chiefs right-hand man after Lawrence was declared one of Inkosi Biyela’s Indunas

Aptly named with the Zulu word meaning “Rain” after heavy rains around time of her birth

Affectionately named “Mandla” meaning “Power” in Zulu

Nandi was graced with the name of King Shaka’s Mother, the Royal Queen, Nandi

The name comes from Regina Anthony – Lawrence Anthony’s Mother